At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage product development and production processes while keeping everything organised and on track.
- Company: SPOKE, a stylish menswear brand with a focus on fit and quality.
- Benefits: Private healthcare, pension plans, remote work options, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity to optimise systems and processes in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and learn the ins and outs of product development in fashion.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and a passion for menswear.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
SPOKE is a menswear brand that gives him a look that's considered, yet effortless, because the product has real substance, it styles easily, and the fit is built around him from the start. We're based in Richmond, where the London skyline meets lush, leafy greens — and we've built a loyal following on one promise: Ridiculously Well Fit, or your money back.
We're looking for a Junior Buyer to join our Product team. You will play a pivotal role in managing the day-to-day of seasonal critical path across product development and bulk production - including tracking samples, managing lab dips to keeping product data and range plans accurate and up to date. You’ll own the admin behind the department and play a key role in keeping things moving, on time and to plan.
We’re after someone organised, proactive, and commercially aware- keen to learn how a product is built and ready to get stuck in.
What you'll do
- Sampling & Development
- Track and log all samples (proto, SMS, PP & Shipment) across categories, and chase anything outstanding.
- Manage lab dip approvals across development and bulk production and keep swatch libraries up to date and well organised.
- Chase in cost prices at each sealing stage and ensure records are accurate.
- Prepare samples and development materials ahead of key meetings and sign-off points.
- Critical Path & Data Management
- Keep the product critical path updated and flag delays or risks early.
- Maintain trackers, line plans, BOMs, and shared folders to ensure accurate records at every stage.
- Collate and update product data as styles evolve—from first proto to final sign-off.
- Cross-Team & Supplier Communication
- Coordinate across Design, Garment Tech, Merchandising, and Creative to ensure development and bulk production runs to plan.
- Share timely updates with wider teams to keep everyone aligned on progress, risks, and changes.
- Follow up with suppliers to get sample and bulk production statuses, lab dip approvals, pricing, and updates.
- Research & Commercial Awareness
- Support comp shop reviews and trend research to inform seasonal development.
- Organise fabric and trim research—log swatches, manage contacts, and keep notes tidy.
- Track new developments and innovation trials for future seasons.
- Production
- Critical Path: chase updates, run bi-weekly supplier calls, and flag risks with proposed fixes.
- Invoices: approve as they come in - matching to POs and flagging reconciliation issues.
- Costing: Support the Head of Buying in reviewing costings, ensuring we hit our target margins.
- Intake: Monitor and report on weekly intake, calling out any delays to the wider team.
- Process & Systems Contribution
- This role is also key to improving how the team works. We use digital platforms, shared trackers, and workflow tools to help the team work smarter, not harder. The focus is on optimising how we operate—driving clarity, reducing friction, and ensuring key information is always up to date, accurate, and easy to access across the Product Team.
- You will build and maintain trackers, dashboards, and documentation that improve visibility, accuracy, and efficiency across Product Development and Production workflows.
- Ensure information flow between teams is clear and reliable—supporting better planning, faster decision-making, and fewer surprises.
- Identify opportunities to optimise systems and processes—leveraging platforms and tools to reduce duplication, cut admin, and improve overall workflow integrity.
Requirements
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
- Clear, confident communication—especially around chasing, follow-ups, and reminders.
- Commercial awareness and customer-first thinking—everything we build is for them.
- Comfortable using Excel / Google Sheets and managing shared digital tools.
- Previous internship or assistant experience in a product development or production role.
- An interest in menswear and how product comes to life.
What makes you stand out
- You’re great at admin—and proud of it. You know it’s what keeps the engine running.
- You take ownership, are pro-active and spot issues before they become problems.
- You bring energy, structure, and calm—even under pressure.
Benefits
- Private Healthcare Plan.
- Pension Plans.
- Work From Home.
- Training & Development.
Junior Buyer in Richmond employer: SPOKE
At Spoke, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by offering a fully remote work environment that promotes flexibility and autonomy. Our supportive culture encourages personal and professional growth, with generous benefits including equity options, enhanced parental leave, and substantial annual budgets for learning and development. Join our talented team and contribute to meaningful solutions in the last-mile delivery space while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Buyer in Richmond
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like SPOKE, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like SPOKE!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Buyer in Richmond
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at SPOKE, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at SPOKE and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show SPOKE that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at SPOKE
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
