At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Product Manager in delivering successful Womenswear product ranges and drive performance.
- Company: Join River Island, a vibrant fashion retailer with a focus on inclusivity and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% staff discount, flexible working, and a generous bonus scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth, upskilling, and a positive team culture await you.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of fashion and making an impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in Buying or Merchandising, strong communication skills, and a passion for fashion.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Support the Product Manager in delivering the Womenswear Strategic Partnerships strategy, ensuring product ranges are commercially successful, customer-focused and aligned to both River Island and partner objectives. You will be the key link between Product, Merchandising, Account Management and Strategic Partnerships teams, helping to drive product performance through strong commercial awareness, product expertise and stakeholder management.
Product & Trading
- Support the planning, delivery and performance of Womenswear product ranges.
- Analyse sales, customer and market trends to identify risks and opportunities.
- Share trading insights and product recommendations with key stakeholders.
- Support the delivery of sales, profit and growth targets.
Product Management
- Manage product critical paths and key deadlines.
- Coordinate product selections, range reviews and seasonal milestones.
- Ensure product information is accurate and communicated effectively across teams.
- Support the successful delivery of products from planning through to launch.
Stakeholder Management
- Build strong relationships with Buying, Merchandising, Account Management and Strategic Partnerships teams.
- Support product presentations and range reviews with internal and external stakeholders.
- Act as a key point of contact for product-related queries.
- Ensure feedback and insights are shared to support future product decisions.
Team Development
- Support and coach the Product Admin Assistant in their day-to-day responsibilities.
- Encourage collaboration and continuous improvement across the team.
- Contribute to a positive, inclusive and high-performing team culture.
Skills & Experience
- Previous experience in Buying, Product, Merchandising or a similar commercial role.
- Strong commercial awareness and understanding of product performance.
- Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills.
- Strong communication and relationship-building abilities.
- Confident using data and insight to support decision-making.
- Passion for fashion, product and customer trends.
What Success Looks Like
- Commercially successful product ranges.
- Strong relationships across internal and external stakeholders.
- Effective management of product timelines and delivery.
- Delivery against sales, profit and growth targets.
- Positive support and development of junior team members.
Benefits
- 50% staff discount and staff shop on site.
- Discounts, benefits, financial advice and wellbeing solutions through the Retail Trust.
- Free onsite gym, subsidised restaurant and café.
- Social events throughout the year.
- Support for various family setups including maternity, paternity, adoption, fertility treatment.
- Flexible working and early finish Fridays.
- Give as you earn scheme and matched funding.
- Upskilling opportunities and succession planning.
- Generous bonus scheme and private pension plan.
- 25 days paid holiday, exclusive of Bank Holidays, with option to purchase additional holiday twice a year.
At River Island we are committed to the safeguarding of all of our employees regardless of age or job role. We fulfill our obligation under the Prevent duty which seeks to stop extremism and extremist views from materialising in our business. We promote and encourage the belief in British Values – including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. Our Island is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.
Strategic Partnerships Assistant Buyer employer: River Island Clothing Co., Ltd.
River Island is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises collaboration and inclusivity. With generous benefits such as a 50% staff discount, flexible working options, and a commitment to employee development, you will thrive in a supportive environment that encourages personal and professional growth. Located in the heart of Chelsea, our head office provides a dynamic setting where your passion for fashion can flourish alongside a diverse team dedicated to achieving commercial success.
Contact Details:
River Island Clothing Co., Ltd. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Partnerships Assistant Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at River Island or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research River Island’s recent product launches and partnerships. Being able to discuss these shows your passion and understanding of the brand, which is key for a role like Strategic Partnerships Assistant Buyer.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical skills! Be ready to talk about how you've used data to make decisions in past roles. This will demonstrate your strong commercial awareness and ability to drive product performance.
✨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 team and are familiar with our processes.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Partnerships Assistant Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your previous roles in Buying or Merchandising, and don’t forget to showcase your commercial awareness and relationship-building abilities!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about fashion and how your background aligns with our Womenswear Strategic Partnerships strategy. Keep it engaging and personal!
Show Off Your Data Skills:Since we love data-driven decisions, mention any experience you have with analysing sales or market trends. Give examples of how you've used insights to make product recommendations or drive performance in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our fantastic team at River Island!
How to prepare for a job interview at River Island Clothing Co., Ltd.
✨Know Your Product Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Womenswear product ranges. Familiarise yourself with current trends, sales data, and customer preferences. This will not only show your passion for fashion but also demonstrate your commercial awareness and ability to analyse market trends.
✨Build Relationships Before You Walk In
Understand that stakeholder management is key in this role. Try to connect with current employees on LinkedIn or through other channels to get insights about the team dynamics and company culture. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're already thinking about collaboration.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage product timelines. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated challenges in buying or merchandising. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
Since part of the role involves supporting and coaching a junior team member, be ready to discuss your approach to mentorship. Share specific examples of how you've helped others grow in their roles, highlighting your ability to foster a positive and inclusive team culture.
