Retail Buyer Executive

JOB PURPOSE

The Retail Buying Executive is responsible for managing the product sourcing, selection, and inventory for Luton Town Football Club’s online and in-store retail operations. This role requires a thorough understanding of the club’s target market and trends, ensuring the merchandise meets customer demand while achieving commercial objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analyse the target market and buying behaviours to develop effective buying strategies.
• Research and establish relationships with suppliers to source innovative and high-quality products.
• Negotiate pricing, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and delivery terms with suppliers.
• Maintain the in-house stock system, ensuring product accuracy, categorisation consistency, and updated details.
• Collaborate with the Retail Manager on developing and implementing buying plans that align with current trends.
• Engage with customer focus groups to gather feedback and insights for product development.
• Monitor stock levels and update forecasting documents to prevent stockouts of core products.
• Participate in the day-to-day operations of the retail store, ensuring it is well-stocked and functional.
• Attend trade shows and exhibitions to stay informed on new products and market trends.
• Provide operational support to other retail areas as needed, contributing to overall store success.

MAIN JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education/Qualifications/Training:

• Previous experience in buying, merchandising, or retail operations is preferred.
• Experience in using Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, for stock management and forecasting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with suppliers, customers, and team members.
• Strong organisational skills with an eye for detail, ensuring accuracy in all aspects of stock management and product sourcing.
• Friendly and approachable, with a commitment to delivering high-quality customer service.
• Ability to work effectively within a team, with strong social and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to think critically and solve problems effectively.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, managing multiple tasks efficiently.

Additional Information:

• This role is 30 hours a week
• Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK

Health & Safety:

Employee requirements:

• Maintain up to date knowledge of Health & Safety related guidance and processes within your role and in line with the Club’s Health & Safety Policy.
• Consider the Health & Safety implications of all actions and inaction within your role.
• Support and uphold agreed standards for Health & Safety compliance, including assisting in accident, dangerous occurrence and near miss investigations within your role.
• Follow and adhere to; safe management systems and working practices in line with the Club’s Health & Safety Policy.
• Ensure you have been briefed and are confident in using any equipment prior to use and seek guidance from your line manager as required.
• Regularly review risk assessments, safe working, and management systems associated with your role.
• Liaise regularly with the Club’s appointed Health & Safety representatives to support and maintain compliance
• Maintain records of all Health & Safety issues within your role and area of responsibility.

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

The Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The Club has systems in place to ensure that the welfare of vulnerable groups is dealt with appropriately and sensitively. Everyone working at the Club has a duty of care to safeguard the welfare of children and young people by creating an environment that protects them from harm. Our standards of practice ensure all staff are fully aware and understand their responsibilities under safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.

The Club ensures that all staff that have a direct responsibility for children, young people or vulnerable adults, have been subject to the most stringent of recruitment practices which include DBS Checks and reference checks. These staff are alert to signs of abuse or maltreatment and will refer concerns to the relevant Designated Safeguarding Officers using the agreed safeguarding procedures.

EQUALITY STATEMENT

The individual must at all times, carry out their duties with due regard to the Clubs policies and procedures and in particular the Club’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.

The individual must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation, or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relationships between all internal and external stakeholders. The individual must contribute to encouraging equality and respecting diversity by embedding such values in the workplace and challenging inappropriate behaviour and processes.