Department: Buying
Reports into: Global Design & Product Director
Location: Head Office, New Bond Street, London combined with remote working
Contract: Permanent, 4 days per week
WHO WE ARE
LK Bennett is a brand with a British heritage feel, born in the 90s, with our first boutique in Wimbledon. Our pieces are designed in our London HQ to be full of vibrant prints, iconic silhouettes and beautiful fabrics.
Since our beginnings, we’ve become well-loved thanks to our effortless, luxurious collections featuring ready-to-wear, shoes, bags and accessories. Known for our distinctly wearable style and luxury craftsmanship with high-quality production across Europe. Sourcing only the finest fabrics, including our signature silks from the Far East. We create investment pieces to love forever – only now, we inspire women to bring the extraordinary to the ordinary, everyday.
JOB ROLE
Working at LK Bennett is more than just a job; it’s a way of life and by becoming our Senior Buyer means you will be at the forefront of our luxury business. As a Senior Buyer you will bring to life our brand proposition and continue to nurture and ignite the love for our beautiful products, whilst being in one of the driving seats of a commercially successful business.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Working in collaboration with the Design, Merchandising and Technical departments, influence the development of an exciting and commercially viable range in accordance with the Buying strategy, seasonal fashion trends and the LK Bennett product philosophy.
- Continually challenge the range viability whilst ensuring it remains cohesive with the brand vision.
- Negotiate preferential contract terms ensuring budgeted sales, gross margin and profit targets are achieved, whilst managing supplier reliability and relationships.
- Resolve any development/supplier issues experienced within the product cycle, achieving the best result for the Company in any given risk scenario
- Manage and review the OTB to maximise the sales and profitability of the product ranges. Plan product category splits and Lessons learnt/ Seasonal Strategy.
- Progress, monitor and manage the range from concept to delivery into the Warehouse, keeping to the stringent critical path requirements.
- Provide detailed range and product information to all internal parties including Marketing, Retail, Press and Digital; participate in the development of product knowledge communications with these relevant business partners.
- Compile competitor data and activity and stay one step ahead using all available market analysis to identify trends, constantly assessing competitors to deliver an optimum product offer which exceeds customer expectations; Identify growth opportunities through assimilating fashion forecasting and market trends both UK and Internationally.
- Analyse product sell through, performance data and weekly line sales and spend OTB to maximise trading and limit risk accordingly.
- Manage, develop and motivate the buying team creating a collaborative and rewarding working experience.
WHO YOU ARE
- Outstanding planning and organisational skills
- Multi product and category experience on Clothing required.
- Resilient and flexible with a natural flair for trends and fabrics; product development experience and a deep understanding of fit and premium brand product development
- Commercially driven, with negotiating and influencing skills
- Well-travelled, with a solid understanding of supplier capabilities and Country specific fabric/product development specialities
- Ability to quickly interpret results and work within a fast-paced environment
- Excellent time management and able to prioritise workload
WHAT WE OFFER
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Day off on your birthday, to celebrate in style
- Ambassador & brand discounts as well as regular colleague sales
- Company pension
- Life Assurance
- Employee Assistance & Rewards Programme
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer - Ready to Wear in Slough
✨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 LK Bennett!
✨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 LK Bennett.
✨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 LK Bennett.
✨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 LK Bennett!
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 LK Bennett.
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 LK Bennett!
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 LK Bennett. 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 LK Bennett
✨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!
