Buyer (Love & Roses)
Next · London
Role Purpose
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. This role ensures the product range achieves all profit parameters while providing leadership to the team to ensure skills are improved and performance is maximised.
Role 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.
- strong supply base.
- 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.
Technical 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.
- Highly organised with the ability to plan ahead and have a flexible approach and be reactive when necessary