Junior Buyer

As a JB, you will support the buying team in sourcing and developing a commercial and balanced product range for clothing and accessories that meets brand standards and appeals to our client's target market. You’ll assist in identifying trends, managing supplier relationships, and optimising product performance.

Main Responsibilities

Product Range Development

• Support Range Building: Assist in developing a well-rounded product range by providing insights on current trends, competitor activities, and customer preferences.
• Product Selection: Collaborate with the buying team to review and select products that align with brand standards, seasonal trends, and market demand.
• Trend Awareness: Monitor emerging trends and assist the Head of Product in recommending new products or adjustments to the range.

Supplier Management and Purchasing

• Supplier Liaison: Work closely with suppliers to gather information on pricing, product availability, and lead times, ensuring quality and alignment with company goals.
• Order Management: Assist in placing and tracking orders, ensuring timely delivery and quality standards are met.
• Quality Control: Coordinate with suppliers on product specifications and quality requirements.

Sales and Market Analysis

• Performance Tracking: Regularly monitor product performance, providing insights and suggestions based on sales data and stock levels.
• Competitor Analysis: Conduct competitive shopping and analysis to stay updated on market trends, pricing, and product offerings.
• Customer Feedback: Gather and analyse customer feedback to inform product selections and identify potential areas for improvement.

Collaboration and Communication

• Cross-Functional Support: Work closely with the merchandising, design, and marketing teams to ensure products align with business goals.
• Presentation Prep: Assist the buying team with preparing presentations for seasonal product reviews and range sign-offs.
• Team Communication: Actively participate in team meetings, providing updates and insights to keep the team informed on product status and market changes.

Operational Support

• Inventory Management: Monitor stock levels and support the team in identifying potential issues, such as low stock or overstocked items.
• Administrative Tasks: Handle daily administrative tasks, such as data entry, report generation, and sample management.
• Product Samples: Organise and manage product samples, ensuring they are readily available for meetings, reviews, and presentations.

Requirements

• Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Fashion, Business, or a related field.
  • Proven experience in a similar role in a retail buying environment is preferred.
• Product Knowledge: Strong interest in clothing, accessories and fashion trends, with an eye for commercial products that fit the brand’s target market.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse data, identify trends, and draw insights from sales figures, customer feedback, and competitor analysis.
• Communication & Negotiation Skills: Effective communicator who can confidently liaise with suppliers, support negotiation processes, and build relationships with cross-functional teams.
• Organisational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise responsibilities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive Approach: Self-motivated, with a keen interest in learning and contributing ideas to improve product range and business results.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, and familiarity with retail buying systems is a plus.