Assistant Buyer, Carraig Donn

at  Carraig Donn

THE COMPANY:

Carraig Donn Established in 1965, Carraig Donn is Ireland’s premier retailer of Fashion, Jewellery and Giftware products. At Carraig Donn, we are inspired by our long history as an Irish retailer and we draw on our heritage as we consistently innovate and evolve. Our team of experienced buyers strive to bring our customers quality products that are unique and exclusive to Carraig Donn stores. The Carraig Donn customer is central to our success and we pride ourselves on providing genuine, honest customer service and an excellent retail experience. Our aim is to build positive, lasting relationships with our customers by providing them the right products - when and where they need them.
Carraig Donn is 100% Irish owned and operated. We currently employ over 500 people across our Head Office and retail stores with 40 branches nationwide. Our central warehouse, buying offices, dispatch center and e-commerce operations are all conducted from our home on the Lodge Road, Westport, Co. Mayo. With buying offices also located in Ennis, and Dublin. Carraig Donn is continuing to grow year on year, with an exciting 10-year expansion plan.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, or a related field.
• 1-2 years of experience in a retail buying or merchandising role, preferably in fashion.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data and market trends.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of fashion industry trends and a keen eye for style and detail.
• Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to travel for buying trips and trade shows as needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with buying software or inventory management systems.
• Previous experience in fashion retail or e-commerce.
• Passion for fashion and staying updated on the latest trends.

THE ROLE:

As an Assistant Buyer at Carraig Donn you will support the Buying Team in selecting and purchasing fashionable and marketable products that meet the company’s brand and customer demands. You will be involved in various stages of the buying process, from trend analysis to supplier negotiation, ensuring that the company remains competitive and profitable.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Market Research & Trend Analysis:
• Conduct thorough market research to identify emerging fashion trends and consumer preferences.
• Analyse sales data and customer feedback to inform buying decisions.
• Attend fashion shows, trade fairs, and supplier meetings to stay updated on new products and trends.
• Product Selection & Buying:
• Assist in the selection and procurement of merchandise that aligns with the company’s brand image and sales strategy.
• Participate in buying trips and showroom visits.
• Collaborate with the design and merchandising teams to develop seasonal collections.
• Vendor Relations:
• Maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers and seek out new potential vendors.
• Negotiate prices, terms, and delivery schedules with suppliers to ensure favourable terms for the company.
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve any issues related to product quality or delivery.
• Inventory Management:
• Assist in managing inventory levels to ensure optimal stock levels and minimise excess inventory.
• Coordinate with the logistics and warehouse teams to track and manage product deliveries.
• Sales & Performance Analysis:
• Analyse product performance and sales data to assess the success of buying decisions.
• Prepare regular reports on sales, inventory, and market trends for senior management.
• Assist in the development of pricing strategies and promotional plans.
• Administrative Support:
• Handle administrative tasks such as purchase order processing, invoicing, and budget tracking.
• Maintain accurate records of orders, deliveries, and supplier communications.