- Iconic Australian owned and operated retail business
- Must have prior experience with Retail Apparel Buying
- Hybrid flexibility, generous team discounts, and a vibrant South Melbourne location.
About the Company With a proud 170-year history of continuous trade, Harris Scarfe is one of the most established and trusted names in the Australian retail landscape. Today, as a key brand within the Spotlight Retail Group (SRG)—alongside Spotlight, Anaconda, and Mountain Designs—we are part of a powerhouse network operating over 250 stores across 4 countries.
We embrace pace, encourage fresh ideas, and are deeply committed to mentoring our people. If you thrive in a dynamic, big-box retail environment where your commercial decisions directly impact the shop floor, you’ll fit right in.
The Role We are seeking an experienced, commercially sharp Buyer – Apparel to join our support office near the iconic South Melbourne Market.
In this role, you will take full ownership of your category’s lifecycle—from trend forecasting and global product development to margin optimization and inventory strategy. You will be tasked with identifying market opportunities to build compelling, high-performing apparel ranges that resonate with everyday Australians.
Key Responsibilities:
- Range Building & Trend Analysis: Identify emerging apparel trends to curate commercially viable, forward-thinking ranges.
- Financial Strategy: Manage category budgets, gross margins, and inventory strategies to maximize sales and profitability.
- Global Sourcing: Collaborate with overseas suppliers and factories to manage end-to-end product development.
- Category Growth: Deliver long-term strategic growth by deeply understanding customer needs and market shifts.
- Leadership: Manage, inspire, and develop a buyer’s assistant to achieve category KPIs.
About You:
You are a trend-conscious, data-driven retail buyer who loves the fast-paced nature of volume retail. You balance creative range-building with robust financial discipline.
- Experience: Proven track record as a Buyer within a fast-paced apparel retail environment.
- Sourcing Expertise: Strong, hands-on experience with end-to-end product development and overseas sourcing.
- Commercial Acumen: Demonstrated success in driving category growth, managing gross margins, and clearing inventory effectively.
- Analytical Mindset: Advanced reporting and Excel skills; you look at the data to solve problems and back up your buying decisions.
- Leadership Style: A natural communicator who enjoys mentoring junior team members and collaborating with senior stakeholders.
What’s in it for you?
- Scale & Exposure: Work within one of Australia’s largest retail groups with direct visibility to key senior stakeholders.
- Career Progression: Real opportunities for personal development, cross-brand movement, and structured mentoring.
- The Location: Modern, centrally located office just a stone's throw from South Melbourne Market (great coffee and lunch options!).
- Perks: Generous SRG team discounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), gym membership discounts, and genuine work flexibility.
To Apply: Ready to shape the future of our apparel offering? Click 'Apply' to submit your up-to-date resume.
Please note: Applicants must have unrestricted working rights in Australia. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No agency enquiries, please.
