At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the buying process for Denim, Outerwear, and Tailoring while maximising sales.
- Company: Join Lipsy, a vibrant brand that celebrates glamour and style.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, flexible working, personal development plans, and performance bonuses.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace focused on wellbeing and personal growth.
- 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 team leadership skills.
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
- 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, 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.
What we can do for you…
- 25% off a huge selection of Next, Next Wholly Owned Brands, GAP and Victoria's Secret products & 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty.
- Hot deals and exclusive offers from over 3,500 retailers through Perks At Work.
- We recognise hard work with our company performance-based bonus.
- Life Assurance.
- Join our Next Sharesave Scheme.
- Lesson the impact with our Annual Travel Card Loan.
- Never miss a package and with Direct to Desk delivery.
- Bag a bargain at our sample sales.
- Hybrid & flexible working across the business to support your work-life balance.
- Learn, develop and grow with our personal development plans.
- Enjoy more time with friends and family with Early Bank Holiday finishes.
- Join in the fun with our year-round office events.
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.
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) employer: NEXT Wholly Owned Brands
Lipsy is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant heart of London, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that celebrates creativity and collaboration. With a strong focus on employee development, team members benefit from personal growth opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a range of attractive perks, including generous discounts and performance-based bonuses. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values diversity and encourages you to bring your authentic self to work while thriving in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer - Denim, Outerwear, Tailoring (Lipsy)
✨Get Down to the Fashion Events
Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like NEXT Wholly Owned Brands!
✨Join Fashion-Focused Communities
Become a part of online fashion communities on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Participate in discussions and share your insights on trends or your personal style journey. It’s a great way to get noticed by brands looking to fill positions, including NEXT Wholly Owned Brands.
✨Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio
Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for NEXT Wholly Owned Brands.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at NEXT Wholly Owned Brands!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer - Denim, Outerwear, Tailoring (Lipsy)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at NEXT Wholly Owned Brands.
Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to NEXT Wholly Owned Brands!
Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at NEXT Wholly Owned Brands. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at NEXT Wholly Owned Brands
✨Showcase Your Style Portfolio
For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!
✨Know the Latest Trends and Brands
Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills
In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Dress the Part
This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!
