At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead buying strategies for Lipsy Girlswear, ensuring trendy and profitable product ranges.
- Company: Join Lipsy, a dynamic London-based fashion brand under NEXT, known for its bold designs.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, bonuses, flexible hours, and fantastic learning opportunities.
- Other info: Diversity and wellbeing are at the heart of our culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that empowers women through stylish fashion.
- Qualifications: Experience in womenswear buying and team leadership is essential.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 42000 £ per year.
Job Description
- Location | Head Office, Tottenham Court Road, London
- Working style | Hybrid
- NEXT Wholly Owned Brands…
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 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
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
• 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 - Web & retail stores to develop the strongest product accordingly .
- Working with design to deliver stories, palettes & key items in line with the Brands trend story & critical path.
- Have confidence in newness , influencing peers & management of unknown trends/styling
- Negotiate prices and agree on supplier contracts to meet departmental targets.
• Product Quality & Brand Vision
- Working with the merchandiser to Maintain ownership of OTB, option counts, and pricing structures.
- Place a high emphasis on product quality, working with Technical teams to analyse 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.
- Strategically build & maintain a strong supplier base
• Trading & Supplier Management
- Lead weekly trade meetings, identifying late buys, missed opportunities, and reacting to sales.
- Regularly review the range with the Merchandiser & Designer 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, 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 fashion 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.
- Highly organised with the ability to plan ahead and have a flexible approach and be reactive when necessary
- Ability to travel as required for supplier visits and trend sourcing.
- 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.
About Us
Lipsy is a London-based fashion brand that’s bold, dynamic, and always evolving.
We create trend-led designs with a signature feminine edge, blending sophistication with unapologetic glamour.
From statement‑making eveningwear to effortlessly chic everyday looks, every piece is designed to make women feel confident, empowered, and unstoppable.
The Lipsy woman knows what she wants - she’s ambitious, stylish, and ready to own every moment, whether she’s commanding the boardroom or turning heads at an exclusive event.
- About The Team
- 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
- Sharesave scheme
- Annual Travel Card Loan
- Sample Sales
- 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
(please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call us on and leave a voicemail.
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Buyer, Lipsy Girlswear in London employer: NEXT Wholly Owned Brands
NEXT Wholly Owned Brands is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where collaboration and innovation thrive. Employees benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring personal and professional growth while enjoying a supportive culture that values work-life balance. Located in a vibrant area, the company provides unique advantages such as access to various amenities and a strong community spirit.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer, Lipsy Girlswear in London
✨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, Lipsy Girlswear in London
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!
