At a Glance
- Tasks: Support buying processes and manage key administrative tasks across various product categories.
- Company: Join an iconic brand with a vibrant culture and diverse product range.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment with a focus on collaboration.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and make an impact in the retail industry.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of product development and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 31000 £ per year.
About the role
Are you passionate about a career in Buying? Do you want to work for an iconic brand across a range of categories? Are you great at building relationships with suppliers and internal teams? If so, this may be just the job for you. We are recruiting a number of permanent Buying Assistants across various categories including:
- Fashion - Direct to Customer and Men's Own Brand
- Home - Textiles: Made to measure fabrics
Expected salary: up to £31,000 per annum depending on experience
Contract type: This is a permanent role
Location: This is a hybrid working role. The normal place of work for this role is our London Central Office in Pimlico. The expectation is a minimum of 3 days per week in the office as team collaboration is critical in this role - core days will vary across teams
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)
- You will take pride in executing work in a right first time and accurate manner. You will be able to flex to the ebb and flow of seasonal demands, including supporting additional categories as the need arises
Essential skills/experience you'll need:
- Strong working knowledge of product development processes - in respective category areas; Home and Fashion
- Communicating, influencing and negotiating with a wide range of stakeholders
- Excellent time management/prioritisation skills and approach to tasks in a project/milestone outlook - planning and reviewing work regularly and adapting to change
- 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/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
Buying Assistant: Various Categories in London employer: John Lewis & Partners
Join a dynamic team at our iconic London Central Office in Pimlico, where collaboration and innovation thrive. As a Buying Assistant, you'll benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, alongside competitive salaries and the flexibility of hybrid working. With opportunities to engage with various categories and build strong relationships with suppliers and internal teams, this role offers a meaningful career path in the vibrant retail sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Assistant: Various Categories in London
✨Get Down to the Fashion Events
Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like John Lewis & Partners!
✨Join Fashion-Focused Communities
Become a part of online fashion communities on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Participate in discussions and share your insights on trends or your personal style journey. It’s a great way to get noticed by brands looking to fill positions, including John Lewis & Partners.
✨Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio
Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for John Lewis & Partners.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at John Lewis & Partners!
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Assistant: Various Categories in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at John Lewis & Partners.
Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to John Lewis & Partners!
Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at John Lewis & Partners. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis & Partners
✨Showcase Your Style Portfolio
For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!
✨Know the Latest Trends and Brands
Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills
In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Dress the Part
This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!
