At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage buying and production for Sportswear & Activewear, ensuring timely delivery and profitability.
- Company: Crew Clothing, a brand rooted in timeless British style and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy staff discounts, uniform allowance, pension scheme, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that values creativity and teamwork.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make an impact in the dynamic world of sportswear fashion.
- Qualifications: Experience in sportswear buying and strong negotiation skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
As a buyer you will have responsibility for the buying and production of the Sportswear & Activewear department, working in partnership with Design, Merchandising and Technical. This role manages the process to ensure that the collections, once designed are appropriately developed, costed, and commercially assorted to deliver the best collection to Stores, E commerce and Wholesale partners in a timely manner.
Responsibilities
- 95% on time delivery through all channels.
- Direct management of Sport buying, while reporting into Head of Buying.
- Delivery of profitability of the assortment, adhering to intake margin targets set by Head of Buying.
- Ability and confidence to work directly with HOB and Designer on new season development.
- Maintaining and improving the product to ensure that it reaches the brand essence of Crew Clothing.
- Delivery of balanced assortment to different grading of stores / marketplaces / E comm and wholesale partners.
- Delivery of Range sign offs to Heads of and Directors.
- Work closely with design team to ensure product is signed off and agreed.
- Work in partnership with merchandising in developing correct range mix & price architecture, given history, competitor analysis & new sales insight.
- Monitor and support Design's product development through to Final Design sign off and SMS review.
- Work with Head of Buying to set the Supplier Strategy, evaluate key suppliers, strengths and weaknesses and evolve / rationalise accordingly within business parameters.
- In collaboration with Head of Buying, identify key suppliers for both volume and quick response business to increase margin, and ensure OTB demands / repeats can be delivered on time in season, when necessary.
- Manage and negotiate prices with all suppliers on set areas, ensuring seasonal strategy is met.
- Prepare documents for sign off with head of Buying and Business owner.
- Proactively problem solve any margin issues with key partners.
- Work with the technical team to ensure that all products developed and produced meet the brand essence and ensure with the support of the technical team that core fits are maintained.
- Understand the Crew customer and their aspirations, monthly visiting of stores with cross functional partners and ensure competitor knowledge is always up to date.
- Manage the VRP throughout the process, ensuring accurate and up to date information.
- Ensuring any required changes to product are presented to Directors with clear information of issues and actions proposed.
- Ensure signed off samples are lodged and stored clearly in the product library for reference, and available for relevant meeting.
- Approve print and product lab dips with Design, in line with the Crew brand essence.
- Approve bulk fabric and trim submissions, in line with business CP.
- Manage team updates on Product critical path - ensuring POs are correct on the system and reflect latest intake.
- Trade the department - understand trade, so you can react in season and cut/infill where you've had success and failure.
- Ensure that all marketing & Ecommerce collateral is correct and up to date in accordance to business CP.
- Ensure 100% on time delivery of accurate salesman, product & shoot samples.
- Support team in weekly critical path reviews and offer guidance to junior members if the team.
- Ensure suppliers are aware of the timeline at the start of the season.
People Management
- Lead by example and communicate with clarity and consistency.
- Ensure team is fully functioning and that cross functional relationships are maintained.
- Train and develop individual team members to improve their individual capabilities and deliver functional expertise.
Qualifications
- Experience in Sportswear and Activewear Buying with clear track record of delivering margin improvement.
- Extensive experience of initiating and developing direct sourcing relationships in product.
- Knowledge of supplier negotiation and have a proven track record of travelling alone to various sources across the globe.
- Technical expertise in garment fabrication, construction and production.
- Market knowledge of clothing including competitor price architecture.
- Strong commercial judgement.
- Self-motivated individual, capable of driving change at pace.
- Good understanding of supply base and respectful way of working.
- Passion for product.
- Applicants must have a wealth of Sportswear and Activewear experience.
About Crew Clothing
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.
What we can offer you
- Staff Discount
- Uniform allowance
- Pension scheme
- Refer a Friend scheme
- Training and career development
- Supportive and rewarding culture
Buyer - Sportswear in Kingston upon Thames employer: Crew Clothing
At Crew Clothing, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and rewarding culture that fosters collaboration and creativity. As a Buyer in our Sportswear & Activewear department, you'll benefit from comprehensive training and career development opportunities, alongside a generous staff discount and uniform allowance. Our commitment to employee growth and a positive work environment makes Crew Clothing an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and fulfilling employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer - Sportswear in Kingston upon Thames
✨Get Down to the Fashion Events
Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like Crew Clothing!
✨Join Fashion-Focused Communities
Become a part of online fashion communities on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Participate in discussions and share your insights on trends or your personal style journey. It’s a great way to get noticed by brands looking to fill positions, including Crew Clothing.
✨Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio
Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for Crew Clothing.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at Crew Clothing!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer - Sportswear in Kingston upon Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at Crew Clothing.
Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to Crew Clothing!
Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at Crew Clothing. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crew Clothing
✨Showcase Your Style Portfolio
For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!
✨Know the Latest Trends and Brands
Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills
In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Dress the Part
This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!
