Job Description

License Buyer

Reports To: Director of Licensing
Team: License Team
Location: Reading, UK
Job-Type: Full time, Permanent

Purpose of the Role:
As License Buyer, you will play a key role in Primark\'s Licensing team, developing and sourcing a commercial range of License product with a particular focus on US Sports local buying. This role will be responsible for bringing to life our Sports strategy for the US, partnering with multiple external and internal stakeholders.

Regular travel will be required between the UK & Dublin and US.

Duties & Responsibilities:
Sales and Commercial Focus

• Develop a commercial range of products which will deliver on company targets and US-specific targets each year.
• Continually assess product range with key competitors to compare price, quality and value
• Take appropriate action in-season with repeat orders, cancellations and rescheduling of orders to maximise sales and profitability within the company trading ethos.
• Ensure prompt delivery of merchandise and correct phasing of intake to meet sales
• Monitor, report and react to product sales performance
• Monitor terminal stock status and prepare mark down proposals in line with company policy and monitor this stock with a view to selling through
• Continually monitor critical path

Range

• Responsible for interpreting Licensing trends and translating them into commercial products
• Use of trade fairs, licensing partnerships and social media to identify up and coming trends relevant to the market and season
• Undertake regular competition shopping in the UK and abroad to source new ideas and monitor competitor ranges
• Gain an understanding of Primark\'s customer base and develop new product appropriate to the Primark Market
• Prepare for and present regular range reviews to Senior Management

Develop and Source Products

• Develop and maintain a flexible supply base which can adapt to changing fashion trends
• Negotiate with supplier base to ensure best price and margin for the product
• Ensure suppliers deliver product in accordance with specifications to ensure a quality product, on time and at the best price
• Consider freight costs and the availability of duty rebates under General Systems of Preference
• In conjunction with the merchandising team, establish ideal quantities to be procured on key lines of merchandise
• Evaluate the performance of suppliers in terms of price, quality and delivery

Samples and Specifications

• Take action if produced goods vary from approved samples in quality or specification
• Develop sales packaging where appropriate and optimise carton sizes
• Deal with payment and shipping queries or returns across your department
• Keep abreast of new and existing mandatory requirements, in terms of construction, testing and product labelling

Operating Standards

• Manage the placement of orders, \'open to buy\' and weekly stock and sales information for your section
• Adhere to the Option Management guidelines within sections and subsections
• Ensure that International Standards of production and quality are adhered to
• Ensure that suppliers comply with the Primark Code of Practice on the Procurement of Merchandise
• Ensure awareness of Corporate Social Responsibility Policy

Key Engagements as part of this role:
The License Buyer will be required to build strong working relationships within the immediate License team as well as with key internal stakeholders in Design, Buying and Brand. Strong relationships with external Licensors, Licensees and suppliers will be a key part of the role.

Skills & Experience:

Essential:

• 5+ years\' experience at Senior Buyer level, with demonstrated experience managing complex License programmes.
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of the License landscape
• Strong Range Building and Selection Skills
• Proven track record in effective negotiation
• A global perspective - both local and global travel to meet product teams, Licensors and inspiration.
• Excellent planning, organising and co-ordinating skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, high level of energy and a positive can-do attitude.

Desirable: -

• Post-secondary qualification in relevant area desirable, but not essential

Personal Attributes

• Innovative thinker with a passion for creativity
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment and possess the ability to adapt to change in line with changing business requirements.
• Energetic and enthusiastic
• Flexible, positive and determined
• Works well with others to help the team succeed, readily offers idea and support
• Effective presentation skills with the ability to adapt style to suit audience
• Works in an organised and structured way, managing own time effectively
• Utilises information relevant to own role and makes informed decisions
• Takes ownership of delivery, following standards and processes to guarantee quality
• Open to other\'s ideas and feedback
• Makes decisions where possible and seeks guidance when needed
• Acts quickly to ensure problems are solved at pace
• Actively gets to know the customer profile and considers how to best meet their needs
• Aware of own strengths and development needs, takes responsibilities and seeks opportunity for developing own talents

Function

Buying & Merchandising

Job Profile

Buyer

Time Type

Full-Time

Primark