JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: ZSL Buyer
SECTION: Retail
DEPARTMENT: Commercial
DIVISION: Commercial & Communications
RESPONSIBLE TO: ZSL Buying and Merchandising Manager
PARTICIPATING JOB HOLDER(S):
APPROVED BY:
JOB HOLDER(S):
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT OR DIRECTOR:
JOB DESCRIPTION REFERENCE NUMBER:
GRADE ALLOCATED: 5.8
JOB EVALUATION REVIEW HISTORY AND EXPLANATORY NOTES:
JOB DESCRIPTION
Description of Main Purpose:
The ZSL Buyer will instrumental in maximising the profitability of ZSL, within the Buying and
Merchandising function through effective sourcing, developing product concepts and buying
fit for purpose ranges for the ZSL visitor, within budgeted parameters.
To manage, with the Merchandiser the overall delivery of a profitable and commercial
range, that maximises every sales opportunity.
Take ownership and responsibility for the delivery of purchasing, and development of the
product categories for the ZSL store portfolio.
Maximise the profitability of the retail function through the achievement of budgeted
targets relating to sales, stock, margins and markdowns.
Maintain control and development of the buying process and critical path to meet set
targets and commercial key sales dates.
Source and propose relevant new brands & potential partnerships to ensure the product
offer is constantly evolving.
Key Responsibilities:
Product
 Delivery of the departments product categories within set sales target and
parameters
 Responsible for the selection and development of an optimum range of products for
the ZSL catergories to maximise sales and profitability.
 Select ranges that represents a Good, Better, Best offer and a robust pricing
architecture.
 To ensure through effective relationships with design partnerships and the
Interpretation department that new trends and concepts are identified and included
in the range as appropriate.
 Source and propose relevant new brands & potential partnerships to ensure the
product offer is constantly evolving.
 Presents product ranges to senior Management for sign off
 Working closely with the Merchandisers and the Buying and Merchandising Manager
to plan ranges , sales targets and category splits each season whilst ensure the range
is balanced and commercial whilst managing risk.
 Manage and maintain the OTB and review with Senior Merchandiser regularly
 Trade departments weekly to meet the sales plan, achieve margin and sell through
targets
 Ensures products are purchased for key commercial/product launch dates
 Drives the product development calendar and crital path for the department and
own categories, through effective initial buys and responding in season whilst
adhering to the range plan.
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Sourcing and Supplier Relationships
 Works as an ambassador on behalf of the ZSL brand to educate the supply base on
the ethos of the company policies
 Conducts rigourous investigation into sustainability and ethical practices with the
supply base to adhere to the ZSL polocies
 Submits sourcing plans for categories, achieving a balance between supplier
continuity and the benefits of new suppliers.
 Sources suppliers that can work on required MOQ’s and lead times.
 Develops and negotiates terms and conditions with supply base to continuously
improve better cost, lead times and quality and achieve buying –in margin targets.
 Drives the development and maintenance of supplier partnerships as appropriate.
 Conducts Supplier Reviews and performance meetings with Merchandisers.
 Creates bespoke ranges with the supply base for the needs of the ZSL brand
Commercial /Trend Awareness
 To build own trend and new concept awareness through inspiration shopping and
trade shows and networking events to keep ahead of the competition and presents
reports to the team.
 Constantly look for new sources of product and concept inspiration.
 Work with the Interpretation team and utilise internal resources to increase
trend/product knowledge.
 Ensure that own awareness is shared and communicated and demonstrate a
knowledge of product areas broader than own categories.
 Be able to translate awareness into the ZSL brand handwriting.
 Ensure knowledge on competitor activity is comprehensive and up to date and
communicated to the wider business.
 Achieve a regular commitment to branch and competitor store visits.
 Work collaboratively with the Buying and Merchandising Manager and Store
Operations team on creating a dynamic store environment and other commercial
propositions and events.
 Is able to demonstrate a broad business and commercial acumen and contribute to
the strategic business direction.
 Attends trade fairs, in the UK and overseas, to select and assemble a new collection
of products
 Ensures visits to the ZSL outlets on a regular basis to develop and maintain
relationships with the retail team and provide updates on new products.
 Builds a strong awareness of the ZSL customer base and remain customer focused
and reacts to changes in buying habits.
 Communicates with key stakeholders in the wider ZSL business on marketing, brand
awareness and promotion and present ideas for features in the ZSL brochures.
 Manages the Promotions Calendar with B & M Manager, Merchandising, Marketing
 Attends Events meetings to check key launches are supported by the retail offering.
Team Management and Development
 Coaches the Junior Buyer and Buyer’s Administration Assistant to ensure efficient
process and procedures are used, championing the keep it simple strategy.
 Mentors and develops the Junior Buyer
 Takes responsibility for driving own development and progression.
 Communicates effectively within the team dynamics
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Behavioural Competencies
 Teamwork – Manages self, inspires and works effectively in the frame work of a
team to ensure maximum contribution to company performance.
 Managing Change - Supports the Merchandising and Buying Manager in leading the
team through change, with an understanding and degree of flexibility.
 Decision making - Makes the right decisions through analysing information, assessing
risk and solving the problems to deliver results. Refers as necessary.
 Resource management - Delivers goals through the effective development and use
of all available resources, i.e. people, process and technology.
 Setting Direction - Sets direction and ensures plans are delivered on time, meeting
business needs by identifying potential opportunities and solving issues.
 Communication and Influencing - Influences and works constructively with others, by
communicating effectively and adapting to changing situations.
 Innovation and change - Creates and introduces ideas that drive change and
innovation.
 Commercial Acumen - Improves results by focusing on the customer, and by applying
knowledge of the external market and competitors.
Additional Requirements
 Educated to Degree level.
 Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages with numeracy and IT skills.
 A passion for product, trend and commercial awareness
 An understanding and appreciation for innovation and creativity
 Strong communication skills both spoken and written to build strong relationships
with suppliers and internal support functions
 Ability to analyse data and reports.
 Product development experience is essential.
 High level of accuracy and attention to detail
 Experience with packaging approvals and working to brand guidelines.
 Ability to identify problems and implement appropriate solutions.
 A keen eye for detail with quantitative and qualitative data.
 Flexible and organised approach to workload.
 Adaptable, resilient and calm under pressure.
 Able to work independently or part of a team.
 Excellent work ethos to timekeeping.
 Full clean driving license as travel to both Whipsnade and London sites is a key part
of the role.
 Travel if required within UK and Internationally.
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