Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Buyer for Menswear, managing product development and supplier relationships.
- Company: Crew Clothing Company is a beloved British brand known for stylish, quality clothing since 1993.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative work environment, opportunities for growth, and a chance to make an impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to exceptional service and innovative fashion.
- Qualifications: Experience in menswear buying, strong negotiation skills, and a flair for teamwork are essential.
- Other info: This role offers a dynamic work pace and the chance to learn about garment production.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Crew Clothing Company was founded in Salcombe in 1993. Today Crew is a great British brand, and our success lies in our authentic passion for producing great looking, well made clothes. We now have more than 70 stores and a thriving website, and the business continues to grow. Our people are at the heart of our company. With a passion for exceptional service, and a love for our product, our team is dedicated to offering the best customer experience - nothing is too much trouble.
Purpose of the role: Supports the Head of Buying in the commercialisation of agreed Crew Menswear product range to drive profitable sales growth. This role manages the process to ensure that the collections, once designed are appropriately priced and that they are effectively produced to the quality expectations of the Crew customer and inline with agreed sourcing routes. A sound awareness of the Menswear marketplace and sales performance will ensure balanced and relevant range development.
Product development
- Deliver agreed product range from proto stage to product delivered in store.
- Identify new product opportunities and present these to Head of Buying & B&M Director.
- Delivery range that meets all established targets (intake margin, cost price, profitable, commercial and on-brand) 95% on time delivery through all channels.
- Exceptional range building skills and understanding of Crew vision to deliver against that.
- Management of Admin Assistant as necessary within team structure.
- Delivery of profitability & maximising sales through trading if identified.
- Be involved with understanding the range frameworks to include options, price points, and best selling lines identified from previous seasons to enable a well-balanced range.
- Liaise with design and technical on a weekly basis to manage design, sampling and production Critical Path to achieve on time delivery and minimum 95% launch availability.
- Monitor product during all stages of development and manufacturing to ensure that they meet brand requirements and are to specification.
- Attend fit meetings where appropriate with design and garment tech teams to ensure continuity of fit and execution of new blocks.
Supplier relationships
- Develop strong working relationships with all supply partners - liaise on all stages of product development, negotiation and production stages and communicate regularly and consistently.
- Negotiate prices, execute and deliver product ranges, which exceed budgeted intake margin for all channel ranges and exceed customer expectations, in line with Head of Buying expectations.
- Manage production process from SMS confirmation to delivery into warehouse and communicate progress effectively.
- Manage OTB process to ensure in season trading opportunities are identified and delivered.
Team working
- Work collaboratively and communicate effectively at all times within team and wider business.
- Attend weekly departmental team and trade meetings to ensure team is well informed and prepared and trading opportunities identified.
- Work closely with the Merchandisers to ensure the signed off range reflects the agreed options and product/colour mix.
- Revisit in line with in seasonal performance.
- By way of Monthly store visits, marketing and analysis of key competitors - gain better understanding of both Crews position in the market place, target customer and identify opportunities to change / improve.
Online & Channels
- Manage salesman sample process from initial design prototype through to final stage.
- Ensure all SMS samples are available to Channels within given timelines, and are executed to meet requirements.
- Manage category sample invoices for each season to reduce the development costs involved.
- Ensure all Direct and Marketing requirements are met on time to ensure Crew catalogue and website launch dates are achieved.
- Ensure all correct samples are handed over to photo shoot and PR, and communicate any subsequent changes.
Key Skills & Experience:
Essential:
- Experience in same or similar role within Menswear.
- Ability to initiate and build strong relationships with Supplier and strong sourcing skills with Bangladesh/China.
- Strong negotiation skills.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Excellent computer literacy in Excel /Outlook/Word.
- Ability to prioritise and manage a work schedule whilst working to tight deadlines.
- Team work but motivated and able to work independently.
- Understanding of the Buying function and critical Path processes and skilled in management of.
- Able to work with pace and energy. Energetic and dynamic.
Desirable:
- Desire to learn.
- Understanding of garment construction and production processes.
- Passion for product and keen to learn.
- Positive and solutions orientated.
- Keen to progress within role and Crew business.
Buyer - Menswear employer: Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
Contact Detail:
Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer - Menswear
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in menswear and the specific styles that Crew Clothing Company is known for. This will not only help you understand their product range better but also allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to their vision during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the fashion buying industry, especially those who have experience with menswear. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals to opportunities at Crew.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Crew's competitors and analyse their product offerings. Understanding what sets Crew apart will enable you to discuss how you can help enhance their market position and identify new product opportunities during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to demonstrate your negotiation skills by thinking of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully negotiated with suppliers or managed production processes. This will show that you have the practical skills needed for the Buyer role.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer - Menswear
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in menswear buying or similar roles. Emphasise your skills in negotiation, supplier relationship management, and product development, as these are crucial for the Buyer position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for menswear and your understanding of the Crew brand. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed product ranges or built strong supplier relationships in the past.
Showcase Your Skills: Highlight your computer literacy, particularly in Excel, and any experience you have with critical path processes. Provide examples of how you've used these skills to meet tight deadlines and deliver successful product ranges.
Research Crew Clothing Company: Familiarise yourself with Crew's product offerings, brand values, and market position. This knowledge will help you tailor your application and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company during the selection process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
✨Show Your Passion for Menswear
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for menswear during the interview. Discuss your favourite brands, trends, and how you stay updated with the latest styles. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role and align with Crew's passion for great clothing.
✨Highlight Your Negotiation Skills
Since the role involves negotiating with suppliers, be prepared to share specific examples of successful negotiations you've conducted in the past. Discuss the strategies you used and the outcomes achieved, as this will showcase your ability to manage supplier relationships effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of the Buying Process
Familiarise yourself with the buying function and critical path processes. Be ready to discuss how you have managed product development timelines and ensured on-time delivery in previous roles. This knowledge will show that you understand the complexities of the position.
✨Prepare Questions About the Brand
Come prepared with insightful questions about Crew's product range, target market, and future plans. This not only shows your interest in the company but also gives you a chance to demonstrate your understanding of the menswear marketplace and how you can contribute to their success.
