At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and deliver stylish product ranges while managing supplier relationships and market trends.
- Company: Join the iconic Karen Millen brand, known for luxury and quality since 1981.
- Benefits: Collaborative work environment with opportunities to make a real impact in fashion.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with opportunities for growth and creativity in a renowned brand.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that shapes contemporary fashion with timeless elegance.
- Qualifications: Experience in fashion buying, strong commercial awareness, and excellent negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
- Overview
- Where Timeless Luxury Meets Modern Elegance
Born from a bold vision in 1981, Karen Millen began with just £100 and a passion for perfecting the classic white shirt.
That same commitment to impeccable style, quality, and craftsmanship lives on today.
Karen Millen is now a renowned premium womenswear brand, celebrated for flattering fits, meticulous design, and a dedication to detail that sets us apart.
From elevated everyday essentials to timeless investment pieces, every piece is thoughtfully created for the modern woman, combining sophisticated design with enduring quality.
Join us in shaping the future of fashion with a brand built on heritage, innovation, and exceptional design.
The Role
Supporting our
Karen Millen brand, you'll be based at our Soho, London site, 5 days per week.
We are looking for a fashion Buyer with experience in Knitwear and or Jersey in Premium womenswear or High Street brands.
As a
Buyer , you will be responsible for developing and delivering a commercially successful product range within your category, ensuring it aligns with Karen Millen's premium brand positioning.
Working closely with the Product Director, Head of Buying and Design and Merchandising teams, you will manage the end-to-end buying process, from product selection and development through to supplier negotiations and trading performance, delivering new and contemporary products that achieve sales, margin and profit objectives.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Buyer who is passionate about product, has a strong commercial mindset, and thrives in a fast-paced fashion environment.
- What you'll be doing
- Develop and deliver commercially balanced product ranges that reflect the Karen Millen brand and customer.
- Identify key trends, customer insights and market opportunities to influence product selection and range planning.
- Manage the critical path to ensure products are developed and delivered on time.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, identifying opportunities to improve cost, quality, innovation and delivery performance.
- Negotiate prices, costs and supplier terms to achieve margin targets while maintaining Karen Millen's quality standards.
- Work collaboratively with Design and Merchandising to ensure product ranges are commercially successful and aligned to business objectives.
- Monitor sales, stock performance and customer feedback, making informed trading decisions to maximise opportunities and minimise risk.
- Support the management of departmental budgets, margin and stock targets through effective planning and analysis.
- Conduct competitor shopping and market research to identify emerging trends and product opportunities.
- Coach and support Assistant Buyers and Buying Assistants, sharing knowledge and contributing to the development of the wider buying team.
- What we&aposre looking for
- Previous experience in a Buyer role within fashion, ideally across premium or contemporary womenswear.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify and translate trends into successful product ranges.
- Proven negotiation and supplier management experience.
- Excellent analytical skills with confidence using sales and trading data to inform decisions.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- A passion for fashion, product and quality with a keen eye for detail.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams.
Why Join Us?
We’re Karen Millen.
Since 1981 we've been a household name and trusted brand.
We're known for elevated style and our reputation for fabric, finish, quality and detail speaks for itself.
Our love for fashion revolves around long-lasting, luxurious designs that can effortlessly slip into an established wardrobe at an attainable price point.
As part of our Buying team, you'll play a key role in delivering collections that combine sophistication, quality and timeless style.
At Karen Millen, you'll be part of a brand that values creativity, quality and innovation.
We offer a collaborative and inspiring work environment where your expertise will make a tangible impact on our collections and our customers.
- #LI-LF1 #LI-onsite #LI-buying
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Buyer employer: Debenhams Group
At Karen Millen, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture. As a Buying Admin Assistant, you'll benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, allowing you to grow your career in the fashion industry while working in a vibrant location. Our commitment to employee well-being and collaboration ensures that you will thrive in a supportive environment where your contributions are valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer
✨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 Debenhams Group!
✨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 Debenhams Group.
✨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 Debenhams Group.
✨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 Debenhams Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer
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 Debenhams Group.
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 Debenhams Group!
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 Debenhams Group. 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 Debenhams Group
✨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!
