At a Glance
- Tasks: Curate and manage the Womenswear Lauren Apparel Assortment for Outlet stores.
- Company: Dynamic fashion retailer with a focus on innovation and team collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a vibrant work culture.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and make an impact in the fashion industry.
- Why this job: Lead creative strategies while driving commercial success in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: 5 years in Buying or Planning roles, strong analytical skills, and team leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
You will be responsible for the Womenswear Lauren Apparel Assortment for our Outlet stores in EMEA, managing multiple product categories end to end, in full autonomy. Leverage prior experience in a Buying department to quickly adapt and step into the role, demonstrating strong ability to support and guide junior team members through both technical expertise and leadership skills.
From assortment strategy and product selection to investment build and Open To Buy management, the candidate will balance creative vision with analytical rigor to optimize brand elevation, deliver commercial success, and support the broader Womenswear business. The role is UK based (primary location Watford, secondary London).
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assortment and Product Strategy
- Curate Seasonal Assortments that support brand strategies and growth.
- Evaluate and summarize performance, drawing top-line conclusions and actions to inform buys.
- Liaise regularly with key stakeholders across Stores, Production, Merchandising, and Creative to ensure go-to-market strategies are executed as intended.
- Build and develop a strong understanding of the Lauren customer, through regular competitor shops, store visits, and wider market research on trends, pricing and styles.
- Be proactive and vocal in different meetings such as Trade, MPR, Investment Reviews.
- Investment Build & Open To Buy Management
- Partner with Planning to ensure the OTB alignment.
- Forecast unit requirements to hit financial targets, balancing metrics like margin, sales revenue.
- Trade the Apparel category weekly, identifying areas of opportunity or risk and short-term actions.
- Oversee order management from initial entry through to delivery, ensuring accurate tracking and coordination with stakeholders.
- Ensure data integrity in all buying processes, addressing any discrepancies and escalating issues when necessary.
- Team Collaboration
- Manage one part-time Assistant Buyer, who will support on operational tasks.
- Collaborate with Accessories Associate Buyer to maintain a holistic view and support when needed.
- Collaborate with the wider Lauren team and x-brand within the PRO channel.
- Build strong relationships with cross-functional partners to maintain the critical path and ensure timely execution.
- Demonstrate leadership by mentoring junior team members, helping them develop their technical and strategic skills.
- Show ambition for managerial growth by contributing innovative ideas and driving team success.
EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
- Minimum 5 full strategic performance cycles experience in Buying or Planning roles. Outlet experience is a plus.
- Collaborative, supporting the wider team and fostering a positive, results-oriented environment.
- Strong numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and identify commercial opportunities.
- Highly organized with a keen eye for detail, able to manage priorities and meet deadlines efficiently.
- Resilient and open to change, approaching challenges with a solutions-focused mindset.
- Excellent communication skills, able to present key information and insights to senior stakeholders.
- Aware of industry trends, competitors, and the retail landscape.
- Advanced proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Buyer - Watford employer: What Jobs
As a Buyer at our Watford location, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work culture that values creativity and analytical thinking. We offer competitive benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and a collaborative environment where your leadership skills can shine while mentoring junior team members. Join us to make a meaningful impact on the Womenswear Lauren Apparel Assortment and be part of a company that prioritises employee development and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer - Watford
✨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 What Jobs, 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 What Jobs!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer - Watford
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 What Jobs, 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 What Jobs 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 What Jobs that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at What Jobs
✨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!
