At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head of Buying in developing and delivering stylish product ranges.
- Company: Crew Clothing, a brand celebrating timeless British style and creativity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a collaborative team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth in a dynamic and supportive workplace.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make an impact on fashion that celebrates life's best moments.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Junior Buyer or Senior Assistant Buyer in Fashion is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.
Kingston-on-Thames (4 days in office, 1 from home) 37.5 hours a week 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
Supports the Head of Buying in the commercialisation of agreed Crew 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 market place and sales performance will ensure balanced and relevant range development.
Responsibilities
- 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
- 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
- Raise PO’s and manage process with 100% accuracy and within dates on critical path
- 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
- 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
- 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 Crew's position in the market place, target customer and identify opportunities to change/improve
- 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 and Experience
Essential
- 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
- Ability to initiate and build strong relationships with Supplier and other department members
- 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.
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.
Please only apply if you have existing experience as a Junior Buyer or Senior Assistant Buyer within Fashion.
Compensation: Competitive salary
Junior Buyer employer: Crew Clothing Head Office - Buying
Contact Detail:
Crew Clothing Head Office - Buying Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with fellow buyers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your previous buying experiences, product ranges you've developed, and any successful negotiations. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on how your experience aligns with Crew's values and the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the Crew team and being part of our journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Fashion: When you're writing your application, let your love for fashion shine through! Talk about why you’re excited about the Junior Buyer role and how Crew Clothing's values resonate with you. We want to see your enthusiasm for the brand and the industry!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Highlight your relevant experience in buying and product development, and don’t forget to mention any successes you've had in previous roles. We appreciate a personal touch that shows you’ve done your homework!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We love a well-structured application that’s easy to read, so make sure your key skills and experiences stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about Crew and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crew Clothing Head Office - Buying
✨Know Your Product
Before the interview, dive deep into Crew Clothing's product range and ethos. Familiarise yourself with their style, values, and recent collections. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
As a Junior Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to analyse market trends and sales performance. Prepare examples of how you've used data to make informed decisions in previous roles. This will highlight your understanding of the buying function and critical path processes.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your experience in developing strong working relationships with suppliers and team members. Be ready to share specific instances where your communication skills helped resolve issues or improve collaboration, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready about the role and the company. Ask about their approach to product development or how they identify new opportunities. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if Crew Clothing is the right fit for you.