At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to drive creative and commercial success in fashion buying.
- Company: Join NEXT Wholly Owned Brands, a leader in innovative fashion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that celebrates individuality and encourages innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fashion industry while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in fashion buying and strong leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
At NEXT Wholly Owned Brands, we’re a collective of London-based fashion and lifestyle brands. From our beginnings with Lipsy in 1998, to becoming part of the UK’s largest fashion retailer, NEXT, in 2008. We’ve evolved into a group of bold, design-led brands, each with its unique identity. At the heart of our business is a passionate team driven by creativity, innovation, and a shared ambition to deliver exceptional results. We foster a culture where individuality is celebrated, curiosity is encouraged, and challenging the status quo is part of how we grow.
Friends Like These is for the go-getter - she’s strong, feminine and always on the move, so we offer her a gorgeous wardrobe line-up she can bank on every time.
Role Purpose
As Buying Manager, you will support the Buying Director in driving the creative and commercial direction of the brand across multiple categories. You will lead a high-performing team to develop a superb product offering that drives the overall profitability of the brand.
Role Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Commercial Performance
- Drive commercial performance by developing and delivering short- and long-term brand objectives focused on profit, margin, and growth.
- Maximise profitability through strategic decisions on product direction, category innovation, pricing, sourcing and intake.
- Demonstrate high-level strategic awareness, understanding how departmental decisions impact different channels and overall company objectives.
- Challenge and improve existing processes, contributing innovative ideas to evolve buying strategies and streamline operations.
- Range Planning & Product Development
- Oversee the planning and structure of the range in collaboration with Merchandising and Design, ensuring a balanced, customer-focused offer.
- Incorporate global fashion trends, market dynamics, and customer insights into commercially viable and trend-led collections.
- Monitor and react to performance by reviewing sales and product data to identify opportunities for repeats, cancellations, or future optimisations.
- Identify & implement new product categories that could enhance the brand's current range and offer.
- Supplier & Stakeholder Management
- Oversee the sourcing and management of suppliers, assessing capability, supporting buying with supplier issues & finding solutions.
- Lead buyers to strategically plan production & fabric booking to optimise cost prices & lead times.
- Manage buyers to ensure ethical, timely, and quality production while maintaining existing relationships and encouraging new partnerships.
- Build strong cross-functional relationships with Marketing, PR, Creative & Technical teams to align commercial and creative goals.
- Collaborate across the wider business to share insights on trends and competitor behaviour to influence broader strategy.
- Team Leadership
- Lead and develop the buying team by managing workloads, delegating effectively, and setting clear objectives.
- Conduct regular performance reviews to drive capability, engagement, and accountability within the team.
- Mentor and motivate others, identifying and nurturing talent while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Technical Requirements
- Experienced Buying Manager with experience in a similar fashion retailer.
- Multi-category womenswear experience.
- Strategic, commercial, and innovative thinker.
- Deep knowledge of fashion trends and market dynamics.
- Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing abilities.
- Leadership skills to motivate and develop teams.
- Adaptable, organised, and results-driven with a focus on growth and margin improvement.
Buying Manager 12 month FTC (Friends Like These) in London employer: Next Careers
At NEXT Wholly Owned Brands, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions creativity and innovation within a vibrant London-based environment. Our culture celebrates individuality and encourages personal growth, offering employees the opportunity to lead high-performing teams and make impactful decisions in the dynamic fashion industry. With a commitment to professional development and a collaborative atmosphere, we empower our team members to thrive and contribute to our shared success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Manager 12 month FTC (Friends Like These) in London
✨Get in with Local Boutiques
Fashion isn't just about the big names; local boutiques are often on the lookout for temporary staff, especially during busy seasons. Pop in with your CV and a smile, chat with the staff, and show genuine interest – it can lead to an on-the-spot opportunity or, at the very least, a good contact!
✨Leverage Fashion Events
Fashion shows and local events are goldmines for networking. Attend as many as you can! Strike up conversations with fellow attendees, designers, or even models – you never know who might have a lead on temporary roles that aren't advertised yet.
✨Utilise Social Media Like a Pro
Follow brands and influencers in the fashion-apparel industry on social media. Engage with their content and stay updated on their hiring announcements. Many companies post about temporary positions on their Instagram or Twitter, so keep your eyes peeled!
✨Check Out Our Site for Temp Roles
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website for temp roles at companies like Next Careers. We regularly update our listings, and your best shot at landing something is to jump on it as soon as it drops – so keep checking!
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Manager 12 month FTC (Friends Like These) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Style:In the fashion-apparel world, creativity and personal style are key! Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique take on fashion—add a touch of personality, maybe even a mood board if you’re feeling adventurous. This is your chance to show how you’d fit into Next Careers's vibe!
Highlight Relevant Experience:For a temporary role, experience is everything. If you've worked in retail, styling, or even as a personal shopper, make sure to highlight that in your application. We want to see how your past experiences can benefit Next Careers during this short-term stint!
Include a Portfolio of Your Work:If you’ve got a portfolio—whether that's photos of your styling or designs—attach it! We love to see what you're capable of. It’s a great way to stand out, especially in temporary roles where you might need to make a quick impact at Next Careers.
Emphasise Your Adaptability:Temporary roles often require juggling different tasks and adapting to changing needs. In your application, mention instances where you’ve showcased flexibility and quick learning. Showing that you’re ready to jump right in will surely catch our eye at Next Careers.
How to prepare for a job interview at Next Careers
✨Show Off Your Style
In the fashion-apparel world, your personal style can speak volumes. Make sure to express your fashion sense in your outfit and show off any unique pieces that represent your style while keeping it professional. This gives the interviewers a glimpse of your creativity and flair.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
For a temporary role, it'll be essential to demonstrate your skills quickly. Have a well-curated portfolio that showcases your previous work, whether it's designs, styling, or merchandising. Be prepared to talk through your thought process and the impact your work has had in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Trend Talk
Expect questions about current fashion trends and how they relate to the brand Next Careers. Being able to discuss recent runway looks, sustainable practices, or trending colours will show your knowledge of the industry and that you’re up-to-date with what's happening in fashion.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
In a temporary position, demonstrating that you can hit the ground running is key. Share experiences from previous roles where you've quickly adapted to new trends or tackled fast-paced environments. Your ability to be flexible shows that you're ready to contribute from day one!
