At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product investment strategies and drive sales performance for Kate Spade's European Outlet channel.
- Company: Join the vibrant team at Kate Spade New York, part of the innovative Tapestry family.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holiday, discounts, and wellness support.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth, learning, and making a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a global brand that celebrates creativity and community.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying/planning, strong analytical skills, and a passion for fashion.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Since its launch in 1993 with a collection of six essential handbags, Kate Spade New York has always been colorful, bold, and optimistic.
Today, it is a global lifestyle brand that designs extraordinary things for the everyday, delivering seasonal collections of handbags, ready-to-wear, jewelry, footwear, home décor, and more.
Known for its rich heritage and unique brand DNA, Kate Spade New York offers a distinctive point of view and celebrates communities of women around the globe who live their perfectly imperfect lifestyles.
Kate Spade New York is part of the Tapestry portfolio - a global house of brands committed to stretching what's possible.
A member of the Tapestry family, we are part of a global house of brands that has unwavering optimism and is committed to being innovative and wholly inclusive.
Visit Our People page to learn more about Tapestry's commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity.
Primary Purpose
The Buying Manager will oversee the day-to-day execution of product investment across all categories, supporting in-season performance against financial targets for Kate Spade New York's European Outlet channel.
Reporting to the Senior Buying Manager, the role will help deliver brand, product and planning strategies.
- The successful individual will leverage their proficiency in Buying/Planning to:
- Manage the day-to-day execution of product investment for Outlet product categories, supporting in-season performance against sales and margin targets for Outlet stores across the region
- Support Outlet buying strategies through product selections and door/online assortments, helping to drive consumer engagement across channels in partnership with relevant cross-functional partners
- Support seasonal buy reviews, hindsight meetings and management of the seasonal milestone calendar
- Contribute to weekly team WSRM, providing financial overview, clear actions and updates
- Monitor performance against sales and margin targets; identify in-season opportunities and risks, and recommend trading activities in line with the seasonal promotional calendar, AOP and SMI targets
- Analyse product performance, customer feedback, consumer trends, competitor activity and local market insights to identify regional opportunities and share findings with Global Merchandising
- Support monthly RPAS/Cora activities, ensuring accuracy in partnership with Finance and Inventory Planning
- Partner with the Inventory Planner to review on-hand inventory and recommend activities to support Global WOH/turn targets with clear actions and timelines
- Develop and support junior team members while demonstrating leadership across the wider function
- Coordinate go-to-market assets for Outlet doors in the region
- Support future Made To Forecast strategy and growth of the Wholesale outlet business, including tiering strategy, product alignment and regional product nuances to support specific market needs
- Align product and promotional strategies with Wholesale and Marketplace, using performance and inventory insights to share best practices across both channels
- Partner with the Allocation team to prioritise Outlet allocations in line with floor-set launches and peak trading periods
- Partner with Inventory Management annually and monthly to review the AOP and any updates
- Build and maintain close working relationships with key regional and global partners
- Promote best practices and effective ways of working to improve team productivity and understanding
- Conduct ad hoc analysis and scenario planning to support current trading decisions and future business needs
The accomplished individual will possess
- Significant buying and planning experience at Manager level, ideally within an Outlet channel
- Multi-category experience, preferably across handbags and accessories
- Strong numerical, analytical and financial skills, with a clear understanding of the key drivers of business growth
- Working knowledge of RPAS, Cora or SAP is highly desirable
- Advanced proficiency in Excel
- Experience coaching and supporting junior team members
- Strong knowledge of the luxury fashion and accessories market
- Experience within a global company or brand, supporting European markets
- Ability to use market and industry insights to shape strategy, maintain competitiveness and strengthen customer focus
- A strategic, data-driven and solutions-focused approach, supported by strong commercial acumen
- Ability to translate business priorities into clear team direction and make sound decisions under pressure and within tight deadlines
- Ability to build strong regional and global partnerships and engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels
Please be advised that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. As such, you will only be considered if you already possess the right to work in the UK.
What Tapestry can offer you
- Hybrid working (Tuesday - Thursday working from the office, Monday and Friday working remotely)
- Option to finish early on a Friday (Flex Fridays)
- 1 paid volunteering day per year and opportunities to volunteer with global projects
- Learning & development opportunities
- Internal mobility & career progression
- Regular social events - seasonal & cultural
- Equity Inclusion & Diversity initiatives which include employee resource groups & regional inclusion council
Other benefits include
- 25 days holiday in addition to bank holidays
- Multi brand discount up to 50% off - Coach and Kate Spade.
