At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Buying team as a Senior Assistant Buyer, managing product ranges and supplier relationships.
- Company: Dune London is a leading affordable luxury footwear brand with a global presence and a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy blended working, 60% employee discount, 25 days holiday, and a vibrant office culture.
- Other info: Work in a new sustainable office and enjoy fun team socials every payday Friday!
- Why this job: Be part of a growing company that values your ideas and supports your development while making a social impact.
- Qualifications: Experience as an Assistant Buyer in footwear retail, strong communication, and negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
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 now have an opportunity on our busy Buying team for a Senior Assistant Buyer. This is a great role for an established Assistant Buyer seeking their next step up or a current Senior AB seeking a change.
Responsibilities
- Demonstrate an excellent commercial awareness and to be aware of the other retailer activity and how this can affect Dune.
- Build a commercial range under the supervision of the Buyer, ability to present that range with authority to a team and to react to criticism positively. Taking responsibility for the trading of that range, showing reactivity and flexibility.
- Understand trading figures and their impact on the business, showing initiative on trade and putting forward recommendations to the Buyer.
- Liaise with suppliers on a day to day basis, ensuring excellent communication and follow through.
- Monitor the product cycle with regards to the development, confirmation samples orders’ negotiations.
- To have excellent knowledge of current and future ranges.
- Demonstrate good negotiation skills and have the confidence to present.
- Manage the BAAs to ensure all priorities are met and developed needs addressed, while also highlighting own development needs.
Experience / Skills Needed
- Experience as an Assistant Buyer within a footwear retailer / supplier.
- Display delegation skills, priorities within delegated tasks and manage deadlines.
- Ensure excellent communication and interaction with other departments within Dune and understanding of their role within.
- Show initiative in the job role.
- Ability to manage up as well as down.
- Deputise for the Buyer when needed for agreed periods.
- Display enthusiasm and present yourself professionally at all times.
About the perks
- Blended working – spreading your time across our office and remote working
- Brand 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
- 25 days holiday (plus the bank holidays)
- Cycle2work
- Company pension scheme
- Life assurance for all team members
- 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 resources to support wellbeing and personal development along with 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
Seniority level
- Associate
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Product Management
Industries
- Retail and Retail Apparel and Fashion
Senior Assistant Buyer in London employer: The Dune Group
Dune London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in a brand new sustainable office located in the heart of West London. With a strong focus on employee development and well-being, team members enjoy a generous 60% discount on products, 25 days of holiday, and a supportive environment that encourages open communication and innovative ideas. As the company continues to grow, employees have ample opportunities for career advancement while contributing to meaningful charitable initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Assistant Buyer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Dune London's brand ethos and product range. Understanding their unique position in the market will help you demonstrate your commercial awareness during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss recent trends in the footwear industry and how they might impact Dune London. Showing that you can think critically about market dynamics will impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills before the interview. You may be asked to role-play a scenario where you need to negotiate with suppliers, so being confident and prepared is key.
✨Tip Number 4
Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn to gain insights into the company culture and expectations for the Senior Assistant Buyer role. This can provide you with valuable information to tailor your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Assistant Buyer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Research Dune London:Familiarise yourself with Dune London's brand values, product ranges, and recent developments. Visit their website, check out their social media, and if possible, visit a store to get a feel for their products and customer experience.
Tailor Your CV:Highlight your relevant experience as an Assistant Buyer, focusing on your commercial awareness, negotiation skills, and ability to manage trading figures. Use specific examples that demonstrate your achievements in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Senior Assistant Buyer position and provide examples of how you've successfully managed similar tasks in the past.
Prepare for the Interview:Anticipate questions related to your experience in buying, your understanding of the footwear market, and how you handle challenges. Prepare examples that showcase your initiative and ability to work collaboratively with teams and suppliers.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Dune Group
✨Know Your Brand
Before the interview, make sure you research Dune London thoroughly. Understand their product range, recent collections, and their position in the market. This will help you demonstrate your commercial awareness and show that you're genuinely interested in the brand.
✨Prepare Your Examples
Think of specific examples from your previous experience as an Assistant Buyer that highlight your skills in negotiation, communication, and trading figures. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed product ranges and responded to feedback.
✨Show Initiative
During the interview, express your ability to take initiative. Discuss how you've proactively contributed to your previous teams and how you can bring that same energy to Dune London. They value candidates who can manage up and down effectively.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewer about the team dynamics, company culture, and future growth plans. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you assess if Dune London is the right fit for you.
