At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development and manage supplier relationships for children's clothing.
- Company: Join Boden, a friendly and inclusive British brand with a passion for quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous clothing allowance, and 30% discount on all ranges.
- Other info: Flexible working with 4/5 days in the office and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's fashion while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or retail, strong communication, and team management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Buyer is responsible for managing their own department and reporting into the Buying Manager. This role includes management of the team, developing the range in line with concept, strategy, meeting margin targets and managing the supply base to create amazing product that meets the Boden quality standards.
Location: 4/5 days per week at our North Acton office, the rest working from home. We are ideally looking for this role to be from the middle of July 2026 to early May 2027.
What You Will Do
- Product Development: Drive the development of our amazing product working closely with internal teams and suppliers. Work closely with the Designers, Techs and Merchandisers from the start of the development stage to ensure the designs align with the Product Framework and meet quality and margin targets. Align with the Fabric team and set out clear fabric price targets each season. Stay up to date with price fluctuations and when resourcing is required. Pre‑empt difficulties you may encounter and find solutions. Review development samples with the team to ensure suppliers have followed instructions, flag how they may differ with suppliers and what can be done to improve in the future. Deliver the sustainability roadmap.
- Supply Base: Create a supplier strategy that meets Boden’s needs each season. Continually looking for opportunities and risks. Set up and onboard new suppliers.
- Negotiation: Maximise your negotiation skills to meet each season’s target margin. Set targets and understand where you are going to make the biggest margin impact.
- Critical Path Management: Oversee the department Critical Path to ensure deliveries are on time and delays are escalated to management with solutions. Communicate Order Confirmations to suppliers. Support the team with understanding quality needs and standards. Ensure development packs and samples meet the deadlines set out in the company critical path. Ensure garments are always fitted on time and with fit & flatter in mind. Manage trigger and repeat dates with suppliers. Manage and keep up to date fabric and liable holdings.
- Management: Manage the team ensuring they meet deadlines. Have strong relationships with the supply base and internal teams to ensure smooth running of the department. Hold weekly 1:1s, ensure they manage their workload, work at pace, embrace challenges. Give regular feedback, positive and constructive, and tailor your methods to the individual to progress your team. Recognise talent and manage underperformance. Lead by example and create a culture built on trust.
- Communication: Clearly communicate to get quick decisions to avoid delays, be able to recognise when you can make the decision and what needs to be escalated. Speak up when something is going wrong and avoid it becoming a bigger issue.
- Systems: Ensure your team keep PLM up to date and accurate at all times. Help your team to ensure production BOMs are accurate.
What We Are Looking For
- Ideally a current Buyer and preferable experience working within Childrenswear categories (though not essential).
- Be creative and have a keen eye for detail.
- Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
- Experience of managing a team.
- Some retail or administrative experiences.
- Be organised, adaptable, strategic and enjoy a challenge.
- Clear communication and problem‑solving skills.
Our Behaviours
At Boden, how we work matters just as much as what we deliver. We keep things simple. We say what we mean, keep each other in the loop, and follow through on what we’ve said we’ll do. We care about doing a good job - and we care about each other. We’re always kind, often honest, and we will push for high standards without making it heavy. We know what we’re good at, we lean on each other when needed, and we show up as a team - taking ownership and getting things done together.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary & targeted annual bonus scheme.
- Generous Boden clothing allowance.
- 30% discount on all current clothing ranges.
- 25 days Holiday annually, plus Bank Holidays.
- Online Portal with an array of discounts on retail & entertainment.
- Virtual GP Service for you and your household.
- Free onsite parking and subsidised cafe.
We want Boden to be the place everyone wants to work. Friendly, open and tolerant. A best-of-British company with diverse teams, equal opportunities, and fair working and recruitment practices. We believe in hiring the best person for the job whoever they are, helping them thrive in it and celebrating their individuality. We would like to encourage people from a diverse range of backgrounds to apply for our roles. If you need any reasonable adjustments or additional support during your application process, please do not hesitate to let us know.
Interim Buyer - Childrenswear 9 month FTC in London employer: FashionUnited Group
Boden is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture, where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a competitive salary, generous clothing allowance, and a commitment to employee growth through regular feedback and development opportunities, our North Acton office provides a vibrant environment for those passionate about childrenswear. We prioritise well-being with benefits like a virtual GP service and a focus on work-life balance, making Boden a truly rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Buyer - Childrenswear 9 month FTC in London
✨Get Your Foot in the Door Early
In retail, many temporary roles pop up during peak seasons, like Christmas or summer sales. Keep an eye on the calendars for these spikes and start scouting for opportunities a bit in advance. We can even help you stay sharp on your search!
✨Utilise Local Connections
Visit local shops in person and chat with managers about potential temporary openings. Many retail positions are filled by word-of-mouth, so don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation while you grab a coffee or do your weekly shopping!
✨Show Off Your Availability
Retail managers love flexibility! Make sure to highlight your availability in a casual chat or when you apply through our website. The more open you are to work varied shifts, the more likely they are to bring you on board—especially for temporary gigs!
✨Be Ready for On-the-Spot Interviews
When you walk into a shop, be prepared for the possibility of an on-the-spot interview. Dress comfortably but smartly, have a few key points about your experience ready, and be enthusiastic. Remember, it’s all about making that positive first impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Buyer - Childrenswear 9 month FTC in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you've got, whether it’s casual jobs or volunteer work. Employers want to see that you can interact well with customers, so think about any instances where you've gone the extra mile to help someone out.
Flexibility Is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary position, you should emphasise your flexibility in your application. Mention your availability clearly in your cover letter and CV—employers love knowing they can rely on you to work varied hours, especially during busy periods!
Keep It Short and Sweet:For temporary roles, we don’t need an essay! Keep your CV and cover letter concise, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills. Highlight any specific retail achievements, like sales targets met or product knowledge that demonstrates your eagerness to dive straight in.
Tailor Your Application to FashionUnited Group:Don’t forget to personalise your application for FashionUnited Group! Take a look at their values and product range, and if you’ve had previous experience with similar brands, mention that. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and have a good understanding of what they do.
How to prepare for a job interview at FashionUnited Group
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In retail, it's all about customer interaction, so be ready to share examples of how you've handled tough customer situations. We recommend thinking through a couple of scenarios before the interview where you went above and beyond to help a customer, as these can really make you stand out.
✨Brush Up on Product Knowledge
Temporary roles often have a steep learning curve because you'll need to pick up product knowledge fast. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the main products or services that FashionUnited Group offers, and if possible, try to understand their current promotions. It’ll give you the edge to engage customers effectively.
✨Flexibility is Key
Being in a temporary retail role means you may need to adapt quickly to different tasks or shifts. Be prepared to highlight your flexibility and willingness to take on varied responsibilities during the interview. Think of examples where you've had to juggle multiple tasks at once – that’ll show you're a great fit for the dynamic retail environment.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since retail roles often require collaboration, be ready to showcase your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you worked well with colleagues, especially in fast-paced situations. This will underline your ability to slot into the team at FashionUnited Group and contribute positively during your temporary stint.
