Meet the Findel family - Julie Harrop, Buying Manager

This month we heard from Julie Etchells (Harrop), Buying Manager at Findel and heard all about her passion for product, her superpower and how she’d spend her ideal weekend!

?So, Julie, you have been with Findel for around 5 months now, what inspired you to join the team here at Findel?

I first saw Findel online, I wanted to get out of the clothing industry, and I saw that Findel had a good reputation, I liked the size of the business and education was an area I was interested in as I’ve bought children’s products previously. Initially I’d seen a lot of activity on the Findel LinkedIn account and loved the content being shared. I also knew Danielle Cadwallader (another Buying Manager at Findel) from a previous role at N.Brown. It was a no brainer for me applying really, I can remember vividly I had applied really quickly and easily online, it was a Tuesday evening and, on the Thursday, got a call from HR inviting me in for an interview. What I also liked was that the interview was face to face, many companies now are online teams interviews and that appealed to me to get a real ‘feel’ for the place. After my interview I had a really positive feeling about it, sometimes you just get those feelings and knew it would be a really good opportunity for me. ?

What’s been your main focus and priorities over the first few months?

I’m at a point in my career now where the category or product doesn’t scare me, I think I can bring value in terms of strategic processes and people elements. I have a saying “narrow and deep” with regards to focusing a range and this is something I’ve been coaching through my team recently. The past few months have been about focusing on positivity, keeping perspective, driving pace and resetting. It’s been about the people, learning about my team, understanding their needs and how we can grow and support each other to achieve great things. I’ve got an affinity with children’s products, regardless of what it is, I love the appeal of children’s products full stop and am really excited about the next few months and beyond.

What is it that you love most about buying?

I just love everything about it, from concept, through product development to testing, and then going live and seeing the products sell. I love the whole journey which plays to both sides of my analytical and creative brain, it really satisfies my creative itch! As I’ve progressed in my career, I also love managing people, and love recognising like-minded people who want to be on my team and share the same passion and purpose. I also love hearing from them, supporting them and the variety of problems that are thrown my way as after all we employ the whole person not just the colleague! As a leader you have to support, coach and influence through leading by example, but you can only lead them, essentially it’s up to them, but I love the challenge of bringing people on the journey.

What would you say is your superpower, Julie?

I’d have to say being authentic and very resilient. Resilience is big for me and also high energy! Authenticity too is really important as I can’t be my best if I’m scared or vulnerable, being my authentic self is exactly how I want to operate. I’ve been through a lot of change over the past few years, and it’s been quite a journey. These experiences have shaped me, and I am now in control of my destiny and balanced.

Tell us about a professional success that you are really proud of?

It would definitely be launching the children’s division at N.Brown. We started in January and went live in September which for a brand new trading division from start to end is an incredibly short time frame. The process involved building paper offers, sourcing products from the Far East and launching the website. I worked with all stakeholders, presented to the board, built a 3-year plan and when we launched it delivered ￡3m in the first two years, which is phenomenal. We completely flipped the switch and disrupted the normal target audience of N.Brown. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but absolutely loved it! It was like having your own business, I loved it and was very proud of it!

And finally, Julie, what would your perfect weekend look like?

Well, it’s always got to involve a spa and sunshine! Not forgetting some very nice drinks, great music, I’m thinking Café Mambo Ibiza vibes!

?Thanks for your time Julie, it’s been wonderful to hear your story and to have you as part of the Findel family!