At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and select menswear products to maximise sales and meet customer needs.
- Company: Join White Stuff, a vibrant brand known for its unique designs and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holiday, discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that values your ideas and passion for fashion.
- Qualifications: Experience in menswear buying and a keen eye for contemporary fashion trends.
Who we are:
White Stuff was established in 1985 through a simple idea. This idea grew and now we have shops and concessions in the UK and internationally, selling women’s and men’s clothing as well as beautiful accessories and homeware. Our original prints (all designed in house), intricate details and considered design touches reflect our personality and make us subtly distinctive.
Our people are at the heart of our brand, constantly moving and driving us forward. We’re sociable,talented,andlike-mindedand we’re not hierarchical or political in how we do business. We encourage entrepreneurial ideas and accountability at all levels.
Who you are:
AJunior Buyerwith clear track record of delivering positive product and sales performance across e-command retail channels. You’ll be self-motivated individual, capable of driving product performance at pace. And you’ll have a passion for product and an eye for detail.
Primary objective of the job:
As aMenswearJunior Buyer,you will strategically develop and select a product range which maximises sales opportunities and anticipates and exceeds customer needs. Therole includessourcing product,negotiating cost prices which meet financial targets and market position,allwhilst ensuring products meet the company quality and safety standards.You willhave the ability to manage multiple product categories varying lead times.
What you’ll be doing:
Range Development
- WorkwiththeDesignteamtoensuretheinspirationalrangebalanceisachievedacrossmultipledepartment and productcategories.
- Developacommercialrangetakingintoconsiderationthesupplychainprocess
- Providecommercialbalancebetweenaestheticsandfinancialtargets, working closely with the Merchandising function.
- Understandand evaluate thecapabilitiesofsupplierbasewhilst anticipating future sourcingrequirements.
- Understandsbuyingcalendarofamulti-channelbusiness.
- Researchandreact to relevantcompetitors.
- Work collaboratively with the menswear senior buyer to ensuredevelopment of a cohesive menswear range
Commercial Acumen
- Monitorthesalesperformanceweeklytoevaluateandproposeandimplementany actions that need to be taken, maximising growth areas while managingrisk
- Clearunderstandingofthecommercialdriversofthebusiness,relatingtheseto the product strategyfromdesignconceptto delivery
- Makedecisionsincontextofcorrectcommercialbalancebetweenaestheticsand profit without compromising brandvalues.
- Negotiatingpricestodelivertargetmarginforareaofresponsibility.
- Abilitytoagreeandsetdeliverydatesinlinewiththecriticalpathand be aware of keymilestones.
- Prepareinitialoutlinesforrangeplan,keepinginmindthecomplex needsof amulti-channelbusiness.
- Excellentrangeplanningskills,workingcloselywithMerchandiseandDesignfunctions.
- WorkingwithProductionandGarmentTechsto deliver product that adheres tobrand qualitystandards.
- Responsiblefortheentirefitsealingprocessensuringitcoincideswiththecriticalpath.
What you’ll need:
- Relevantbuyingexperienceinmenswear clothing
- An eye for appropriate contemporary fashionwith an ability to contribute and drive the product development, working closely with the Design team to identify trends andopportunities.
- Highdegreeofbuyingknowledgeandexpertise
- Theabilitytoinfluenceandcommunicateeffectivelyatalllevels
- Abilitytoworkunderpressureandmeetdeadlines
- Highlyflexiblewiththeabilitytomanageseveralactivitiessimultaneously
- Commitment,drive,andself-motivation
- Showsinitiativeandisproactivewith decision making
- Proven ability to manage junior members of the team to deliver high function working
What we will offer you:
As aJuniorBuyerat WhiteStuffyou will be entitled to an array of great benefits, some of which include:
- Hybrid working- 4 days in the office
- Annual bonus opportunity
- Up to 33 days holiday per annum
- 2 extra (paid!) days off per year to volunteer in the local community
- 50% discount
- SubsidisedBUPA Dental Insurance
- Healthcare cash plan and Life Assurance
- Interest free season ticket loan
- Pension Contribution
We are committed to creating an environment where we can all be proud to work and be ourselves. Part of this commitment is being an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race,colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, and age.
Junior Buyer Menswear Buying · White Stuff Head Office, London · employer: White Stuff
WHITE STUFF is an excellent employer that fosters a vibrant work culture where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to training and development opportunities while enjoying generous benefits like a quarterly bonus and up to 25 days of holiday each year. Join us in the North Central area, where your leadership can make a meaningful impact across our stores in Beverley and Manchester.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Buyer Menswear Buying · White Stuff Head Office, 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 White Stuff, 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 White Stuff!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Buyer Menswear Buying · White Stuff Head Office, 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 White Stuff, 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 White Stuff 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 White Stuff that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at White Stuff
✨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!
