planning product ranges and preparing sales and stock plans in conjunction with buyers;

liaising with buyers, analysts, stores, suppliers and distributors;

maintaining a comprehensive library of appropriate data;

working closely with visual display staff and department heads to decide how goods should be displayed to maximise customer interest and sales;

producing layout plans for stores, sometimes called 'statements';

forecasting profits and sales, and optimising the sales volume and profitability of designated product areas;

planning budgets and presenting sales forecasts and figures for new ranges;

controlling stock levels based on forecasts for the season;

using specialist computer software, for example to handle sales statistics, produce sales projections and present spreadsheets and graphs;

analysing every aspect of bestsellers (for example, the bestselling price points, colours or styles) and ensuring that bestsellers reach their full potential;

maintaining awareness of competitors' performance;

monitoring slow sellers and taking action to reduce prices or set promotions as necessary;

gathering information on customers' reactions to products;

analysing previous season's sales and reporting on the current season's lines;

making financial presentations to senior managers;

accompanying buyers on visits to manufacturers to appreciate production processes;

meeting with suppliers and managing the distribution of stock, by negotiating cost prices, ordering stock, agreeing timescales and delivery dates, and completing the necessary paperwork;

identifying production and supply difficulties and dealing with any problems or delays as they arise;

managing, training and supervising junior staff.