Edwina Sharpe
Northbridge,NSW
Summary
Strategic thinker, flexible and motivated buyer that strives to deliver company goals. Skilled in interpreting numerical, demographic and market data to develop actionable steps that will optimize results. Combining both the creative and analytical mind to curate the optimal product mix that aligns with the brand image, is trend driven and meets the needs of the customer.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Junior Buyer
Signal Brands Australia - GUESS
Sydney, Australia
07.2024 - Current
- Portfolio of kids' apparel, and watches and jewellery for men and women across mainline free-standing stores, online, and factory outlets in Australia. Reported directly to the Buying Manager.
- Monitored market trends and anticipated consumer needs and purchasing habits and used these insights to inform product ranges
- Analyzed sales data and market trends to forecast purchasing needs and optimize inventory.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to facilitate smooth product launches into the market, promotional activities, and markdown strategies
- Utilized ERP systems for purchase order processing, tracking, and inventory management.
- Developed and implemented strategies for minimizing the impact of price increases on key commodities.
- Analyzed buying trends at each store location to identify appropriate mix of inventory items for top-tier sales.
- Explained product features and benefits to company staff members and customers.
- Attended overseas buying market in Los Angeles in July 2024 and January 2025
Assistant Buyer/Trainee Junior Buyer
Signal Brands Australia - GUESS
Sydney , NSW
09.2022 - 06.2024
- As Assistant Buyer held the portfoilo of the capsule collections Guess Originals and Marciano by Guess. Additionally provided support in range planning and buying administration to two Junior Buyers working across Womens apparel, Mens Apparel, Handbags, and Accessories. Reported to Junior Buyer.
- Began training as a Junior Buyer in October 2023 while maintaining the same title, expanding my portfolio to include all of Menswear across mainline free-standing stores & online, as well as the range for the Factory Outlets in Australia. Reported directly to the Buying Manager.
- Analyse & evaluate historical data relating to product performance to identify the assortment to be bought ensuring that future buying plans are aligned to the department & strategy
- Analyse market trends and competitive offerings to make informed product decisions
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to facilitate smooth product launches into the market
- Attended overseas buying market in Los Angeles in July 2023
- Provide training to new team members within Buying Team
Buying Assistant
Signal Brands Australia - GUESS
Sydney, Australia
01.2022 - 08.2022
- Provided administrative support to the buying team across Women's apparel, Men's apparel, Kid's apparel, Handbags and Accessories
- Supported the buying team with range review preparation and weekly reporting
- Researched market trends and competitor strategies to evaluate current pricing levels
- Managed sample library
- Provided support in resolving issues related to invoicing, shipping or receiving errors
- Prepared, maintained and review purchasing files, reports, and price lists
- Checked arrival of shipments to ensure that orders have been fulfilled correctly and communicated of changes and/or delays to team which may impact product launch and provide alternate options to minimise impact on seasonal launch
Allocation Analyst
TJX Australia
Sydney, Australia
03.2020 - 12.2021
- Responsible for creating the optimal mix at department level through interpretation of numerical and demographic data and the allocation of goods to maximise profitable store sales
- Analysed and implemented weekly shipping strategies working in partnership with the wider planning and buying teams
- Analysed customer demand patterns to recommend optimal product allocation strategies
- Pre and post seasonal analysis detailing department performance, identifying areas of strengths and areas of growth
- Analysed historical data sets from previous years' sales cycles to better understand consumer behaviors and changing market
- Utilised Excel for forecasting and analyzing inventory levels, allocations, and sales trends
- Provided training to new allocation analysts in the business
Buying Intern
St Frock
Sydney, Australia
11.2019 - 02.2020
- Involved in assisting the buying team with admin tasks, and maintaining data across various system platforms
- Assisted in product/style reviews, and noting feedback/changes for suppliers
- Assisted in styling for product photoshoots for e-commerce, and assisted in garment fittings of new styles
- Performed quality control checks in the warehouse
- Performed data entry tasks related to maintaining accurate records of purchases
Bridal Showroom & Ecommerce Intern
Oleg Cassini Bridal
Sydney, Australia
09.2018 - 11.2018
- Gained experience, exposure, and knowledge of specific procedures and systems related to an Ecommerce Bridal business
- Gained experience in customer service, problem solving, and communication through daily interactions with clients
- Assisted in the bridal showroom, by maintaining a clean and tidy area with bridal gown selections and supporting the bridal stylists
- Maintained fabric and swatch library
- Assisted in social media campaigns, and ran the company's Pinterest page with the goal to increase customer engagement and website traffic
Design Intern
Manning Cartell
Sydney, Australia
04.2016 - 06.2016
- Gained practical experience, exposure, and knowledge of the design process of a fashion business
- Trained in different positions and worked with variety of personnel
- Developed strong organizational and time management skills by completing multiple tasks simultaneously
- Assisted in the design room in sample cutting, hand sewing sequins on Fashion Week Runway garments
- Received fabrics, trims, and accessories, collating sample make packages ready for production
- Assisted in quality control and observing the design process
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently on assigned projects
Education
Bachelor of Branded Fashion Design -
Billy Blue College of Design
Sydney09-2019
Skills
- Creativity and Innovation
- Sales Analysis
- Attention to detail
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Critical thinking
- Team collaboration
- Effective communication
- Problem-solving capabilities
- Decision-making abilities
- Consumer Buying Patterns
- Excel (Vlookups & Pivot Tables)
- Staff Training
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Junior Buyer
Signal Brands Australia - GUESS
07.2024 - Current
Assistant Buyer/Trainee Junior Buyer
Signal Brands Australia - GUESS
09.2022 - 06.2024
Buying Assistant
Signal Brands Australia - GUESS
01.2022 - 08.2022
Allocation Analyst
TJX Australia
03.2020 - 12.2021
Buying Intern
St Frock
11.2019 - 02.2020
Bridal Showroom & Ecommerce Intern
Oleg Cassini Bridal
09.2018 - 11.2018
Design Intern
Manning Cartell
04.2016 - 06.2016
Bachelor of Branded Fashion Design -
Billy Blue College of Design
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