Buyers Admin Assistant

Menswear & Womenswear Full-time Kingston-upon-Thames

At Crew Clothing, we believe clothes are about so much more than “just clothes”. Designed with the spirit of the south coast in every stitch, our crossed oars are a mark of timeless British style. These are clothes for life’s best moments. We believe in collaboration, kindness and creativity, in celebrating our successes and championing our customer at every step of the way. From ’93 to now, people have been at the heart of everything we do. It’s in our name – Crew.

Purpose of the role

This role is responsible for assisting the Buyers in all aspects of the Critical Path, Sample and Administration Management for the department to ensure on-time delivery of product to specification, from proto handover to product launch.

Responsibilities

• Critical Path/Range Plan Management
  • Management of the critical path and department processes to ensure all information is up to date and readily accessible by other teams
  • Ensuring all style details are inputted to the range plan on time and accurately
  • Ensuring phasing and deliveries are correct on the Critical Path with weekly meetings with Merchandising
  • Amending orders where required
  • Entering all data to Futura to allow order raising
  • Answering ad-hoc queries as required
• Sample Management
  • Managing and coordinating sample requirement for the buying department to include Press, Wholesale and Photo samples
  • Chasing in all samples to meet deadlines
  • Preparation of product reviews, ensuring that all samples are set up when required
  • Managing product storage for the department
• Catalogue Information
  • Compile the styling and trims details for the catalogue, proof read the catalogue with the buyer before going to press
  • Collating the catalogue information between Garment Tech, Merchandising, Marketing and Buying and ensuring that the document is completed for the deadline
• Other Buying responsibilities
  • Assisting in fit sessions, providing administrative support
  • Competitive shopping trips to develop and understand current market place, Crew’s position in the market place, compare retail prices
  • Taking comprehensive notes in meetings when required
  • Updating and filing all product data requirement
  • Maintaining style information and cost prices on the range plan and Futura
  • Managing sample invoice process
  • Undertake development or project work set by buyer
  • Assisting in general team administration: managing phone calls, post, courier and parcel collections and other ad-hoc admin duties
• People/Communication
  • Working with the Design, Merchandising and Garment Technology teams to answer queries and ensure a smooth transition of the product life cycle of the garment from proto to bulk
  • Attending weekly updates and scheduled meetings
  • Maintaining excellent communication across the company
  • Assessing and escalating any queries or issues with product life cycle, which may incur delays or cost implications

Key Skills and Experience

Essential

• General administration
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent communication and organisation
• Experience in Excel and Word
• Ability to prioritise and manage a work schedule whilst working to tight deadlines
• Ability to initiate and build strong relationships with Supplier and other department members
• Team work
• Understanding of the Buying function and critical Path processes
• Previous Buying Administration experience
• Able to work with pace and energy

Desirable

• Understanding of garment construction and production processes
• Passion for product and keen to learn
• Positive and solutions orientated

What we can offer you

• Staff Discount
• Uniform allowance
• Pension scheme
• Refer a Friend scheme
• Training and career development
• Supportive and rewarding culture

Compensation: Competitive salary