At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist the Buyer in developing and managing menswear collections.
- Company: Crew Clothing creates timeless British style inspired by the spirit of the south coast.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture, opportunities for growth, and a chance to make an impact.
- Other info: This is a full-time position based in Kingston upon Thames.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team that values creativity and celebrates success together.
- Qualifications: Experience in a similar role, strong communication skills, and proficiency in Excel.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Assistant Buyer - Menswear
Full-Time
Location: Kingston-on-Thames
Purpose of the role
The Assistant Buyer supports the Buyer in the smooth and commercial delivery of the Crew product range to drive profitable sales growth. This role supports the management of the process to ensure that the collections, once designed, are appropriately priced and effectively produced to the quality expectations of the Crew customer and in line with department and business expectations.
Responsibilities
- Assisting Buyer in all aspects of the product development process
- Buy and develop ranges inline with agreed range and in line with business strategy
- Contracting orders to suppliers for all dept to Critical Path (delegating to BAA, if necessary)
- Oversee buying info on the range plan to ensure 100% accuracy and information entered in a timely manner
- Sample Management
- Critical path management
- Develop ranges to agreed plan and margin, making sure they are inline with agreed supply partners
- Place orders and manage to 95% availability
- Maximise sales through trading and strategy (within agreed parameters)
- Manage critical path and own all approval stages
- Liaise with suppliers and sourcing to manage opportunities
- Liaise with merchandiser to produce lessons learnt for future ranges
- Produce monthly market and competitor reports to form strategies for future ranges
- Present ranges in sign off
- Be aware of sales and performance
- Understand cost price/margin/quantity requirements
- Update and manage the critical path weekly
- Report exceptions to all channel launch dates to buyer on weekly basis
- Liaise weekly with direct team, merchandising and technical through garment approval stages and update critical path
- Delegate or approve fabrics, colours and garment trims to delivery
- Attend fit sessions and approve through quickest technical staging
- Report to Buyer on QC issues to solutions
- Raise and follow through debit notes for late deliveries and ensure they are listed on logistics report
- Ensure timely delivery of SMS and photo shoot samples according to critical path
- Manage SMS tracker and liaise with channels on handover
- Manage invoicing and courier charges for SMS samples (according to budget)
- Work with technical to manage fit sessions and sample organisation
- Arrange samples for sign off. Take notes and liaise on amendments to range plans
- Manage sample storage and delegate department tidiness to BAA, if necessary
- Manage workload of Admin Assistant
- Work cross functionally on proof approvals for product collateral and input buying information to product database
Key Skills and Experience
Essential:
- Experience in same or similar role
- 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 suppliers and other department members
- Team work but motivated and able to work independently
- Understanding of the buying function and critical path processes
- Skilled in management of others
- 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 the role
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
Assistant Buyer - Menswear in Kingston upon Thames employer: Crew Clothing Head Office
At Crew Clothing, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and creative work environment where every team member is valued. Located in the vibrant Kingston upon Thames, our office offers a supportive culture that encourages personal and professional growth, alongside competitive benefits. As an Assistant Buyer in Menswear, you will play a crucial role in shaping our product range while enjoying opportunities to develop your skills and contribute to our mission of delivering timeless British style.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer - Menswear in Kingston upon Thames
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in menswear and the specific styles that Crew Clothing offers. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the brand and its products.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the fashion buying industry, especially those who have experience in menswear. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your understanding of the buying process and critical path management. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed timelines and supplier relationships.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your organisational skills by preparing a mock range plan or market report. This will not only highlight your analytical abilities but also give you a practical example to discuss during your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer - Menswear in Kingston upon Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in buying or similar roles. Emphasise skills like communication, organisation, and teamwork, as these are crucial for the Assistant Buyer position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for menswear and your understanding of the buying process. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage product ranges and work with suppliers.
Showcase Relevant Skills:In your application, clearly outline your proficiency in Excel and other computer literacy skills. Provide examples of how you've used these tools in previous roles to manage data or track critical paths.
Research Crew Clothing:Familiarise yourself with Crew Clothing's brand values and product offerings. Mentioning their ethos in your application can show your genuine interest in the company and its culture.
How to prepare for a job interview at Crew Clothing Head Office
✨Know Your Product
Familiarise yourself with Crew Clothing's menswear range and their brand ethos. Understand the spirit of the south coast that inspires their designs, as this will help you connect with the company's values during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Buying Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the buying process and critical path management. Highlight any relevant experience you have in product development and how you've successfully managed timelines and supplier relationships in the past.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role requires liaising with suppliers and cross-functional teams, be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles. This could include managing expectations or resolving issues with stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle tight deadlines. Think of specific scenarios where you've had to prioritise tasks or manage a challenging situation, and be ready to share those experiences.
