Assistant Buyer in London

Assistant Buyer in London

London Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
The Dune Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the Buyer in sourcing and developing stylish footwear and accessories.
  • Company: Join Dune London, a leading affordable luxury brand with global reach.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 60% employee discount, blended working, and 25 days holiday.
  • Other info: Dynamic work culture with opportunities for personal development and team socials.
  • Why this job: Be part of a growing team and make an impact in fashion retail.
  • Qualifications: Experience as an Assistant Buyer and strong communication skills required.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

About us

Dune London is the leading affordable luxury footwear and accessories brand in the UK, with broad distribution across both the UK and internationally. It has 50 stores in the UK and over 100 in 25 countries around the world. The company is entering a period of sustained growth both through additional stores, expansion of sales on its online channels and through third party partners both in the UK and globally. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the group has over the years built an enviable position as the specialist in quality fashion footwear and accessories which has given it a unique position at the high end of the high street.

About the role

We’re looking for a proactive and commercially minded individual to support the Buyer in sourcing and developing a well-balanced product range. You’ll play a key role in meeting planning deadlines through effective supply chain coordination and strategic supplier management.

About you

  • Source and develop product
  • Contribute to development of department with Buyer ensuring all systems are maintained and updated.
  • Understand and collate all available market data to identify trends and assess competition to ensure delivery of optimum product offer.
  • Assist in sourcing and development product for overseas market and understanding nature of product selling.
  • Planning
  • Developing and controlling the department’s critical path for each season’s buying activity ensuring all deadlines are met.
  • Assist Buyer in preparation and, where appropriate, presentation of range reviews and selection meetings.
  • Manage the compilation and update of in-house order database and visual catalogues.
  • Manage sample process in line with critical dates.
  • Liaising with suppliers to meet their deadlines & critical dates.

Maximising Sales and Profit

  • Understand current business performance in team meetings and make recommendations for action to recover any short fall, maximise opportunities and limit risk.

Managing Supply Chain

  • Overseeing shipping process to ensure maximum efficiency of deliveries within season.
  • Control and manage forecasted intake of stock within season.
  • Ensure relevant and appropriate shipping methods are applied in accordance with agreed costing plan.
  • Supervise Buyer’s Assistant to ensure at correct time, specs and orders are generated to meet agreed dates.
  • Working with suppliers to ensure delays are minimized and action taken accordingly.
  • Working with suppliers to monitor performance to meet agreed measures.
  • Build professional business relationships with suppliers at appropriate contact level.

Sales Reporting

  • Collating weekly sales packs in time to agreed deadlines.
  • Preparation of end of season sales analysis to include SWOT and best-sellers reports.

Communication

  • Support effective communication at all levels both internally and externally.
  • Participate and lead regular team meetings to agree team priorities and any changes to plans.
  • Respond promptly and efficiently to product queries from other head office departments.
  • Liaise with UK merchandising team to ensure agreed delivery dates are met and orders completed.
  • Working with franchise partners to ensure communication is well maintained. Reporting back to the team relevant information and following up accordingly.

Teamwork

  • Support buyer to build an effective and motivational team environment.
  • Supervise buyer’s assistant workload to ensure deadlines are met.
  • Deputise for buyer as required.
  • Support induction and training of new team members as required.
  • Participate in training and development.

ESSENTIAL

  • Currently at Assistant Buyer level
  • Exceptional communication skills
  • Budget control
  • Report writing
  • Passion for Dune London.
  • Ability to work individually and as part of a team

About the perks

  • Blended working – spreading your time across our office and remote working
  • New sustainable office in bustling West London (near Westfield)
  • Friendly and open culture with flat structures allowing plenty of opportunity for development.
  • Company growth and opportunity; Dune is opening new stores and channels and evolving all the time
  • Open-minded company, welcoming thoughts and ideas to be shared
  • Working with charitable organisations to help raise funds and give something back. Our current charity partner is Mental Health UK.
  • 60% employee discount on Dune products – what’s not to love!
  • 25 days holiday (plus the bank holidays)
  • Cycle2work and season ticket loans
  • Company pension scheme
  • Life assurance for all team members
  • We look after our people
  • 3.00 p.m. finish every pay day Friday!
  • Team socials and drinks – we like to have fun!
  • Access to our employee assistance programme, retailTRUST, who provide loads of resources to support with wellbeing and personal development offer free counselling legal advice and financial guidance.
  • Our own Wellbeing Allies – there to talk when you need them.

What happens next?

We will take a good look at your application and if we don’t feel we are right for you, we’ll make sure we let you know but sadly we are not able to give tailored feedback. If we are excited to find out more about you, we will give you a call and arrange to talk.

A few things that might help:

  • Research the brand, the role, your interviewer on LinkedIn; browse our website; and visit a store if you can
  • Make sure you have plenty of examples to show off all your amazing skills and experience relevant to this role

Assistant Buyer in London employer: The Dune Group

Dune London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture in the heart of West London. With a commitment to employee growth, you will benefit from blended working arrangements, generous discounts, and a supportive environment that encourages innovation and teamwork. As the company continues to expand, you'll have ample opportunities to develop your career while contributing to meaningful initiatives, including partnerships with charitable organisations.
The Dune Group

Contact Detail:

The Dune Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer in London

✨Tip Number 1

Do your homework! Research Dune London, the role of Assistant Buyer, and even check out your interviewer on LinkedIn. The more you know, the better you can tailor your conversation to show you're the perfect fit.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare some solid examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills in sourcing, product development, and teamwork. We want to see how you’ve tackled challenges and contributed to success in previous roles.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! Show us you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company. It’s a great way to demonstrate your enthusiasm and get a feel for the team culture.

✨Tip Number 4

Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join the Dune family.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer in London

Sourcing and Product Development
Market Data Analysis
Supply Chain Coordination
Supplier Management
Planning and Critical Path Management
Sales Reporting
Budget Control
Communication Skills
Teamwork
Problem-Solving Skills
Relationship Building
Report Writing
Adaptability
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Do Your Homework: Before you start writing your application, take some time to research Dune London. Understand our brand, values, and the role of an Assistant Buyer. This will help you tailor your application and show us that you're genuinely interested.

Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills in your application. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to source products, manage suppliers, and contribute to team success. We want to see how you can add value to our team!

Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we love a professional tone, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Share your passion for fashion and why you want to work with us at Dune London. A personal touch can make your application stand out!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Dune Group

✨Know Your Stuff About Dune London

Before the interview, dive deep into Dune London's history, values, and product range. Familiarise yourself with their latest collections and any recent news about the brand. This shows your genuine interest and helps you connect your skills to their needs.

✨Prepare Your Market Insights

As an Assistant Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of market trends and competition. Gather data on current fashion trends, competitor offerings, and consumer preferences. Be ready to discuss how this knowledge can help Dune London stay ahead in the market.

✨Show Off Your Communication Skills

Exceptional communication is key for this role. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with suppliers or team members in the past. Think about times when you resolved issues or facilitated discussions that led to successful outcomes.

✨Be Ready to Discuss Teamwork

Dune London values teamwork, so come prepared with examples of how you've collaborated with others. Highlight your experience in supporting a team, managing workloads, or leading projects. Show them you're not just a lone wolf but a team player who can motivate and support others.

Assistant Buyer in London
The Dune Group
Location: London

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