ABOUT THE COMPANY
OVO represents the spirit of the underdog. We are the brand for those who are often overlooked yet consistently achieve great things, relentless dreamers and tireless night owls. Our brand is centred around the concept of an iconic lifestyle, offering world-class products and experiences that influence culture and inspire possibilities. Each day brings new opportunities, and every moment has the potential to shape culture on a global scale.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Buying Manager owns assortment strategy across all OVO categories, building ranges that are commercially balanced and true to the brand. This role drives seasonal inventory investment across the business, and leads the team through the buy cycle end to end, from range planning through seasonal recap.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Assortment & Range Planning
- Create and execute merchandise assortment strategies across all OVO categories that meet sales targets and reflect brand identity and consumer demand
- Own range planning by category, including width, depth, and price architecture, for a commercially balanced assortment across the business
- Set competitive pricing policy based on market pricing, cost structure, and perceived value
- Conduct competitive shopping and market research to inform trend direction and assortment decisions
Buy Execution & Inventory
- Translate demand forecasts into buy decisions by channel across the OVO business
- Drive inventory investment through the buy across all channels, balancing turnover against overstock risk
- Partner with Planning on monthly forecast reviews, adjusting buy and OTB decisions in response to shifting demand
- Ensure timely vendor PO submission and accurate item data across systems
Reporting & Business Reviews
- Publish weekly executive reporting on selling results across all OVO categories
- Own seasonal business reviews and recap analysis, tying sell-through and OTB performance back into future buy decisions
- Prepare ad hoc reports and lead special projects as needed
Team & Cross-Functional
- Lead, mentor, and develop direct reports, fostering a collaborative team environment
- Partner with Design, Product Development, Revenue Leads, and Marketing to align product strategy with sales objectives and go-to-market planning across the OVO business
MUST HAVES
- 10+ years as a merchant in a similar role
- 4+ years managing and building a high-performing team
- Deep understanding of customer needs and behaviours, translated into successful product decisions
- Sharp read on fashion trends and market dynamics
- Strong forecasting skills across multiple channels
- Proficiency in NetSuite and Shopify; advanced Excel
- Solid grasp of budgeting, forecasting, and retail financial metrics, with accountability to sell-through and OTB
- Excellent communication skills, comfortable managing internal and external stakeholders
- Confident moving quickly and making sound decisions in a fast-paced environment
- Self-motivated, comfortable with ambiguity, strong problem-solving in a fast-changing market
