Junior Buyer in Chelmsford

The Company

A fast-paced, trend-led fashion and footwear brand known for delivering directional, affordable styles to a highly engaged online customer.

As the business continues to grow, we are looking for a commercially minded Junior Apparel Buyer to join the buying team and support the development of exciting, on-trend womenswear collections.

This is an excellent opportunity for an Assistant Buyer or experienced Buying Admin Assistant who is ready to take the next step in their fashion buying career .

The Role

As Junior Apparel Buyer, you will support the Buyer across the full buying cycle, from trend research and supplier sourcing through to product development, range building and in-season trading.

You will work closely with Design, Merchandising, Garment Technology, Production, Marketing and E-commerce to ensure the company continues to deliver commercial, trend-right apparel ranges at the right price and at the right time.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Buyer in developing commercial and trend-led womenswear apparel ranges.
• Research current and emerging trends, competitor activity, customer behaviour and market opportunities.
• Attend trade shows, supplier meetings, competitor shops and market appointments to identify new product opportunities.
• Work closely with the Design team to develop product that reflects the customer and brand aesthetic.
• Source new fabrics, trims, techniques, suppliers and product categories.
• Communicate clearly with suppliers and factories regarding product development, costs, samples and delivery dates.
• Assist with negotiating cost prices, minimum order quantities, lead times and commercial terms.
• Review samples and provide feedback on colour, fabric, fit, styling, trims and overall commercial appeal.
• Support fit meetings and work with Garment Technologists to ensure products are fit for purpose.
• Help to build balanced ranges across key apparel categories and price points.
• Monitor product development and ensure all styles remain on track against the critical path.
• Maintain accurate product, supplier, cost and sample information on internal systems.
• Work alongside Merchandising to review weekly sales, stock levels, intake and product performance.
• Identify bestsellers and underperforming lines, recommending repeat orders, cancellations or amendments where appropriate.
• Support the Buyer with range reviews, sign-offs, trade meetings and supplier presentations.
• Assist with managing the Open to Buy, intake budgets and margin targets.
• Ensure product is delivered on time and in line with agreed quality, cost and specification requirements.
• Build strong working relationships with suppliers and internal teams.

Skills and Experience

• Previous experience within a fashion buying environment, ideally womenswear or apparel.
• Experience as an Assistant Buyer, Buying Admin Assistant or similar fashion buying role.
• A strong understanding of the fashion product development and buying process.
• Excellent awareness of current womenswear trends and competitor activity.
• Commercially focused with a strong understanding of product, pricing, margin and customer needs.
• Confident communicating with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Good numerical and analytical ability, with experience reviewing sales or product performance information.
• Excellent attention to detail, particularly when managing product information and critical paths.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and confidence working with buying or product management systems.
• A proactive, flexible and solutions-focused approach.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.