Buyer - Apparel Division

Company Description

The Warehouse Group, a prominent New Zealand retailer with over 40 years of history, operates iconic brands including The Warehouse, Warehouse Stationery, and Noel Leeming. As the largest general merchandise retailer in NZ, the company plays a significant role in communities by offering trusted value and affordable living.

Job Description

The Warehouse Group is seeking a commercially astute Buyer for its Head-to-Toe/Apparel division. This role is crucial in developing inspiring fashion ranges that appeal to Kiwi customers. The Buyer will manage their categories end-to-end, curating trend-led assortments that drive sales and align with customer preferences and emerging trends.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee category performance through strategic range planning, effective supplier engagement, and sound commercial execution.
• Monitor and analyze apparel, footwear, and lifestyle trends to maintain a fresh, relevant, and competitive product offering.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with both local and international suppliers to procure optimal products at competitive prices.
• Formulate and implement category strategies aimed at maximizing sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
• Utilize data, customer insights, and market analysis to inform purchasing decisions and identify new business opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with Merchandise, Planning, and Marketing teams to ensure seamless execution of product ranges across all sales channels.

Qualifications

Candidates should possess a strong passion for the retail trade, a customer-centric mindset, and a proactive approach to continuous improvement, aiming to deliver both excellent products for customers and commercially viable outcomes for the business.

What we’re looking for?

• Demonstrated experience in a retail buying role, specifically within the apparel sector or a closely related retail category. Direct sourcing and private label experience are essential.
• A robust commercial acumen, including strong analytical and financial skills, with the ability to balance creative vision with business objectives.
• Proficiency in negotiation, with the skill to secure favorable terms with suppliers that benefit both the customer and the company.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement capabilities, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across diverse teams and departments.
• A proactive and decisive work style, comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment and taking ownership to achieve measurable results.

Additional Information

Join a dynamic and enthusiastic team dedicated to building exceptional retail brands that customers adore and employees are proud of. The company fosters an environment that values curiosity, collaboration, and ongoing improvement, with a strong focus on its people.

Benefits include team member discounts across all brands, a paid birthday day off for permanent staff, complimentary parking, EV charging, an onsite gym and café at the Northcote support office, hybrid working flexibility (up to 2 days WFH), 26 weeks of paid parental leave for permanent employees, and various wellbeing and development opportunities.

Apply now to contribute to one of New Zealand's most trusted retailers and help make great fashion and sustainable living accessible to everyone.