At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head of Buying in developing and delivering stylish clothing ranges.
- Company: Crew Clothing, a brand celebrating timeless British style and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working with 4 days in office and 1 from home.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and learning in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a creative 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 £ per year.
Location: 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
- 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 and 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 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
Outlets Junior Buyer - MAT Cover employer: Crew Clothing Head Office
At Crew Clothing, we pride ourselves on being more than just a clothing retailer; we are a community that values collaboration, creativity, and kindness. Located in Kingston-on-Thames, our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering employees the chance to thrive in a dynamic environment while contributing to a brand that celebrates timeless British style. With competitive salaries and a commitment to employee development, Crew is an excellent employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the fashion industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Outlets Junior Buyer - MAT Cover
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the fashion industry, especially those who work at Crew Clothing or similar brands. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Crew's product range and understanding their brand ethos. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely passionate about their style and mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your previous buying experience and how it aligns with the role. Highlight your skills in product development and supplier relationships to make a lasting impression.
✨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 serious about joining the Crew team.
We think you need these skills to ace Outlets Junior Buyer - MAT Cover
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 your experiences and how they relate to the role of a Junior Buyer. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about the products and the brand.
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 when candidates take the time to align their skills with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We value good communication skills, so make sure your written application reflects that. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about Crew Clothing and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crew Clothing Head Office
✨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 as an Outlets Junior Buyer.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you analyse market trends and sales performance. Bring examples of how you've identified product opportunities in the past and how those decisions impacted profitability. This will demonstrate your understanding of the buying function and critical path processes.
✨Build Relationships
Since strong supplier relationships are key for this role, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with suppliers or team members. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve navigated challenges in previous roles to ensure smooth product development.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Express your enthusiasm for fashion and product development during the interview. Share any personal projects or experiences that showcase your passion for the industry. This will resonate well with Crew's culture of creativity and collaboration.
