At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the buying process for trend-forward womenswear, maximising sales and profitability.
- Company: Join a dynamic fashion collective with a culture of creativity and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, bonuses, flexible hours, and fantastic learning opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive environment that celebrates individuality and growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of fashion while inspiring a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Junior Buyer or Buyer in womenswear with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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.
Who are Love & Roses? Love & Roses is for the woman who isn’t afraid to push boundaries, she’ll set her own trend, with unique styles, playful prints and fabulous fabrics at her core.
Role Purpose
The Buyer is responsible for proposing and gaining agreement on the business plan for their department to create and deliver a profitable, commercial range that maximises 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 maximised.
Role Responsibilities
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Inspire and provide leadership and training to ensure the team is developed and skills are improved.
- Manage resources and workload effectively, prioritising 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.
Technical Requirements
- Currently working at a Junior Buyer or 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 organised with the ability to plan ahead while remaining flexible and reactive to trade.
- Strong commercial acumen and profit-focused mindset.
25% off most NEXT, MADE*, Lipsy*, Gap* and Victoria's Secret* products (*when purchased through NEXT) 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty Hot deals and exclusive offers from over 3,500 retailers through our online benefits platform Company performance based bonus Early VIP access to sale stock via Direct to Desk Life assurance Annual Travel Card Loan Fantastic L&D opportunities Flexi-Hour Scheme Direct to Work - Discount online and instore, collect your items the next day for free from your place of work or local store Support Networks - Access to Network Groups to empower and celebrate each other Wellhub - Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships, with apps, PT sessions and more. Conditions apply to all benefits. These benefits are discretionary and subject to change.
We aim to support all candidates during the application process and are happy to provide workplace adjustments when necessary. Should you need support with your application due to a disability or long-term condition, feel free to get in touch with us by email careers@lipsy.co.uk (please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call us on 0207 436 2000 and leave a voicemail.
Womenswear Buyer: Lead Trend-Forward Range & Growth 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 fashion environment. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through fantastic learning and development opportunities, alongside a supportive work culture that celebrates individuality and encourages collaboration. With competitive benefits such as generous discounts, performance bonuses, and flexible working arrangements, we strive to create a rewarding workplace where our team can thrive and push the boundaries of fashion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Womenswear Buyer: Lead Trend-Forward Range & Growth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the fashion industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for womenswear! When you land that interview, make sure to share your insights on current trends and how they align with the brand's vision. This will show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets the market.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you’d handle supplier negotiations or manage a late delivery. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident and ready to impress during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. So, get clicking and let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Womenswear Buyer: Lead Trend-Forward Range & Growth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Fashion:When you're writing your application, let your love for fashion shine through! Talk about what inspires you in the womenswear industry and how you keep up with trends. We want to see that spark of creativity and enthusiasm!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the role. Highlight your experience as a Junior Buyer or Buyer and how it aligns with our vision at NEXT. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their skills with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well. We love a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and potential!
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Next Careers
✨Know Your Trends
As a Womenswear Buyer, it's crucial to stay ahead of the curve. Research current and upcoming fashion trends, especially those relevant to Love & Roses. Bring examples of trend forecasts or mood boards to showcase your understanding of the market.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss how you’ve maximised sales and profits in previous roles. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your ability to analyse customer profiles and adjust product ranges accordingly.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership Skills
This role requires inspiring and developing a team. Share experiences where you've successfully led a team, highlighting your coaching methods and how you’ve improved performance. Be ready to discuss your approach to regular performance appraisals.
✨Prepare for Supplier Negotiations
Since negotiating prices and managing supplier relationships is key, think of instances where you've successfully navigated these challenges. Prepare to discuss your strategies for maintaining strong supplier relationships and handling issues like late deliveries or quality concerns.
