At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and manage exciting product ranges while collaborating with designers and suppliers.
- Company: Join a leading fashion retailer known for its innovative approach and dynamic team.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a Google-powered workspace with a supportive team of industry experts.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-paced environment where your creativity can shine and make an impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying, strong analytical skills, and a passion for fashion trends.
The predicted salary is between 38700 - 47300 £ per year.
Working Pattern: Typically 5 days in the office, with core hours flexible between 8am-6pm.
The role involves developing a commercially successful product range by building strong relationships with suppliers and analysing data to plan across all categories. Collaboration with designers and merchandisers is key to this process. Utilising specialist functions like product technology and sourcing, the aim is to create outstanding products. Working closely with the e-commerce team, optimisation of online sales through tone of voice, imagery, and other tools is essential. Liaison with the Marketing team for campaign and e-commerce shoots within department budgets is crucial. Managing the critical path for product development and selection, and swiftly identifying new product opportunities are priorities. Effective team management, resource delegation, and motivation are central to success. Frequent travel is required to source the best products and prices, with regular sign-off on ranges.
With our online business constantly growing, Total Platform continuing to strengthen and our retail stores remaining distinguished for our customer base, our buyers have a big responsibility to create attractive and profitable product ranges across the business. They collaborate with our Designers, Merchandisers and Technologists to put together stylish new collections for every season. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Buyer to join the team. This team is full of industry experts who live and breathe all things Womenswear! Our Womenswear team has years of experience in the industry! This role will be a platform for an experienced, self-motivated Buyer to embrace the challenge of starting and nurturing a successful and very fast-paced department from the start. You will be responsible for planning and buying the product, delivering agreed KPIs for sales, markdown and profit. The job would be based in our Enderby office, Leicester.
The role requires the ability to manage multiple product ranges effectively and a clear understanding of brand DNA. You should ideally be an experienced buyer with strong analytical and planning skills. You should be able to easily identify the latest trends for this category and have a comprehensive understanding of the market competition. An in-depth knowledge of our industry is essential. A proven track record in identifying opportunities to streamline the critical path and trade ranges in-season is crucial. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary for effective collaboration. An enthusiastic attitude and a team-player mindset are valued attributes in this role. We would ideally like to bring in a Buyer with expert knowledge in this industry.
Candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship for this role will be required to meet the Home Office sponsorship requirements. We encourage early applications for our roles, as our recruitment process begins as soon as the role is advertised. If we successfully fill the position, this advert may close earlier than planned.
At NEXT, we believe the best work happens when there are no barriers to collaboration. That’s why we are a Google-powered workspace. From your very first day, you’ll be using the full Google Workspace suite; Docs, Drive, and Meet, to stay connected and move fast. If your previous experience is rooted in other software suites, don’t worry! We’ll point you to a digital Google toolkit the moment you join, packed with handy guides and insider tips to help you transition smoothly and hit the ground running.
Buyer in Leicester employer: Next Careers
At Victoria’s Secret, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where teamwork and passion for customer service thrive. Our Sales Associates enjoy flexible shifts, comprehensive training, and opportunities for personal growth in a supportive environment, all while being part of a globally recognised brand that values creativity and innovation. Located in Exeter, our store provides a unique chance to engage with customers in a dynamic setting, making every day rewarding and enjoyable.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Leicester
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Next Careers, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Next Careers!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Next Careers, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Next Careers and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Next Careers that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Next Careers
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!