Assistant Buyer in Milton Keynes

High Wycombe, office-based c. 4 days per week.

Mint Velvet began when founders Liz Houghton and Lisa Agar-Rea set out to create an unfailingly chic collection of contemporary, great quality staples and elevated fits that they felt were missing from their wardrobes. Feeling frustrated that they couldn’t find anything they wanted to wear, or the great customer service they craved, they started fusing relaxed comfort with glamorous yet wearable fashion trends. Relaxed Glamour was born.

As collaborative creatives, we take untold pride in our work, designing with heart and soul. We want to be a force for good and are committed to becoming a more circular and responsible business, from the fabrics we choose to our considered processes. We are an agile and growing business, and we work hard to create an environment which allows for growth and progression, balanced with the support and flexibility needed to meet the challenge of a high-performance culture.

Our leadership teams and founders sit amongst the teams and encourage a culture of balance and passion. MV is a very special place, and our values are anchored by three main pillars: people, planet, and community.

Our Values:

• With Soul.
• Courage & Resilience.
• Passion & Drive.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit.
• Collaborative.

To join our vibrant and fast-growing business as an Assistant Buyer, you will demonstrate an authentic creative passion and eye for product and emerging trends, proactive in seeking out your own inspiration. You have the ability to think both creatively and logically, processing information from a range of sources while keeping an eye on the bigger picture. You have strong commercial awareness and financial understanding, as well as affinity with product.

You’ll be a confident communicator, who takes a collaborative approach, focusing on building strong relationships. You will be resilient, adaptable and open to constructive feedback. You demonstrate courage to back your decision, try new things and challenge where necessary. You are excited to learn the business from its heart, developing the commercial thinking and creative flair to help you develop and buy the season’s must-haves. You are naturally curious in your approach and focus on solutions not problems and you consistently role model our Mint Velvet brand values.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Sourcing, developing and buying a commercial range that maximises sales and profit with your Senior Buyer.
• Having a clear understanding of the MV customer and brand handwriting, as well as demonstrating knowledge of what our competitors are doing on the high street.
• Taking responsibility and ownership of your area, demonstrating your influence on the range build.
• Maintaining and developing strong relationships within the Buying & Merchandising teams and Suppliers.
• Managing the upkeep of critical path.
• Managing the smooth running of fit sessions.
• Preparing and presenting weekly department performance and delivery schedule meetings.
• Attending Supplier meetings and ensure these are documented and followed through.
• Reviewing bulk independently and drive decision making.
• Sample management.
• Preparing for Shoots, ensuring your product is styled to get the best shot of your range.
• Independently analysing Trade reports, discussing key points and actions with your Buyer.
• Source and select trims for Buyer’s approval.

You’ll be rewarded with:

• Competitive starting salary and great career prospects in a fast-paced and growing business.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Company-funded private health insurance.
• Discretionary bonus scheme.
• 50% staff discount.
• Interest-free Season ticket loan.
• Bespoke induction support and ongoing development to help you thrive in your new role.
• Summer hours - 3pm finishes every Friday throughout June, July & August.
• A welcoming and inspiring work environment - social activities, an early finish on pay day and more.