At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead seasonal buying strategies and inspire the team to achieve sales targets.
- Company: THE OUTNET is a luxury discount shopping platform offering designer brands at up to 70% off.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, performance bonuses, staff discounts, and private healthcare.
- Why this job: Join a fun, supportive team in a fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in luxury fashion buying and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: This role is based in our Westfield office in London on a 1-year fixed term contract.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Launched in 2009, THE OUTNET has since established itself as the benchmark of luxury discount shopping, offering over 350 designer fashion brands at exceptional prices of up to 70% off. Strong relationships with leading luxury brands elevate THE OUTNET, with a dedicated buying team in London purchasing over 90% of stock direct. THE OUTNET is renowned for high-end designer collaborations, offering unique and limited-edition exclusives for its discerning global customers alongside in-house label Iris & Ink. THE OUTNET caters to a global audience with a local and tailored approach, offering local language sites in the Middle East and Japan and native checkout for all markets. With a focus on exceptional customer service, THE OUTNET offers a seamless shopping experience across mobile, tablet and desktop, inspiring editorial content, express worldwide shipping to over 100 countries and customer care services in 11 languages, available 24/7, 365 days a year. THE OUTNET is part of YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP.
THE OUTNET are now seeking a talented Buying Manager to join the team. Some of the essentials for you to know are:
- Location: Our Westfield office in London
- Reporting into: Head of Buying
Besides a competitive salary, we can offer you:
- Performance bonus schemes dependent on the type of role you are in
- A pension that both you and the company contribute to
- A portal with an array of discounts on things like theme park and cinema tickets
- Our famous staff discount along with exclusive staff sales
- Private healthcare for you and your family
- Flexible working
- A chance to be part of a fun and caring team that support each other
Here is a breakdown of what you'll be doing:
- Develop and lead seasonal Buying strategies in conjunction with category Buyers and key stakeholders
- Inspire and motivate the Buy team to be strategic when planning to achieve margin targets and objectives set
- Ensure the Open-to-Buys (OTB) for respective areas are met to achieve business KPI's sales, margin, full price sell thru and total sell thru targets
- Direct global pricing and product strategy across all territories
- Deputise for the Head of Buying and ensure full participation in the trading meetings and WSSI re-forecasts
- Trend forecast and range plan with THE OUTNET Fashion Director
- Maintain and develop new and existing vendor relationships
- Ensure all Buying categories build a cohesive, commercial and innovative range with global reach
- Work cross functionally with all key stakeholders to ensure product and ranges are maximised and pushed through all sales channels creatively
- Consistently have the team negotiate the most competitive payment and trade terms and discounts for our Buy
- Cover Market and lead the Buy process - with feedback to Buying and Merchandising Managers
- Take ownership of order submission and final approval of seasonal buy
- Champion and lead a culture of collaboration and team spirit, encouraging constructive challenge
- Grow, develop and retain a world class team, to ensure the efficient and effective deployment of people and resources within budget
- Consistently drive the team to negotiate the most competitive payment terms and discounts for our Buy
- Manage annual travel budget for the teams and work with the Head of Buying on mapping out best practice for all travel for the Buying team
- Set and review targets and objectives with team members on a regular basis aligned to HR policies and procedures
- Update team of operating plans, strategic business developments and changes and ensure they function effectively to achieve THE OUTNET's business goals
The type of person we are looking for:
- Extensive proven experience as a Buying Manager or Senior Buyer in multi-branded buying within the luxury fashion retail space
- Ability to talk knowledgeably about brands, trends and the luxury customer
- Entrepreneurial spirit with the creative flair to drive a business forward
- Strong numeracy, analytical and computer skills
- Proven track record of delivering incremental sales growth in a commercial environment
- Ability to demonstrate significant previous experience of leading and working in cross functional teams
- Good judgement and decision-making skills
- Confidence in suggesting calculated risks and ability to create business opportunities and follow through
- Strong leadership and management skills
- Professional with excellent communication skills, strong rapport building
- Experience leading by example
- Pro-active nature and ability to constantly improve THE OUTNET offering
- Brand ambassador mind-set and represent the business both internally and externally when in market
- Desire to be the best and provide exceptional customer value and experience
From the moment you join the YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP we are committed to making your journey with us inspirational and evolutionary. If you are passionate, committed and thrive in a collaborative and fast-paced environment, then please apply with a CV.
YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP is an equal opportunities employer, we encourage people with a diverse range of backgrounds to apply. We recognize and celebrate the benefits that diversity brings to our workplace, our business and our customers. We welcome and will consider all applications regardless of race and nationality, religion, color, sex, pregnancy or related medical conditions, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as an individual with a disability, or any other legally protected characteristics. If you require any reasonable adjustments to complete your application, please do not hesitate to advise us accordingly.
Experience Level: Mid-Senior level
Workplace Type: Hybrid
Buying Manager- The Outnet, 1 Year Fixed Term Contract employer: YNAP GROUP
Contact Detail:
YNAP GROUP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Manager- The Outnet, 1 Year Fixed Term Contract
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with THE OUTNET's unique selling points, such as their exclusive designer collaborations and exceptional customer service. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding of the brand during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the luxury fashion retail space. Attend industry events or connect with current employees on LinkedIn to gain insights into the company culture and expectations for the Buying Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in multi-branded buying and how you've successfully driven sales growth. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your analytical skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style and how you inspire teams to achieve targets. Think of ways to illustrate your proactive nature and commitment to continuous improvement, as these qualities are essential for the Buying Manager position.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Manager- The Outnet, 1 Year Fixed Term Contract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience as a Buying Manager or Senior Buyer in the luxury fashion retail space. Emphasise your achievements in driving sales growth and managing cross-functional teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for luxury fashion and your entrepreneurial spirit. Discuss how your creative flair and analytical skills can contribute to THE OUTNET's buying strategies and overall success.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Highlight your strong numeracy, decision-making, and leadership skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully negotiated competitive payment terms and built vendor relationships in previous roles.
Demonstrate Cultural Fit: Convey your understanding of THE OUTNET's brand values and commitment to exceptional customer service. Share experiences that illustrate your ability to thrive in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at YNAP GROUP
✨Know Your Brands
Familiarise yourself with the luxury brands that THE OUTNET collaborates with. Be prepared to discuss their unique selling points and how they fit into current market trends. This shows your passion for the industry and your ability to engage with the luxury customer.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
As a Buying Manager, strong numeracy and analytical skills are crucial. Prepare to discuss how you've used data to drive sales growth in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've forecasted trends or managed Open-to-Buys effectively.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Highlight your experience in leading cross-functional teams. Be ready to share specific instances where you motivated your team to achieve targets or improved processes. This will demonstrate your capability to grow and retain a world-class team.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
THE OUTNET values a culture of collaboration. Prepare to discuss how you've worked with various stakeholders in past roles to maximise product ranges and sales channels. Show that you can champion teamwork while driving business objectives.