Buyer/Product Developer in City of Westminster

A fantastic opportunity with a premium travel fashion brand for a 12 month FTC. As a Buyer/Product Developer, you will independently manage a product range. Lead the end‑to‑end product development process and collaborate closely with the Head of Product to develop a commercial, trend‑driven product selection that aligns with the brand vision, quality standards, target margins and timelines. You will be responsible for supplier relationships, monitoring performance, and working cross‑functionally to optimise product assortments. This role is well‑suited for someone with a strong foundation in buying, commercial acumen, and the capability to manage a product range independently while contributing to the broader team and brand goals.

Responsibilities

• Product Range Development
  • Lead development of clothing and bags collections from initial design concept through to production handover.
  • Range planning: develop a commercially viable product range in alignment with the brand's identity, customer needs, and seasonal trends.
  • Product selection: select products that meet quality, trend, and pricing expectations while catering to customer demand and market competitiveness.
  • Trend forecasting: actively monitor and analyse market trends, consumer preferences, and competitor activities to inform product selections.
• Supplier and Vendor Management
  • Supplier negotiation: maintain strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating prices, terms, and lead times to maximise profitability while ensuring quality and brand alignment.
  • Factory liaison: allocate styles based on supplier expertise, product complexity, and lead time constraints.
  • Quality assurance: oversee product specifications and quality requirements, collaborating with suppliers to ensure standards are met.
  • Supplier performance tracking: organise and lead regular communication with suppliers to troubleshoot technical challenges and maintain development timelines, continuously evaluating quality, flexibility, delivery and cost.
• Critical Path & Calendar Management
  • Seasonal calendar: own and manage the seasonal critical path across development, working closely with production teams to ensure timely progression through all stages.
  • Critical path management: provide regular calendar and critical path updates to internal stakeholders, identify risks and proactively propose solutions to maintain schedule.
• Sales and Market Analysis
  • Product performance review: analyse sales data, stock levels, and profitability metrics to identify and capitalise on bestsellers while addressing underperforming items.
  • Sales forecasting: collaborate with merchandising to ensure accurate forecasts, manage stock levels and reduce markdown risks.
  • Customer insights: use customer feedback and sales data to adjust the product range and improve product offerings based on preferences.
• Strategic and Commercial Planning
  • Profitability focus: make decisions that drive profitability through careful consideration of cost, pricing strategy, markdowns, and promotional activities.
  • Seasonal planning: assist in planning for upcoming seasons, coordinating with design and merchandising to ensure timely product launches and stock availability.
  • Forward thinking: take a strategic approach to the product range, balancing short‑term goals with longer‑term objectives.
• Collaboration and Communication
  • Cross‑departmental collaboration: work closely with merchandising, design and marketing teams to align product offerings with the company's objectives.
  • Range presentations: prepare and present product ranges to the Head of Buying and senior management, justifying selections based on data and trend analysis.
  • Team coordination: manage Product Assistant within the team, ensuring high standards of execution, clear workflow delegation and professional development.
• Operational and Administrative Support
  • Inventory oversight: oversee stock levels and manage reordering decisions based on sales performance and forecasts.
  • System management: maintain accurate product records in buying systems, handling orders, product specifications and relevant documentation.
  • Sample management: coordinate product samples for reviews, sign‑offs and presentations.

Qualifications

• Experience: 3‑5 years' experience in product development, with proven experience as a Buyer, and a strong focus on clothing and/or accessories.
• Product and trend knowledge: in‑depth knowledge of clothing and accessories products, materials and trends, with the ability to identify products that align with customer needs and brand identity.
• Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple timelines and priorities.
• Analytical and commercial skills: strong analytical abilities to interpret sales data, recognise trends and make data‑driven decisions that enhance profitability.
• Communication and negotiation: excellent negotiation skills with the ability to build and maintain supplier relationships and work collaboratively with internal teams.
• Organisational skills: ability to manage multiple projects, prioritise effectively and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Leadership and development: ability to guide and mentor Product Assistant, supporting their development and providing direction.
• Technical skills: proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with buying and retail management systems.
• Travel: willingness to travel to suppliers and trade fairs when required. Conduct regular factory visits to maintain production standards and timelines.