At a Glance
- Tasks: Take charge of the Women's Wear category and drive sales while managing supplier relationships.
- Company: Join Ann's Cottage, a leading surf lifestyle brand in the UK with over 40 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and the chance to work in a vibrant, fast-paced environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and networking in the fashion industry.
- Why this job: Make an impact in fashion retail and develop your buying skills in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Passion for women's fashion and strong analytical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
A rare opportunity to become part of the team responsible for supplying one of the largest ranges of Surf Lifestyle clothing and equipment in the UK. Based in Cornwall, Ann's Cottage have been leading the sector for over 40 years, with locations all over Cornwall and a strong online presence. We are looking for a Buyer to cover our Women's Wear category while our current Buyer is on maternity leave. This is a fixed-term contract, offering an exciting opportunity for a confident buyer to take ownership of a well-established category from day one. You will be customer proposition led and market focused, with the ability to deliver against challenging targets and results.
Your new role
This is a fixed-term maternity cover position, expected to last approximately 12 months but will include additional time for training. You will report to the Head Buyer. As Women's Wear Buyer, you will:
- Take full ownership of the Women's Wear category, managing existing ranges and buying specific products in line with demand, whilst planning for new opportunities.
- Deliver against challenging sales and margin targets.
- Regularly review performance indicators, such as sales and discount levels.
- Manage stock level plans to ensure the right product is available at the right time.
- Meet suppliers and negotiate pricing and terms.
- Maintain long-standing relationships with existing suppliers and source new suppliers for future women's wear collections.
- Liaise with other departments within the company to ensure promotions and launches are executed on time.
- Attend trade fairs and buying appointments in the UK and possibly overseas, to select and range new women's wear collections.
- Participate in promotional activities.
- Write reports and forecast levels.
- Liaise with shop personnel and our Retail Director to ensure supply meets demand.
- Obtain feedback from stores.
Skills
Essential skills for this role include:
- Strong knowledge of women's fashion and apparel essential.
- Previous buying experience in fashion retail preferred but not essential.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Negotiation skills and the ability to network and influence people.
- Teamworking and interpersonal skills.
- Numeracy skills and proficiency using IT.
- Comprehensive understanding of Excel.
- Good organisation skills and the ability to multitask.
- The ability to cope with the pressure of having to make important decisions and meet tight deadlines, and the extended hours needed to achieve this.
- The capability to work in a fast-paced environment and achieve targets.
- Commercial awareness.
- Creative flair.
- A passion for retail and fashion.
What you'll get in return: Competitive Salary dependant on experience.
Women's Wear Buyer in England employer: Ann's Cottage Surf Shops
Ann's Cottage is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Cornwall, where creativity and passion for surf lifestyle clothing thrive. With over 40 years of industry leadership, employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and development, alongside competitive salaries and opportunities to engage with suppliers and attend trade fairs. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic team dedicated to delivering the best in women's fashion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Women's Wear Buyer in England
✨Get Your Foot in the Door Early
In retail, many temporary roles pop up during peak seasons, like Christmas or summer sales. Keep an eye on the calendars for these spikes and start scouting for opportunities a bit in advance. We can even help you stay sharp on your search!
✨Utilise Local Connections
Visit local shops in person and chat with managers about potential temporary openings. Many retail positions are filled by word-of-mouth, so don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation while you grab a coffee or do your weekly shopping!
✨Show Off Your Availability
Retail managers love flexibility! Make sure to highlight your availability in a casual chat or when you apply through our website. The more open you are to work varied shifts, the more likely they are to bring you on board—especially for temporary gigs!
✨Be Ready for On-the-Spot Interviews
When you walk into a shop, be prepared for the possibility of an on-the-spot interview. Dress comfortably but smartly, have a few key points about your experience ready, and be enthusiastic. Remember, it’s all about making that positive first impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Women's Wear Buyer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you've got, whether it’s casual jobs or volunteer work. Employers want to see that you can interact well with customers, so think about any instances where you've gone the extra mile to help someone out.
Flexibility Is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary position, you should emphasise your flexibility in your application. Mention your availability clearly in your cover letter and CV—employers love knowing they can rely on you to work varied hours, especially during busy periods!
Keep It Short and Sweet:For temporary roles, we don’t need an essay! Keep your CV and cover letter concise, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills. Highlight any specific retail achievements, like sales targets met or product knowledge that demonstrates your eagerness to dive straight in.
Tailor Your Application to Ann's Cottage Surf Shops:Don’t forget to personalise your application for Ann's Cottage Surf Shops! Take a look at their values and product range, and if you’ve had previous experience with similar brands, mention that. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and have a good understanding of what they do.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ann's Cottage Surf Shops
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In retail, it's all about customer interaction, so be ready to share examples of how you've handled tough customer situations. We recommend thinking through a couple of scenarios before the interview where you went above and beyond to help a customer, as these can really make you stand out.
✨Brush Up on Product Knowledge
Temporary roles often have a steep learning curve because you'll need to pick up product knowledge fast. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the main products or services that Ann's Cottage Surf Shops offers, and if possible, try to understand their current promotions. It’ll give you the edge to engage customers effectively.
✨Flexibility is Key
Being in a temporary retail role means you may need to adapt quickly to different tasks or shifts. Be prepared to highlight your flexibility and willingness to take on varied responsibilities during the interview. Think of examples where you've had to juggle multiple tasks at once – that’ll show you're a great fit for the dynamic retail environment.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since retail roles often require collaboration, be ready to showcase your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you worked well with colleagues, especially in fast-paced situations. This will underline your ability to slot into the team at Ann's Cottage Surf Shops and contribute positively during your temporary stint.
