Responsibilities include:

• identifying and meeting suitable suppliers/manufacturers
• visiting fashion shows and trade fairs to look for new products
• managing stock levels
• negotiating prices, quantities and delivery time-scales
• pitching ideas
• producing reports and forecasts
• financial administration
• managing junior staff
• liaising with other employees about sales performances
• reviewing what is and isn’t working

With experience, you can progress into senior buying roles or into related areas of employment such as marketing, store management or merchandising.