At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the buying strategy for Womenswear, driving sales and market share.
- Company: Fenwick, a historic family-owned department store with a passion for fashion.
- Benefits: 33 days annual leave, birthday off, up to 25% discount, and wellness support.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape a trend-led Womenswear offering and make a real impact in fashion.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in Womenswear Buying, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for fashion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you a driven and experienced Buyer with a passion for fashion, looking for an opportunity to truly shape a market-leading Womenswear offering? If so, this could be the perfect role for you.
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.
About the Role
We’re looking for an experienced Womenswear Buyer to lead the strategy and execution of Fenwick’s Womenswear category across all stores and online. This role is central to driving sales, profitability and market share, delivering a compelling, trend-led assortment that reflects the Fenwick brand while meeting the needs of our customers.
You’ll own the end-to-end buying process, from range planning and supplier negotiations through to trading, launches and seasonal strategies. With a strong commercial eye, you’ll identify emerging fashion trends and new brand opportunities, optimise margins and stock performance, and build trusted, long-term partnerships with key suppliers. Data-led insight and intuition will underpin decision-making as you analyse performance and identify opportunities for growth.
Working closely with Retail, Digital, Marketing and support teams, you’ll help shape a customer-first Womenswear offer that drives engagement and inspiration both in-store and online. This role suits a buyer with proven womenswear buying experience, strong influencing skills and a passion for fashion, storytelling and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
What we are looking for in a candidate...
- 3+ years’ experience in Womenswear Buying
- A sharp eye for product and emerging trends
- Proven commercial acumen and negotiation expertise
- Strong supplier relationships and the confidence to influence at all levels
- A data-driven yet intuitive approach to decision-making
- Experience in developing product strategies and building business cases
- The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
- A passion for innovation, storytelling, and customer experience
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!
Buyer in London employer: Fenwick
Fenwick is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the ecommerce sector. With hybrid working options in the heart of Central London, employees enjoy extensive annual leave, staff discounts, and ample opportunities for professional growth, making it a rewarding place to advance your career while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the fashion industry, especially those who work at Fenwick or similar companies. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for fashion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to share your insights on current trends and how they relate to Fenwick’s brand. This will demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Fenwick’s Womenswear offerings. Familiarise yourself with their latest collections and think about how you would approach buying for them. This will help you stand out as someone who’s genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Fenwick team. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buyer role. Highlight your experience in Womenswear Buying and any relevant achievements that showcase your commercial acumen and trend awareness. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to Fenwick!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're passionate about fashion and how you can shape our Womenswear offering. Share your story, your vision, and what excites you about this opportunity at Fenwick. Let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since we value a data-driven approach, make sure to mention any experience you have with analysing performance metrics or using data to inform buying decisions. We love candidates who can blend intuition with insight!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the Fenwick family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fenwick
✨Know Your Fashion Trends
As a Buyer, it's crucial to stay ahead of the curve. Research current and emerging fashion trends before your interview. Be ready to discuss how these trends can influence Fenwick's Womenswear offerings and share your insights on what could resonate with their customers.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. Fenwick values strong supplier relationships, so be ready to demonstrate how your negotiation expertise has positively impacted margins and stock performance in your previous roles.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Familiarise yourself with data analysis tools and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform your buying decisions. Fenwick is looking for someone who can blend intuition with data-led insights, so come equipped with examples of how you've identified opportunities for growth through analysis.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Fenwick thrives on collaboration across various teams. Highlight your experience working with Retail, Digital, and Marketing teams to create compelling product strategies. Share specific instances where your collaborative efforts have led to successful launches or improved customer experiences.
