At a Glance
- Tasks: Support product development and manage supplier relationships in a dynamic buying team.
- 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: Diverse and supportive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and make an impact in the fashion industry.
- Qualifications: Experience as an Assistant Buyer with strong communication and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ 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 Senior 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, 0-1 working from home.
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.
- Understand the Boden brand and the customer in all trading regions and regularly monitor and analyse competitors’ prices and activities.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the Buying cycle.
- Support in the creation of a robust seasonal Framework.
- Support the buyer to build a balanced range which is commercial, customer focused and on brand considering all trading markets.
- Understand cost and fabric prices required, set target prices and negotiate with suppliers to meet the required target margin with support of the Buyers.
- Oversee the management of the critical path process to achieve key dates, taking appropriate actions to avoid delays or air shipment.
- 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.
- Ensure development packs and samples meet the deadlines set out in the company.
- Attend fit sessions to deputise for the Junior Buyer/Buyer when required, ensuring all styles deliver the best fit and flatter, considering; core blocks, customer reviews, fabrics.
- Manage the Admin Assistant ensuring they meet deadlines, and work to the quality standards required.
- Hold weekly 121’s with your Admin Assistant, coach and develop within their role.
- 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 your Admin Assistant.
- Set up production BOM’s and ensure all information is accurate before placing orders with suppliers.
- Support your manager by working at pace and ensure deadlines are met.
- Manage your own workload and priorities and oversee your Admin Assistants.
- Ensure decisions are made quickly and speak up if something goes wrong.
What We Are Looking For
- Established Assistant Buyer experience.
- Passionate about a career in Buying.
- Be creative and have a keen eye for detail.
- Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
- Experience collaborating with teams.
- Be organised, adaptable and enjoy a challenge.
- Clear communication skills.
- Good problem-solving and time management skills.
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 annual, 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, understanding and supportive. 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.
Senior Assistant Buyer - Womenswear 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 a Wholesale Assistant Merchandiser, you'll enjoy competitive salaries, generous clothing allowances, and a supportive environment that encourages personal and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity, Boden is the ideal place for those looking to thrive in a meaningful and rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Assistant Buyer - Womenswear in London
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like J P Boden & Co, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like J P Boden & Co!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Assistant Buyer - Womenswear in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at J P Boden & Co, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at J P Boden & Co and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show J P Boden & Co that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at J P Boden & Co
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
