Purchasing Manager / Retail Buyer
Nature
The purchasing manager determines, after consultation with the sales managers and store managers, what type of items will sell best (and how much can be sold). To define these needs, he or she also relies on market studies of the snow sports industry. His role is also to identify the products that will sell best. Intuitive, he has a keen sense of analysis, of the zeitgeist, of the "3 S's" and of fashion.
Mission
Prospecting for markets
Evaluation of costs, deadlines and quantities to obtain the best prices
Role of procurer for the shops and the commercials
Skills
Negotiation, rigor
Analytical skills
Logistical, commercial and technical skills
Flexibility
Access
Business schools prepare this type of profile effectively. However, long term experience in the board sports environment is necessary to access this position.