- Private healthcare with health assessment (Bupa)
- Bupa rewards - Financial wellbeing support and wellness discounts
- Private dental cover
- Free 24/7 support for family building, fertility and menopause with Maven
- Eyecare vouchers
- Employee assistance programme
- Enhanced employer pension contribution
- Gym discount
- Interest free season ticket loan
- Cycle to work scheme
At Tapestry, we are committed to building a diverse & inclusive workforce.
We know that having a wide range of perspectives and experiences makes us more innovative and brings us closer to our consumers.
If you are interested in this role but do not believe you meet all the set criteria, that's ok.
We are happy to work with individuals who have the drive, passion, agility and willingness to learn.
- Our Competencies for All Employees
- Courage
: Doesn't hold back anything that needs to be said; provides current, direct, complete, and "actionable" positive and corrective feedback to others; lets people know where they stand; faces up to people problems on any person or situation (not including direct reports) quickly and directly; is not afraid to take negative action when necessary.
Creativity
: Comes up with a lot of new and unique ideas; easily makes connections among previously unrelated notions; tends to be seen as original and value-added in brainstorming settings.
Customer Focus
: Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; gets first-hand customer information and uses it for improvements in products and services; acts with customers in mind; establishes and maintain effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect.
Dealing with Ambiguity
: Can effectively cope with change; can shift gears comfortably; can decide and act without having the total picture; isn't upset when things are up in the air; doesn't have to finish things before moving on; can comfortably handle risk and uncertainty.
Drive for Results
: Can be counted on to exceed goals successfully; is constantly and consistently one of the top performers; very bottom-line oriented; steadfastly pushes self and others for results.
Interpersonal Savvy
: Relates well to all kinds of people, up, down, and sideways, inside and outside the organization; builds appropriate rapport; builds constructive and effective relationships; uses diplomacy and tact; can diffuse even high-tension situations comfortably.
Learning on the Fly
: Learns quickly when facing new problems; a relentless and versatile learner; open to change; analyzes both successes and failures for clues to improvement; experiments and will try anything to find solutions; enjoys the challenge of unfamiliar tasks; quickly grasps the essence and the underlying structure of anything.
- Our Competencies for All People Managers
- Strategic Agility
: Sees ahead clearly; can anticipate future consequences and trends accurately; has broad knowledge and perspective; is future oriented; can articulately paint credible pictures and visions of possibilities and likelihoods; can create competitive and breakthrough strategies and plans.
Developing Direct Reports and Others
: Provides challenging and stretching tasks and assignments; holds frequent development discussions; is aware of each person's career goals; constructs compelling development plans and executes them; pushes people to accept developmental moves; will take on those who need help and further development; cooperates with the developmental system in the organization; is a people builder.
Building Effective Teams
: Blends people into teams when needed; creates strong morale and spirit in their team; shares wins and successes; fosters open dialogue; lets people finish and be responsible for their work; defines success in terms of the whole team; creates a feeling of belonging in the team.
Tapestry is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and we pride ourselves on hiring and developing the best people.
All employment decisions (including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, transfer, training, discipline and termination) are based on the applicant's or employee's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration.
These decisions are made without regard to age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic characteristics, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, national origin, alienage, citizenship, disability, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or any other legally-recognized protected basis prohibited by applicable law.
Visit Tapestry, Inc .
Tapestry Manager, Buying (FTC) in London employer: Tapestry, Inc.
At Kate Spade New York, part of Tapestry, Inc., we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Fashion Stylist & Customer Experience Champion, you will enjoy competitive benefits, ongoing training, and opportunities for personal growth in a dynamic retail environment that values creativity and customer connection. Join us in our bustling location where your passion for fashion can shine while making a meaningful impact on our customers' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Tapestry Manager, Buying (FTC) in London
✨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 Tapestry, Inc., 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 Tapestry, Inc.!
We think you need these skills to ace Tapestry Manager, Buying (FTC) in London
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 Tapestry, Inc., 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 Tapestry, Inc. 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 Tapestry, Inc. that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tapestry, Inc.
✨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!
