Established Category Buyer

About the role

The Iconic is seeking an experienced professional to manage womenswear categories within our Own Brand division. This is a 6 month maximum term contract focused on driving growth through trend analysis and commercial strategy. The role requires a proactive mindset capable of operating at pace within a fast moving and competitive environment. You will be responsible for translating high level category objectives into actionable plans that directly influence sales and profitability. Success in this position will depend on your ability to synthesize complex information and communicate insights clearly to cross functional stakeholders. You will be expected to challenge the status quo and propose innovative solutions to merchandising and commercial problems. The ideal candidate will demonstrate resilience and adaptability when managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines. This is a hands on position where your contributions will be visible and have an immediate impact on the business outcomes of the Own Brand division.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Analyze weekly trade data, market trends, and competitor activity to improve NMV, profitability, and stock cover.
• Create seasonal trade plans and perform quarterly SWOT analyses to identify opportunities and mitigate risks.
• Build balanced product ranges, including assortment selection and demand forecasting alongside the Planning team.
• Work with Design to ensure product ranges reflect market demand and commercial goals.
• Manage vendor relationships, negotiate costs and terms, and ensure sustainability standards are met.
• Coordinate with Marketing and Creative departments to align inventory with promotional campaigns.
• Mentor and lead direct reports to foster professional growth and performance accountability.
• Collaborate with Senior Buyers and the Buying Manager on category strategy, OTB management, and budget planning.
• Oversee critical path timelines to ensure seasonal milestones are met.
• Monitor sell through rates and markdown performance to optimize margin and cash flow.
• Evaluate the success of product launches and adjust tactics based on real time feedback and sales results.
• Partner with Finance to validate margin targets and ensure adherence to financial guidelines.
• Assess the environmental and social impact of product choices in line with company standards.
• Support the development of business cases and ROI analysis for new product initiatives.

Requirements

• Prior experience as a Junior Buyer or Buyer.
• Ability to interpret data to inform product and trading decisions.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and negotiations.
• Strong understanding of critical path management and seasonal GTM planning.
• Proven track record of meeting deadlines in a high pressure retail setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills with the capacity to draw actionable conclusions from data sets.
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable business practices.
• Experience with own brand category management in a comparable retail or fashion environment.
• Capacity to manage competing stakeholder demands and deliver against key performance indicators.

Skills & tools

• Trend forecasting and market analysis.
• Range planning and demand forecasting.
• Commercial acumen and financial performance management.
• Team leadership and coaching.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets for data manipulation.
• Familiarity with retail merchandising software or ERP systems.
• Understanding of key performance indicators relevant to retail operations.
• Ability to work effectively within Adobe Creative Suite for collaboration purposes.
• Knowledge of sustainability frameworks and supply chain standards.
• Experience utilizing data visualization tools to communicate insights to non technical audiences.

Practical notes

Benefits include a hybrid working model, LinkedIn Learning access, and professional development days.

Employees receive a staff discount, sample sale access, birthday leave, and Fitness Passport access.

Parental leave program and an extra day off for children's first day of school are provided.

Employee Assistance Program available for staff and families.

For accessibility support or recruitment adjustments, contact talent.attraction@theiconic.com.au.