I run the critical path daily, inputting key information/dates for my teams visibility. I also run through this with my team and the demand planning/QA teams once a week.

K3 - Product lifecycle from development to customer

K4 - Principles of buying and merchandising and the specific role of each (critical path colour coded for each department)

S4 - Ensures accurate implementation of the critical path prioritising actions accordingly

S9 - Ensures the agreed route to market is delivered and maintained successfully so that objectives are met

B4 - Is resilient, organised with an eye for attention to detail

This was one of my previous FRA assignments showing the 'Harrods' position in the market.

K5 - The brand position within the market, which includes both UK and global markets, retailer types and trading models

This is sent out by the demand planning team every Monday ahead of Trade. I use this throughout the week to update my team on newness, sales patterns, stock levels etc.

K20 - The impact of stock planning and densities on profitability and how it aligns to organisational/brand strategy

I completed this physical comp shop back in December to look out for Christmas retail trends/products as well as Accessory competitors.

K7 - Key aspects of the sector in respect of global and domestic trading patterns

K11 - The principles of undertaking competitor analyses

S15 - Demonstrates anticipation of customer buying and product patterns to forecast future demand

B5 - Is flexible, agile and adaptable to changing markets

We reference this document regularly when working towards SS25. We will share this document with our suppliers to confirm what direction our strategy is aiming for.

K10 - The principles of internal trend analysis and forecasting

K21 - Factors affecting and impacting seasonal planning to ensure availability of appropriate products and to drive profit

I pull and send this report every Monday morning for my teams visibility. It tells us what is selling well in the Hbeauty sites.

K12 - The different purchasing habits of customers, seasonality and the different customer journey across all purchasing channels

S12 - Demonstrates accurate application of systems in analysing data (for example, customer trends, buying patterns, stock rotation and levels)

For Harrods Own Label vendors we currently ask that suppliers provide us with a 3rd party audit, this does not need to be conducted specifically for us, but we ask that it is a Smeta audit (through Sedex). We will consider other audits if the supplier asks us to, but we can’t guarantee that we will be able to accept it.

K2 - Industry standards, regulations and legislation relating to the ethical and sustainable sourcing, purchasing and sale of goods to ensure compliance

S8 - Applies an ethical and sustainable approach to the buying and merchandising process in line with policies and procedures to achieve legal compliance

B6 - Operates within professional code of ethics

S3 - Ensures product quality and legal compliance by working within industry standards, regulations and legislation to source, purchase and sell goods

The technical team send this over to every vendor to ensure they are meeting our requirments.

K2 - Industry standards, regulations and legislation relating to the ethical and sustainable sourcing, purchasing and sale of goods to ensure compliance

S8 - Applies an ethical and sustainable approach to the buying and merchandising process in line with policies and procedures to achieve legal compliance

I communicate with the VM team every Monday during a trade call to update on fresh ideas and seasonal opportunities. The attached is communication prior to the spring season to suggest what products we would like to push.

S10 - Works with external and internal departments (for example, marketing, distribution, suppliers) to build relationships to drive sales activity and support the delivery of the business objectives across all channels

I present these goals to my line manager to aim for throughout the year. These are then checked in on throughout the year.

S19 - Develops self and individuals to improve personal and team performance and capability

I update the cost sheet when a new cost / offer frequently for my team to review the cost and margin.

K19 - The range and impact of external factors such as currency fluctuation and global suppliers have on profit margin and costs

S21 - Operates in a manner that produces the required financial rate of return for the business

S5 - Negotiates in a manner that balances the need for a sound financial return, with the need to operate ethically, honestly and fairly

K6 - Effective methods of negotiation, and how they relate to the organisation’s strategy, goals and ethical stance

This is updated throughout the previous season to plan the next season and what products we would like to bring in.

S1 - Uses their market/industry knowledge to contribute to new product development

This is shared across all employees to ensure all are aware of the customer personas. This ensures we understand our customer and who are products should cater for.

K21 - Factors affecting and impacting seasonal planning to ensure availability of appropriate products and to drive profit

I set up the new starter packs for the team and have been able to train new starters (e.g. the new Cashmere assistant)

S23 - Coaches and mentors new/less experienced colleagues

K16 - The importance of coaching and mentoring to support the development of the buying and merchandising teams

Liaising with suppliers to build relationships and work with the supplier.

K9 - Effective methods of communication to achieve operational success

S6 - Monitors agreed performance targets with suppliers to manage ongoing supplier relationships