plan product ranges and prepare sales and stock plans in conjunction with buyers
liaise with buyers, analysts, stores, suppliers and distributors
maintain a comprehensive library of appropriate data
work closely with visual display staff and department heads to decide how goods should be displayed to maximise sales
produce layout plans for stores, sometimes called 'statements'
forecast profits and sales, and optimise the sales volume and profitability of designated product areas
plan budgets and present sales forecasts and figures for new ranges
control stock levels based on forecasts for the season
use specialist computer software, for example to handle sales statistics, produce sales projections and present spreadsheets and graphs
analyse every aspect of bestsellers (for example, the bestselling price points, colours or styles), ensuring that they reach their full potential
maintain awareness of competitors' performance
monitor slow sellers and take action to reduce prices or set promotions as necessary
gather information on customers' reactions to products
analyse the previous season's sales and report on the current season's lines
make financial presentations to senior managers
accompany buyers on visits to manufacturers to appreciate production processes
meet with suppliers and manage the distribution of stock, by negotiating cost prices, ordering stock, agreeing timescales and delivery dates and completing the necessary paperwork
identify production and supply difficulties and deal with any problems or delays as they arise
manage, train and supervise junior staff.