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- Tasks: Join our Buying team to support online ranges and manage seasonal trends.
- Company: Cotton Traders is a leading British clothing retailer with a rich heritage since 1987.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25-30 days holiday, health cash plan, and employee rewards.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team that values creativity and career growth in fashion.
- Qualifications: 2 years' experience in womenswear buying and strong market awareness required.
- Other info: Collaborate with creative teams and build relationships with suppliers for success.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Cotton Traders is a British clothing retailer established in 1987 by England rugby captain and legends Fran Cotton and Steve Smith. Supported by a growing online and offline (catalogue) presence, we have 80 stores nationwide in England, Scotland and Wales and employee 800 people across the country. We have an ambitious plan to grow the business across all touch points and we can only do this with the best people around us.
Our vision and our values are what make us unique, and they are deeply ingrained in everything we do here at Cotton Traders. Our people are part of the fabric that makes us what we are, and when you’re as passionate about your people as we are, job satisfaction and career progression come hand in hand.
What’s in the role and what are we looking for?
We are recruiting for an Assistant Buyer to join our Ladieswear Buying department. The successful candidate will work closely to support the Buyer and wider team to ensure that sales, stock and margin targets are achieved. You will have bundles of passion and energy to successfully drive and contribute to our ranges.
Some of the key responsibilities include:
- Build a relationship with suppliers as well as Buying, Merchandising and Technology teams demonstrating good communication skills.
- Engage with the Creative, Marketing and Ecommerce teams to ensure productive relationships.
- Assist the Buyer to adapt styles relevant to your area, ensuring regular competitive comp shops are completed to support any suggestions
- Lead critical path meetings within the team, including presenting to the Buyer and Buying Manager. Being proactive by highlighting any potential issues and reacting quickly.
- Develop a range with the Buyer to attract our target customer, ensuring the best price and quality.
- Analysis of sales and performance for direct and retail, to enable trade reactions to be implemented where required.
- All day-to-day administration required to assist the Buyer and ensure the efficient buying of product.
- Being commercially aware of our competitors and their seasonal product and price changes.
- Highly organised and keep on top of key diary dates coming up, to ensure deadlines are met.
The Successful Candidate will:
- Have 1 years’ experience at Assistant Buyer level.
- Natural ability to identify future fashion trends and a real passion for product.
- Have an in-depth knowledge of the current market.
- Microsoft office skills, especially Excel
- Experience in fashion buying is essential
- Some knowledge of basic fabrics preferred
- Experience working with print, preferred
What’s on offer?
We are protective and proud in equal measure of our culture and suggest you take a look at our values on our web-site to gain a better understanding of life at CT. Once you’re part of the team, you’ll be rewarded with, alongside other things:-
- Flexible working culture, adopting a hybrid working approach
- 25 days holiday rising to 30 days, plus bank holidays
- Your CT, benefits, rewards and recognition platform
- Employee Assistant Programme
- Health cash plan
- Long service awards
Next steps
If you are interested in the excellent opportunity on offer, we would love to hear more from you! Please click apply and send your CV through, along with a covering letter on why you would be a great fit for the role.
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Assistant Buyer employer: Cotton Traders Limited
Contact Detail:
Cotton Traders Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Cotton Traders' brand values and culture. Understanding what makes them unique will help you align your approach and demonstrate that you're a great fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current fashion trends and market research. Being able to discuss recent trends and how they relate to Cotton Traders' offerings will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the fashion industry, especially those who have experience in buying roles. Building connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in detail, particularly any relevant projects or achievements in buying or fashion. Highlighting your analytical skills and attention to detail will be crucial in making a strong impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Assistant Buyer position at Cotton Traders. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with their needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only express your enthusiasm for the role but also demonstrate your understanding of fashion trends and your analytical skills. Mention specific experiences that showcase your ability to predict trends and work collaboratively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your previous experience as an Assistant Buyer, particularly in womenswear. Include any specific achievements or projects that illustrate your attention to detail and market awareness.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to include your proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, as well as any other relevant skills. If you have experience with lab dip and bulk approvals, be sure to mention this as it is crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cotton Traders Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Fashion
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the fashion industry during the interview. Discuss current trends you admire and how you stay updated on market changes. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the brand.
✨Highlight Your Analytical Skills
As an Assistant Buyer, you'll need to balance creativity with analytical thinking. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform buying decisions in the past. Share specific examples of how your market research has led to successful product selections.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is crucial in this role. Bring examples of how you've managed complex tasks or projects that required meticulous organisation. Highlight any experience you have with critical paths and meeting deadlines.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Establishing a good relationship with your interviewers can set you apart. Engage with them by asking insightful questions about the company culture and team dynamics. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in being a part of their community.
