At a Glance
- Tasks: Support product development and manage supplier relationships in a dynamic buying team.
- Company: Boden, a stylish and inclusive brand with a fun culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous clothing allowance, discounts, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Flexible working with a mix of office and remote work.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and make an impact in the fashion industry.
- Qualifications: Passion for buying, attention to detail, and teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Stylish, grounded, uplifting - these values live through everything we do at Boden. Without the collaboration, honesty and friendship between our teams, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We curate a world of beauty that’s ethical, inclusive - and importantly - good fun. We inspire you to live your best life. We are Boden.
The Assistant Buyer reports to the Buyer and they are responsible for assisting to manage the department. This includes management of the Admin Assistant, negotiation, supplier communication, overseeing the department critical path and systems admin to ensure deadlines are met.
Location: 4/5 days per week at our North Acton office, the rest working from home. We have two Assistant Buyer vacancies, one on Childrenswear and one on Womenswear.
What You Will Do
- Support the development of our amazing product working closely with internal teams and suppliers.
- Work closely with the Designers, Techs and Merchandisers to ensure the designs align with the Product Framework and are a balanced wearable offer meeting quality standards and margin targets.
- Understand cost and fabric prices required, set target prices and negotiate with suppliers to meet the required target margin.
- Support the Admin Assistant with the Critical Path, ensuring they meet deadlines, and work to the quality standards required.
- Ensure deliveries are on time and delays are communicated in a timely manner and solutions offered.
- Set up order confirmation sheets and communicate to suppliers.
- Support the Admin Assistant with lap dip, trim, and bulk approvals/rejections in line with the critical path.
- Ensure development packs and samples meet the deadlines set out in the company critical path.
- Manage trigger and repeat dates with suppliers.
- Attend weekly fit sessions and understand how fit amendments can affect garment prices and the critical path, flag concerns and find solutions.
- Manage and keep up to date liable fabric and holdings alongside your Buyer.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with the supply base and internal teams to ensure smooth running of the department.
- Keep systems up to date and accurate at all times with the help of the Admin Assistant.
- Set up production BOM’s and ensure all information is accurate before placing orders with suppliers.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with all cross functional teams.
- Support your manager by working at pace and ensure deadlines are met.
- Manage your own workload and priorities and oversee the Admin Assistants.
- Raise in advance if deadlines cannot be met.
- Ensure decisions are made quickly and speak up if something goes wrong.
What We Are Looking For
- Passionate about a career in Buying.
- Be creative and have a keen eye for detail.
- Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
- Experience of being part of a team.
- Some retail or administrative experiences.
- Be organised, adaptable and enjoy a challenge.
- Clear communication skills.
- Good problem-solving skills.
- Great time management.
- Ability to multitask.
- Ability to work independently.
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 café.
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.
Assistant Buyer employer: J.P. Boden & Co. Limited
At Boden, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that values collaboration, honesty, and friendship. As an Assistant Buyer in our North Acton office, you'll enjoy a competitive salary, generous clothing allowance, and a supportive environment that encourages personal and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity, Boden is dedicated to ensuring every employee feels valued and inspired to thrive.
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 who work at Boden or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Boden’s values and products. Show us how your passion for buying aligns with our stylish and ethical approach. Bring examples of your creativity and problem-solving skills to the table!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it’s negotiating with suppliers or collaborating with teams, being clear and confident will make a great impression. We love candidates who can articulate their thoughts well.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who fit our culture and values.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for buying shine through! We want to see how excited you are about the role and the fashion industry. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your enthusiasm and creativity.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Buyer position. Highlight your skills in Excel and Microsoft Office, as well as any retail or administrative experience. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate honesty and clarity, so make sure your communication reflects that. Remember, we want to know who you are and what you can bring to our team!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and you’ll be on your way to joining our amazing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at J.P. Boden & Co. Limited
✨Know Your Product
Before the interview, dive deep into Boden's product range, especially in Childrenswear and Womenswear. Familiarise yourself with their styles, quality standards, and ethical practices. This will not only show your passion for the brand but also help you discuss how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Boden values collaboration and friendship among teams. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team environment. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve built strong relationships in previous roles, as this aligns perfectly with their culture.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in past roles and how you resolved them. Whether it was managing tight deadlines or negotiating with suppliers, showcasing your problem-solving abilities will resonate well with Boden’s emphasis on high standards and quick decision-making.
✨Be Organised and Adaptable
Boden is looking for someone who can manage their workload effectively. Bring examples of how you've prioritised tasks in a fast-paced environment. Discuss your time management strategies and how you adapt to changing circumstances, which will demonstrate your readiness for the Assistant Buyer role.
