Buyer: Swimwear, Beachwear and Soft Accessories

About the Role

Are you a highly accomplished fashion buyer ready to lead the ultimate dual‑season destination category? We are looking for an experienced buyer to take ownership of our swimwear, beachwear and soft accessories (gloves, scarves and hats) portfolio. From statement resort wear to winter essentials, this is an assortment of high strategic importance. Partnering with Merchandising, you will analyse multi‑channel market data to translate global holiday trends into a distinctive own‑brand and branded assortment, navigating complex supplier relationships and leading your team to commercial success.

Salary: £55,600 - £84,100 per annum (up to £65,000 depending on skill and experience). Contract type: Temporary, fixed‑term until June 2027. Hours: 35 per week. Location: London, Pimlico Head Office. Hybrid: Minimum of 3 days in the office per week.

Key Responsibilities

• Work at pace and agility within a collaborative environment with the Buying Manager, Merchandising, Design, Trading & Product Operations and Product Technology teams.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, brands and external teams.
• Be accountable for the commercial success of the product range through range planning and agile in‑season trading.
• Use up‑to‑date expert market knowledge to predict future dynamics.
• Build and maintain strong brand relationships, ensuring they adhere to required standards and terms.
• Manage product development, range planning, assortments, sourcing, brand positioning, price structure and margins in line with category and customer strategy.
• Make season trading and volume decisions with merchandising colleagues, including commercial terms and product lifecycle governance.
• Deputize for the Buying Manager when appropriate.
• Foster a collaborative, high‑performance team culture; lead and guide the buying team.
• Support the professional development of team members, ensuring a skilled and motivated workforce.
• Coach and develop the Buying Assistant team.
• Build product strategy with the Buying Manager (L5 level).
• Develop and buy market‑leading branded and own‑brand ranges, managing product lifecycle from launch to exit.
• Collaborate with the Merchandiser to prepare and share a Standardised Range Plan, hand over to Central Operations.
• Sign off product ranges and branch grading with the Buying Manager and Head of Buying as required.
• Propose Balance to Achieve across commercial KPIs for the assortment each month.
• Work and comply with all critical path requirements.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Extensive proven experience in own‑brand and branded buying.
• Experience developing products without design support.
• Experience with supplier‑led design.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience leading strategic commercial negotiations.
• In‑depth knowledge and expertise within the designated category, including product trends, customer preferences, and industry dynamics.
• Direct experience in range planning and product assortment development (highly desirable).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Swimwear category experience.

Additional Information

• Closing date: 21 June 2026.
• Job level: Partnership Level 6.
• Work hours: Monday to Friday, 9AM to 5:30PM.
• Where you’ll be working: London Central Office, 1 Drummond Gate, London, SW1V 2QQ.