At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the buying strategy for Denim, Outerwear, and Tailoring while maximising sales.
- Company: Join Lipsy, a vibrant brand that celebrates glamour and style.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid working style, competitive salary, and a focus on wellbeing.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we value unique backgrounds.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team shaping fashion trends and making an impact.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Buyer in womenswear and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Head Office, Tottenham Court Road, London
Working style: Hybrid
About Lipsy: Our Lipsy customer is a leading lady; a woman who never says no to a touch of glamour - and why would she, when the world is her catwalk.
About the role: We have an exciting opportunity for a talented Buyer to join our passionate and creative Lipsy Team. You will be responsible for proposing and gaining agreement on the business plan for the Denim, Outerwear, Tailoring department to create and deliver a profitable, commercial range that maximizes sales. This role ensures the product range achieves all profit parameters while providing leadership to the team to ensure skills are improved and performance is maximized.
Role Responsibilities
- Strategy & Range Planning: Plan the range according to future trends, taking into account range construction, pricing architecture, and seasonal variations. Collaborate with the Merchandiser and Designer to review and plan future supplier strategy, identifying sourcing requirements as needed. Continuously review customer profiles across all facets of the business—retail, web, franchise, and wholesale—to develop products accordingly. Create stories, palettes, and key items according to the Design and Buying Trend Critical Path. Negotiate prices and agree on supplier contracts to meet departmental targets.
- Product Quality & Brand Vision: Maintain ownership of OTB, option counts, and pricing structures. Place a high emphasis on product quality, working with Technical teams to analyze returns and take corrective action. Effectively communicate the Buying and Design vision to the wider company through Full Phase Reviews and the creation of style guides for VM. Present product samples in edit and selection meetings to gain commitment to range proposals.
- Trading & Supplier Management: Manage and attend weekly trade meetings, identifying late buys, missed opportunities, and reacting to sales. Regularly review the range with the Merchandiser to propose repeats, restyling, or cancellations based on commercial performance. Liaise with the supplier base to ensure sampling and cost prices are received on time to meet critical deadlines. Assess supplier capability to deliver on time and within price structures, conducting seasonal SWOT analyses and sourcing new suppliers when necessary. Build and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers to manage issues such as late deliveries, quality, and costs effectively.
- Team Leadership & Management: Inspire and provide leadership and training to ensure the team is developed and skills are improved. Manage resources and workload effectively, prioritizing workflow and conducting regular team reviews to meet deadlines. Coach and develop the team through regular performance appraisals, setting clear objectives and assessing individual performance.
Your Talent:
- Currently working at Buyer level for a womenswear brand
- Proven success at buying for your own area with expertise in the desired product category
- Proven experience in managing and developing a team
- Demonstrates passion and energy to be inspiring to others and deliver improved results
- Excellent communication skills and a high level of supplier management expertise
- Highly organized with the ability to plan ahead while remaining flexible and reactive to trade
- Strong commercial acumen and profit-focused mindset
Diversity & Inclusion: We recognise that our differences are what make us who we are. We want people to want to work for us and be their true selves. We are dedicated to attracting and developing a talent team, and recognise that all unique backgrounds and experiences contribute to our future success. We want to create an inclusive and inspiring environment where individuals feel valued and respected, and where people can achieve their full potential and be their very best, whoever they are.
Wellbeing: We believe that wellbeing is having the opportunity to achieve your full potential, cope with day to day pressures, be productive and thrive in all aspects of your life. We encourage a culture that promotes and enables us all to achieve positive wellbeing, by focusing on mental, physical and financial health.
Buyer - Denim, Outerwear, Tailoring (Lipsy) in London employer: Next Careers
Lipsy is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where creativity and collaboration thrive. Located in the heart of London, our hybrid working model offers flexibility while providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the fashion industry. We prioritise employee wellbeing and diversity, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer - Denim, Outerwear, Tailoring (Lipsy) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand Lipsy's brand vision and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you're not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about what you bring to the table as a Buyer. Highlight your experience in denim, outerwear, and tailoring, and how you can contribute to Lipsy's success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Lipsy team.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer - Denim, Outerwear, Tailoring (Lipsy) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Fashion:When you're writing your application, let your love for denim, outerwear, and tailoring shine through! We want to see how your passion aligns with our Lipsy brand and how you can bring that energy to the team.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience in buying and team management, and don’t forget to mention any successful projects you've led that relate to our product categories!
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Lipsy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Next Careers
✨Know Your Denim, Outerwear, and Tailoring
Before the interview, dive deep into the latest trends in denim, outerwear, and tailoring. Familiarise yourself with current market leaders and emerging brands. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to Lipsy's vision.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare examples of how you've maximised sales and profit margins in your previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented, such as pricing architecture or range planning, that have led to successful outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership Skills
Think of instances where you've inspired or developed a team. Be prepared to share how you've managed resources effectively and conducted performance appraisals. Highlight your coaching style and how it has positively impacted team performance.
✨Engage with Supplier Management Scenarios
Anticipate questions around supplier management and be ready to discuss how you've built strong relationships with suppliers. Share experiences where you've successfully navigated challenges like late deliveries or quality issues, showcasing your problem-solving skills.