At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in managing the buying department and collaborate with teams to develop amazing products.
- Company: Boden, a stylish and inclusive brand that values collaboration and fun.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous clothing allowance, 30% discount, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Friendly and diverse workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and make an impact in the fashion industry.
- Qualifications: Passion for buying, creativity, and strong communication 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 in London employer: J P Boden & Co
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 empowered to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer in London
✨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 insights that might just land you that Assistant Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research Boden’s values and products, and think about how your skills align with their mission. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do mock interviews with you. Focus on clear communication and problem-solving scenarios related to buying. This will help you feel more confident when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Boden family. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer in London
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 that you’re excited about the role and the brand. Share why you love Boden and how you can contribute to our stylish and uplifting culture.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills without waffling. Use bullet points if it helps to keep things organised!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Assistant Buyer role. Refer to specific responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description, like your experience with supplier communication or managing deadlines. Show us you’ve done your homework!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at J P Boden & Co
✨Know Your Product
Before the interview, dive deep into Boden's product lines, especially in Childrenswear and Womenswear. Familiarise yourself with their styles, quality standards, and target margins. This will not only show your passion for the role but also help you discuss how you can contribute to the team.
✨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 what they’re looking for.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in past roles and how you resolved them. Whether it’s managing deadlines or negotiating with suppliers, showing that you can think on your feet and offer solutions will impress your interviewers.
✨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 is crucial for an Assistant Buyer.
