Heather, Buying
Associate - Footwear
What does your role involve?
My role is extremely varied and exciting. I assist both the buyer and assistant buyer by ensuring supplier productions and samples reach the deadlines required, and record the progress of all new development lines. I have regular communications with suppliers from all over the world to make sure orders and deliveries all run smoothly. I am able to regularly explore new trends and styles for upcoming seasons through frequent competition shops. I am also able to work with people from all over the business, for example I work closely with both the marketing and internet teams to produce product information to make sure our stores present our footwear effectively.
How has your career developed at Blacks?
I began working at Blacks in the Customer Service department. Through this I was able to gain a perspective of how the business worked and which areas interested me most. The creative and fast-paced role involved in buying was most suited to me so I applied for the role of Buying Associate. While in this role I was trained by the Assistant Buyer of the department and as my knowledge of the systems and supply base grew, more responsibility was given to me. This was reflected by a small category within the department being assigned to me to manage.
What do you like about working for Blacks?
Blacks is a great place to work – each season we look at new prints, brands and products. We look and design for kids right through to adults, and traditional walking boots to urban trendy styles. I very much enjoy watching the beginning prototype sample develop into the finished product in store or receiving the upcoming new styles from our top-end brands. This vast range and variety always means Blacks is a fast-paced and exciting environment to be in.
There is always a great deal of support from the whole team, which is maintained by weekly meetings and updates. I work closely with the Merchandising team, which also gives me an insight into how other parts of the company work too.
What are the rewards like?
For me, one of the biggest rewards is working within my team. I have made a great deal of friends within all different departments and at all different levels. It is also very important to me to develop myself and my career, and I feel I have had the opportunity and support to do this quickly so far in my time at Blacks.