At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in managing the buying department and support product development.
- Company: Boden, a friendly and inclusive British fashion brand.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous clothing allowance, 30% discount, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth in a supportive and diverse environment.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and make an impact in the fashion industry.
- Qualifications: Passion for buying, creativity, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Assistant Buyer reports to the Buyer and is responsible for assisting in managing the department. This includes managing the Admin Assistant, negotiation, supplier communication, overseeing the department critical path and systems admin to ensure deadlines are met.
Location: 4/5 days per week at our North Acton office, the rest working from home.
What You Will Do
- Support the development of our amazing product working closely with internal teams and suppliers.
- Work closely with the Designers, Techs and Merchandisers to ensure the designs align with the Product Framework and are a balanced wearable offer meeting quality standards and margin targets.
- Understand cost and fabric prices required, set target prices and negotiate with suppliers to meet the required target margin.
- Support the Admin Assistant with the Critical Path, ensuring they meet deadlines, and work to the quality standards required.
- Ensure deliveries are on time and delays are communicated in a timely manner and solutions offered.
- Set up order confirmation sheets and communicate to suppliers.
- Support the Admin Assistant with lap dip, trim, and bulk approvals/rejections in line with the critical path.
- Ensure development packs and samples meet the deadlines set out in the company critical path.
- Manage trigger and repeat dates with suppliers.
- Attend weekly fit sessions and understand how fit amendments can affect garment prices and the critical path, flag concerns and find solutions.
- Manage and keep up to date liable fabric and holdings alongside your Buyer.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with the supply base and internal teams to ensure smooth running of the department.
- Keep systems up to date and accurate at all times with the help of the Admin Assistant.
- Set up production BOMs and ensure all information is accurate before placing orders with suppliers.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with all cross functional teams.
- Support your manager by working at pace and ensure deadlines are met.
- Manage your own workload and priorities and oversee the Admin Assistants.
- Raise in advance if deadlines cannot be met.
- Ensure decisions are made quickly and speak up if something goes wrong.
What We Are Looking For
- Passionate about a career in Buying.
- Be creative and have a keen eye for detail.
- Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
- Experience of being part of a team.
- Some retail or administrative experiences.
- Be organised, adaptable and enjoy a challenge.
- Clear communication skills.
- Good problem-solving skills.
- Great time management.
- Ability to multitask.
- Ability to work independently.
Our Behaviours
At Boden, how we work matters just as much as what we deliver. We keep things simple. We say what we mean, keep each other in the loop, and follow through on what we've said we'll do. We care about doing a good job - and we care about each other. We're always kind, often honest, and we will push for high standards without making it heavy. We know what we're good at, we lean on each other when needed, and we show up as a team - taking ownership and getting things done together.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary & targeted annual bonus scheme.
- Generous Boden clothing allowance!
- 30% discount on all current clothing ranges.
- 25 days Holiday annually, plus Bank Holidays.
- Online Portal with an array of discounts on retail & entertainment.
- Virtual GP Service for you and your household!
- Free onsite parking and subsidised café.
We want Boden to be the place everyone wants to work. Friendly, open and tolerant. A best-of-British company with diverse teams, equal opportunities, and fair working and recruitment practices. We believe in hiring the best person for the job whoever they are, helping them thrive in it and celebrating their individuality. We would like to encourage people from a diverse range of backgrounds to apply for our roles. If you need any reasonable adjustments or additional support during your application process, please do not hesitate to let us know.
We have two Assistant Buyer vacancies, one on Childrenswear and one on Womenswear.
Assistant Buyer employer: Boden
Boden is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture, where creativity and attention to detail are highly valued. With a competitive salary, generous clothing allowance, and a commitment to employee growth through diverse opportunities, our North Acton office provides a vibrant environment for Assistant Buyers to thrive while enjoying the flexibility of remote work. We prioritise kindness, honesty, and high standards, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to our success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Boden's values, products, and culture. This way, when you chat with them, you can show off your passion and how you fit right in.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to buying. Think about how you’d handle supplier negotiations or tight deadlines, and be ready to share your ideas.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Boden.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for buying shine through! We want to see that you’re excited about the role and the industry. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your enthusiasm.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Buyer position. Highlight your skills in negotiation, communication, and time management. We love seeing how your past experiences align with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. Remember, we appreciate straightforward communication, so don’t overcomplicate things!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Boden
✨Know Your Product Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you understand the product range and the brand's ethos. Familiarise yourself with current trends in fashion and how they relate to the role of an Assistant Buyer. This will help you engage in meaningful conversations about product development and supplier relationships.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully negotiated or communicated with suppliers. Highlight your ability to set target prices and meet margin targets. This will demonstrate your readiness to take on the responsibilities of the role and your understanding of the buying process.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Since the role involves working closely with Designers, Techs, and Merchandisers, be ready to discuss how you’ve collaborated in previous roles. Share specific instances where clear communication led to successful outcomes, showcasing your ability to build strong relationships within a team.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Be prepared to talk about how you manage your workload and priorities, especially when facing tight deadlines. Discuss any tools or methods you use to stay organised, as this is crucial for overseeing the Admin Assistant and ensuring the department runs smoothly.
