At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Buying Manager in sourcing and developing stylish product ranges.
- Company: Dune London, a leading affordable luxury footwear brand with global reach.
- Benefits: 60% employee discount, 25 days holiday, blended working, and team socials.
- Other info: Friendly culture with growth opportunities and a focus on wellbeing.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact in the fashion industry.
- Qualifications: Exceptional communication skills and a passion for Dune London.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
Dune London is the leading affordable luxury footwear and accessories brand in the UK, with broad distribution across both the UK and internationally. It has 50 stores in the UK and over 100 in 25 countries around the world. The company is entering a period of sustained growth both through expansion of sales on its online channels and through third party partners both in the UK and globally. Celebrating over 30 years in the industry, the Dune group has built an enviable position as the specialist in quality fashion footwear and accessories which has given it a unique position at the high end of the high street.
We’re looking for a proactive and commercially minded individual to support the Buying Manager in sourcing and developing a well-balanced product range. You’ll play a key role in meeting planning deadlines through effective supply chain coordination and strategic supplier management.
Responsibilities
- Support the development of commercially successful product ranges across multiple markets.
- Analyse trends, customer demand and competitor activity to identify opportunities.
- Manage the seasonal critical path, ensuring key milestones and deadlines are met.
- Work closely with suppliers to oversee product development, shipping and delivery performance.
- Monitor sales performance and provide insights to drive profit and minimise risk.
- Produce regular sales reporting and end-of-season analysis.
- Collaborate with Buying, Merchandising and wider business teams to ensure seamless product delivery.
- Support and develop junior team members, deputising for the Buyer when required.
ESSENTIAL
- Currently at Assistant Buyer level
- Exceptional communication skills
- Budget control
- Report writing
- Passion for Dune London.
- Ability to work individually and as part of a team
About the perks
- Blended working – spreading your time across our office and remote working
- Sustainable office in bustling West London (near Westfield)
- Friendly and open culture with flat structures allowing plenty of opportunity for development.
- Company growth and opportunity; Dune is evolving all the time
- Open-minded company, welcoming thoughts and ideas to be shared
- Working with charitable organisations to help raise funds and give something back. Our current charity partner is Mental Health UK.
- 60% employee discount on Dune products – what’s not to love!
- 25 days holiday (plus the bank holidays)
- Cycle2work
- Company pension scheme
- Life assurance for all team members
- We look after our people
- 3.00 p.m. finish every pay day Friday!
- Team socials and drinks – we like to have fun!
- Access to our employee assistance programme, retailTRUST, who provide loads of resources to support with wellbeing and personal development offer free counselling legal advice and financial guidance.
- Our own Wellbeing Allies – there to talk when you need them.
What happens next? We will take a good look at your application and if we don’t feel we are right for you, we’ll make sure we let you know but sadly we are not able to give tailored feedback. If we are excited to find out more about you, we will give you a call and arrange to talk.
A few things that might help: Research the brand, the role, your interviewer on LinkedIn; browse our website; and visit a store if you can. Make sure you have plenty of examples to show off all your amazing skills and experience relevant to this role.
Assistant Buyer employer: Dune London
Dune London is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where creativity and collaboration are at the forefront. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, offering generous benefits such as a 60% discount on products, 25 days of holiday, and access to mental health support, Dune ensures that its team members thrive both personally and professionally. Located in the heart of the UK fashion scene, employees have the unique opportunity to be part of a brand that is not only a leader in affordable luxury but also actively engages in charitable initiatives, making every role impactful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Dune London, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Dune London!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Dune London, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Dune London and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Dune London that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dune London
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
