At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development and manage supplier relationships in a fun, collaborative environment.
- Company: Boden, a stylish and inclusive brand that values teamwork and creativity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous clothing allowance, 30% discount, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Flexible working with a mix of office and remote work, plus excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team and make a real impact in the childrenswear market.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or children's wear, strong communication, and team management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Stylish, grounded, uplifting – these values live through everything we do at Boden. Without collaboration, honesty and friendship between our teams, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We curate a world of beauty that is ethical and inclusive, and we aim to make work good fun. We inspire you to live your best life.
The Buyer is responsible for managing their own department and reporting to the Buying Manager. This role includes managing the team, developing the range in line with concept and strategy, meeting margin targets, and managing the supply base to create amazing products that meet Boden quality standards.
Location: 4–5 days per week at our North Acton office, the rest working from home. The desired start is mid‑July 2026 with a finish in early May 2027.
What You Will Do- Product Development – Drive the development of our product in close partnership with internal teams and suppliers, ensuring designs align with the Product Framework and meet quality and margin targets.
- Collaborate with Designers, Techs and Merchandisers from the start of development to keep the product on track.
- Coordinate with the Fabric team to set clear fabric price targets each season and stay updated on price fluctuations.
- Pre‑empt potential issues, propose solutions, and review development samples to confirm suppliers’ adherence to instructions.
- Deliver the sustainability roadmap.
- Supply Base – Create a supplier strategy that meets Boden’s needs each season, continuously evaluate opportunities and risks, and onboard new suppliers.
- Maximise negotiation skills to achieve each season’s target margin and identify key margin impact areas.
- Critical Path Management – Oversee the department critical path to ensure on‑time deliveries, escalating delays with solutions and communicating order confirmations to suppliers.
- Support the team in understanding quality needs and standards, ensuring development packs and samples meet deadlines and garments are fitted on time.
- Maintain and update fabric holdings and critical path dates in line with supplier commitments.
- Management – Manage the team to meet deadlines, build strong relationships with the supply base and internal teams, and hold weekly one‑on‑ones. Provide regular feedback, recognize talent, manage underperformance, and lead by example.
- Communication – Communicate clearly for quick decisions, recognise issues early, and avoid escalation. Escalate only when necessary.
- Systems – Ensure the team keeps PLM up to date, and production BOMs are accurate.
- Current Buyer or preferable experience in Children’swear categories (though not essential).
- Strong supplier management experience.
- Creativity and a keen eye for detail.
- Proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office.
- Experience managing a team.
- Some retail or administrative background is desirable.
- Organised, adaptable, strategic and enjoys a challenge.
- Clear communication and problem‑solving skills.
- Competitive salary and 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 discounts on retail and 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, and celebrating their individuality. We encourage applications from a diverse range of backgrounds. If you need any reasonable adjustments or additional support during your application process, please let us know.
Interim Buyer - Childrenswear 9 month FTC in East Grinstead 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 Interim 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 sustainability, Boden is the perfect place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the fashion industry while enjoying a fun and rewarding workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Buyer - Childrenswear 9 month FTC in East Grinstead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who have experience in childrenswear. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Boden’s values and product lines. Show us you’re not just a fit for the role but also for our culture. Bring your creativity to the table and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to our sustainability roadmap.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to manage suppliers effectively. Think of scenarios where you’ve successfully negotiated terms or resolved conflicts, and be ready to share those stories.
✨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 us you’re genuinely interested in joining the Boden family.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Buyer - Childrenswear 9 month FTC in East Grinstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Childrenswear:When you're writing your application, let your love for childrenswear shine through! Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your creativity and attention to detail in this area. We want to see how you can bring that passion to Boden.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, especially those related to supplier management and team leadership. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you're a great fit!
Highlight Your Teamwork Skills:Since collaboration is key at Boden, make sure to mention any experiences where you've successfully worked with others. Whether it's coordinating with designers or managing a team, we want to know how you foster strong relationships and drive results together.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and let us see what you’ve got!
How to prepare for a job interview at J.P. Boden & Co. Limited
✨Know Your Product
Before the interview, dive deep into Boden's current childrenswear range. Familiarise yourself with their styles, quality standards, and sustainability efforts. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how you can contribute to their product development.
✨Showcase Your Supplier Management Skills
Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed suppliers in the past. Highlight any negotiation successes or strategies you've implemented that led to improved margins. This will demonstrate your ability to create a supplier strategy that aligns with Boden’s needs.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Boden values collaboration, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked effectively with cross-functional teams in previous roles. Share instances where your communication skills helped resolve issues or kept projects on track, showcasing your ability to lead and support a team.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Think of potential challenges that might arise in the role, such as delays in the critical path or quality issues with suppliers. Prepare solutions or strategies you would implement to address these challenges. This will highlight your proactive approach and problem-solving skills.
