At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Menswear team as a Buying Assistant and bring collections to life.
- Company: Be part of the UK's largest employee-owned business, John Lewis.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for career growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make your mark in British fashion while thriving in a dynamic retail setting.
- Qualifications: Passion for retail and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 38900 £ per year.
Join our Menswear Own Brand Clothing team as a Buying Assistant and take ownership of the processes that bring our collections to life. Managing complex milestones, competitor analysis and range building activities, you will be pivotal in ensuring our assortment is right-first-time. We’re looking for a collaborative individual with a strong understanding of own brand product development and the communication skills to influence stakeholders at every level. If you have an innate passion for retail and the agility to thrive in a fast-paced, design-led environment, this is your chance to put your stamp on a British fashion icon.
Salary: £28,000.00 - 38,900.00 per annum, up to £31,000 per annum depending on skill and/or experience
Contract type: Permanent
Hours and location of the role: 35 hours per week, hybrid working role. The normal place of work is our London Central Office in Pimlico, with a minimum expectation of 3 days per week in the office.
Key responsibilities:
- Managing milestones and adhering to standard processes
- Supporting, buying and executing the administrative tasks required across critical path management, pricing, range building, marketing, and trading activities for your assigned category
- Taking responsibility for the complete competitor and assortment analysis, working with supplier and internal teams to collate and deliver events, marketing activities, samples (range building and assortment reviews)
- Executing work in a right first time and accurate manner, flexing to the ebb and flow of seasonal demands
Essential skills and/or experience you’ll need:
- Strong working knowledge of product development processes in respective category area
- Communicating, influencing and negotiating with a wide range of stakeholders
- Excellent time management/prioritisation skills and approach to tasks in a project/milestone outlook
- Experience of working with range plans, critical path and assortment review and marketing nomination processes
- Demonstrates an innate passion for and understanding of Retail
Desirable skills and/or experience you may have:
- Experience in a Buying office or a Buying qualification would be an advantage
- Experience of using JL systems/tools - Range plan, Product Hub, Step, Google Suite
About The Partnership: We’re the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees, we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify, holding true to our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect.
Important points to note: Some roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks). We occasionally close vacancies early in the event of a high volume of applications, so we recommend applying early. We support flexible working to ensure a good work-life balance.
Buying Assistant - Menswear Own Brand (Hybrid Role) employer: John Lewis & Partners
Join a dynamic team at one of the UK's largest employee-owned businesses, where your contributions as a Buying Assistant will directly impact our iconic menswear collections. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation, you'll thrive in a supportive work culture that values diversity and personal growth, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of our London Central Office in Pimlico. We offer competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to work-life balance, making this an exceptional opportunity for those passionate about retail.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Assistant - Menswear Own Brand (Hybrid Role)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their values, products, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those virtual interviews! Practice common questions and have examples ready that showcase your skills in product development and stakeholder communication. Confidence is key, so rehearse until you feel ready to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Assistant - Menswear Own Brand (Hybrid Role)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Retail:Let your love for retail shine through in your application! Share specific examples of how you've engaged with the industry, whether it's through previous roles, personal projects, or even just your shopping experiences. We want to see that you truly care about what you do.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience with product development processes and any relevant skills that align with the job description. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their background to what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make your skills and experiences easy to read. We value clarity, so don’t be afraid to show us what you can do without fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis & Partners
✨Know Your Product Development
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of product development processes, especially in menswear. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to range building and assortment analysis, as this will show your understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully influenced stakeholders in previous roles. This could be through negotiations or presentations. The ability to communicate effectively is key in this position, so highlight your experience in this area.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Retail
Express your enthusiasm for the retail industry during the interview. Share any personal experiences or insights that showcase your passion for fashion and how it drives your work ethic. This will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your time management and prioritisation skills. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage multiple tasks or adapt to changes quickly. Prepare to explain your thought process and how you ensure accuracy in your work.
