Buyer (Love & Roses)

The Buyer is responsible for proposing and gaining agreement on the business plan for their department to create and deliver a profitable, commercial range that maximises sales.

Responsibilities:

• Strategy & Range Planning:
• Plan the range according to future trends, taking into account range construction, pricing architecture, and seasonal variations.
• Collaborate with the Merchandiser and Designer to review and plan future supplier strategy, identifying sourcing requirements as needed.
• Continuously review customer profiles across all facets of the business,retail, web, franchise, and wholesale,to develop products accordingly.
• Create stories, palettes, and key items according to the Design and Buying Trend Critical Path.
• Negotiate prices and agree on supplier contracts to meet departmental targets.

• Product Quality & Brand Vision:
• Maintain ownership of OTB, option counts, and pricing structures.
• Place a high emphasis on product quality, working with Technical teams to analyze returns and take corrective action.
• Effectively communicate the Buying and Design vision to the wider company through Full Phase Reviews and the creation of style guides for VM.
• Present product samples in edit and selection meetings to gain commitment to range proposals.

• Trading & Supplier Management:
• Manage and attend weekly trade meetings, identifying late buys, missed opportunities, and reacting to sales.
• Regularly review the range with the Merchandiser to propose repeats, restyling, or cancellations based on commercial performance.
• Liaise with the supplier base to ensure sampling and cost prices are received on time to meet critical deadlines.
• Assess supplier capability to deliver on time and within price structures, conducting seasonal SWOT analyses and sourcing new suppliers when necessary.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers to manage issues such as late deliveries, quality, and costs effectively.

• Team Leadership & Management:
• Inspire and provide leadership and training to ensure the team is developed and skills are improved.
• Manage resources and workload effectively, prioritising workflow and conducting regular team reviews to meet deadlines.
• Coach and develop the team through regular performance appraisals, setting clear objectives and assessing individual performance.

Requirements:

• Currently working at a Junior Buyer or Buyer level for a womenswear brand.
• Proven success at buying for your own area with expertise in the desired product category.
• Proven experience in managing and developing a team.
• Demonstrates passion and energy to be inspiring to others and deliver improved results.
• Excellent communication skills and a high level of supplier management expertise.
• Highly organised with the ability to plan ahead while remaining flexible and reactive to trade.
• Strong commercial acumen and profit-focused mindset.

Benefits:

• 25% off most NEXT, MADE, Lipsy, Gap, and Victoria's Secret products.
• 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty.
• Hot deals and exclusive offers from over 3,500 retailers through our online benefits platform.
• Company performance-based bonus.
• Early VIP access to sale stock via Direct to Desk.
• Life assurance.
• Sharesave scheme.
• Annual Travel Card Loan.
• Sample Sales.
• Fantastic L&D opportunities.
• Flexi-Hour Scheme.
• Direct to Work - Discount online and in-store, collect your items the next day for free from your place of work or local store.
• Support Networks - Access to Network Groups to empower and celebrate each other.
• Wellhub - Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships, with apps, PT sessions, and more.