The Company: Established in 1965, Carraig Donn is Ireland's premier retailer of Fashion, Jewellery and Giftware products.
At Carraig Donn, we are inspired by our long history as an Irish retailer, and we draw on our heritage as we consistently innovate and evolve.
Our team of experienced buyers strive to bring our customers quality products that are unique and exclusive to Carraig Donn stores.
The Carraig Donn customer is central to our success, and we pride ourselves on providing genuine, honest customer service and an excellent retail experience.
Our aim is to build positive, lasting relationships with our customers by providing them the right products - when and where they need them.
Carraig Donn is 100% Irish owned and operated.
We currently employ over 500 people across our Head Office and retail stores with 40 branches nationwide.
Our central warehouse, buying offices, dispatch center and e-commerce operations are all conducted from our home on the Lodge Road, Westport, Co. Mayo.
With buying offices also located in Ennis, and Dublin.
Carraig Donn is continuing to grow year on year.
The Role: The ideal candidate will have experience in new product development, ideally within the home and gift sector.
This role will give the successful candidate the opportunity to work alongside the department head on multiple products launches each year and contribute to new product direction.
Responsibilities: Support the home and gift buyer on all aspects of running the department, including but not limited to the below: New product development, from concept to creation.
Liaise with suppliers on initial design and selection.
Manage product selection considering, commerciality, quality, margin and MOQ's Relevant administration linked to the role.
Continuously strive to make our brand and products more sustainable.
Communicate vision to marketing.
Create content for the storyboard books for stores.
Manage timelines with suppliers to ensure deadlines are met.
Manage delivery schedule in both a cost-effective and timely manner, considering demand and warehousing capacity.
Contribute to stock forecasting and product splits based on open to buy and budgets.
Coordinate allocations to stores and maintain strong communication with stores.
Regular store visits to review product, merchandising and standards.
Visit international and domestic suppliers' facilities and international trade events.
Maintain strong relationship with existing suppliers while also generating new contacts.
Undertake competitor shopping trips to maintain market knowledge and identify new market trends.
Continuously review our established product range and critically assess our offering.
Perform other duties as assigned by line manager.
Essential Criteria for the Role: Minimum 2+ years' experience in a buying role, ideally within the home and gift industry.
Ability to work well within a fast-paced dynamic environment.
Ability to manage several projects simultaneously and under tight timeframes.
Ability to build & maintain strong partnerships with both internal and external partners.
Strong business acumen with excellent negotiation skills.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Strong IT knowledge of excel.
Desirable Criteria: A third level qualification preferably in home and gift buying/design or art/supply chain or other related discipline. Stock and reporting systems experience desirable.
Retail sales experience.
Adobe suite experience for packaging brand design.
Role will be 40-hour week, full-time.
Home & Gift Office is based in Ennis and this role will be a blend of office and remote working.
What We Offer: Competitive Compensation Package: We value your expertise and contribution.
Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects your experience and skills.
Flexible Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of balancing personal and professional commitments.
Benefit from flexible working arrangements that suit your lifestyle.
Career Advancement Opportunities: Grow your career with us.
Join a team of industry professionals dedicated to your success.
Take advantage of our culture of mentorship and development as you progress within our organization.
Paid apprenticeships allowing you to achieve level 6 certification Supportive and Inclusive Work Environment: At Carraig Donn, we foster a culture of collaboration and respect.
Join a diverse team of talented individuals who are passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Continuous Learning and Development: We invest in our employees' growth and development.
Access a variety of learning resources, training programs, and workshops to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Comprehensive Benefits Package: Enjoy peace of mind with our comprehensive benefits package, and access to a health and wellbeing support plan.
Employee Discounts and Perks: As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy generous staff discounts on our exclusive product range.
Take advantage of our employee referral scheme and other exciting perks.
Health and Wellbeing Initiatives : Your health and wellbeing are important to us.
Benefit from initiatives such as our bike-to-work scheme and access to our Employee Assistance programme, as well as our employee platform offering mindfulness resources, lifestyle savings, and more.
Join Carraig Donn and become part of a team that values your talent and dedication.
Experience the rewards of working for Ireland's premier lifestyle retailer as you embark on a fulfilling career journey with us.
Apply now to seize this exciting opportunity!
