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- Tasks: Support the buying strategy for the Fragrance category and collaborate with various teams.
- Company: Fenwick, a historic family-owned department store group in the UK.
- Benefits: 33 days annual leave, birthday off, up to 25% discount, and hybrid working.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact in the beauty industry.
- Qualifications: Intermediate buying experience, strong analytical skills, and a passion for beauty products.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
Are you looking for a new challenge in a buying role? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our Beauty buying team as Assistant Buyer for the Fragrance category! We offer hybrid working between your home and our offices on Wigmore Street, Central London, offering a collaborative and innovative working space. We are also open to applicants based in Newcastle Upon Tyne to be based in our functional hub in our Newcastle Flagship store.
When you join Fenwick, you’ll receive:
- 33 days annual leave (inclusive of 8 bank holidays) and a buying holiday benefits scheme in which you are eligible to buy a further 5 days across the year.
- Your birthday off as an additional day annual leave – this can be taken any day within your birth month.
- Up to 25% discount in all Fenwick stores and fenwick.co.uk.
- ‘Perks’ - a great way to get Retail, Leisure & Hospitality discounts, exclusive deals, and cashback on a wide range of products.
- WeCare - 24/7 GP, wellbeing advice & support service.
- Hybrid Working (typically Thursday and Friday working from home).
About the Role
The Assistant Buyer plays a key role in delivering the buying strategy for the Fragrance category across Fenwick’s stores and online. Working closely with the Buyer and wider Buying & Merchandising teams, the role supports the development and implementation of commercially sound range plans that reflect the Fenwick brand, respond to market trends and meet the needs of local customers, with a clear focus on driving sales, margin and market share. The role is involved across the end-to-end buying process, including sourcing and developing product ranges, supporting supplier negotiations, analysing trading performance and managing stock and OTB effectively.
Through detailed trade analysis and strong attention to data, the Assistant Buyer helps identify opportunities for growth, improve efficiencies and reduce markdown risk, while ensuring ranges remain current, balanced and customer-focused. Collaboration is central to the role, working closely with Retail, Digital, Marketing, Logistics and support functions to deliver seasonal strategies, launches and promotional activity.
This role suits someone with intermediate buying experience in a multichannel retail environment, strong commercial awareness and analytical skills, and the confidence to build supplier relationships, contribute ideas and support continuous improvement within a fast-paced buying team.
What we are looking for in a candidate:
- Intermediate level experience in buying, and sales.
- A keen interest in Beauty products & Fragrance.
- Experience in developing product strategies and building business cases.
- Analytical with a keen ability to identify opportunities for efficiency and improvement.
- Negotiating and contracting skills.
- Intermediate communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills.
- Experience within a retail multichannel environment.
About Fenwick
Fenwick is rich with heritage and history and have been style pioneers since 1882 when our first store opened. We know luxury and are proud to remain the largest independent, family-owned group of department stores within the UK. We are on an exciting journey to exceed our customers' expectations and we are always on the lookout for new talent to join us. Our collaborative spirit unites a workforce of over 2,000 individuals across our stores, as well as in our support functions, encompassing Digital, Buying & Merchandising, IT, Finance, People, Customer Service teams, and our cherished restaurants and distribution centres.
In 2023 we launched our ‘Quiet No More’ campaign, enhancing our presence on the UK high street as well as our eCommerce website going from strength to strength. Together, we form the beating heart of Fenwick, driving forward our vision for excellence and innovation. Join us as we pave the way toward an even brighter tomorrow, where tradition meets transformation!
Assistant Buyer employer: Fenwick
Contact Detail:
Fenwick Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those already working at Fenwick. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research the latest trends in the fragrance market and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to Fenwick's buying strategy. Show them you're passionate about beauty products!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since the role involves supplier negotiations, think of scenarios where you can demonstrate your ability to strike a deal. Confidence is key, so get comfortable with your pitch.
✨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 Fenwick family. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Buyer role. Highlight your buying experience, especially in the Beauty and Fragrance categories, and showcase any relevant achievements that align with what we’re looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for Beauty products and your understanding of the market. Let us know why you want to join our team and how you can contribute to our buying strategy.
Show Off Your Analytical Skills: Since the role involves a lot of data analysis, don’t shy away from showcasing your analytical skills. Mention specific examples where you've identified opportunities for growth or improved efficiencies in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fenwick
✨Know Your Fragrance Facts
Brush up on your knowledge of fragrance categories, key brands, and current trends in the beauty industry. Being able to discuss popular scents or emerging brands will show your passion for the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've used data analysis in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've identified opportunities for growth or improved efficiencies. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute to the buying strategy effectively.
✨Practice Your Negotiation Techniques
Think of scenarios where you've successfully negotiated terms or built supplier relationships. Be ready to share these experiences, as strong negotiation skills are crucial for the Assistant Buyer role.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since collaboration is key in this role, prepare examples of how you've worked with different teams in the past. Highlight your communication and relationship-building skills to show that you're a team player who can thrive in a fast-paced environment.
