4th & Reckless Buyer

4th & Reckless; Altrincham; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fashion retailer in Altrincham is seeking an experienced Buyer to manage their product offering and drive sales growth. The ideal candidate will negotiate costs, manage supplier relationships, and oversee an Assistant Buyer. Benefits include 25 days of holiday, flexible hours, and a vibrant team culture. This position combines strategic oversight with hands-on management within a dynamic fashion environment.

Benefits

Birthday day off

25-day holiday

Flexible hours

40% off staff discount

Team socials

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Buyer role, ideally with multi-product experience.
• Ability to build balanced ranges and deliver commercial assortments.
• Strong understanding of garment construction, fabrics, and fit processes.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a trend-led product offering that supports brand strategy.
• Manage end-to-end buying activities including costing and negotiations.
• Lead trading preparation and reporting to inform future decisions.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Team management

Job description

Role Overview

The Buyer is responsible for delivering a commercial, trend-led product offering that supports brand strategy and drives sales growth across all markets. This role manages end-to-end buying activity, including costing negotiations, range building, product lifecycle management, and cross-functional collaboration with Design, Merchandising, and Supply Chain. The Buyer will work closely with international suppliers and manage/mentor an Assistant Buyer.

Key Responsibilities

Costing & Supplier Management

• Negotiate all product costings across two countries of origin, covering approximately:
• 50 core styles per month × 10 months
• 6 × 45 swim styles
• Manage supplier relationships with both the China team and direct suppliers in Turkey.
• Ensure competitive pricing, optimal margins, and timely approvals.

Range Building & Pricing

• Propose all RRPs using the brand’s pricing architecture framework.
• Manage and maintain the range plan tool, ensuring accuracy across all drops and categories.
• Prepare for and present ranges in pre-sign-off and final sign-off meetings.
• Participate in concept meetings to drive the product direction each season.

Product Development & Process Management

• Attend weekly fit sessions (approx. 6 hours per week) and collaborate with Technical teams to ensure product quality and fit standards.
• Monitor and ensure full adherence to the critical path across all product areas.
• Provide designers with range performance feedback, identifying opportunities and gaps.
• Support Design on fabric approvals, ensuring suitability, cost efficiency, and brand alignment.
• Conduct USA product calls for every collection, ensuring relevance to the market.

Trading & Reporting

• Lead Monday trade preparation and reporting, analysing performance, best sellers, margin, and stock levels to inform future decisions.
• Make data-led recommendations to improve sell-through, reduce risk, and maximise profitability.

Team Management

• Manage, develop, and train the Assistant Buyer, ensuring their progression and performance.
• Support in creating an effective and collaborative team environment.

Travel

• Attend global buying trips as required, maintaining strong supplier relationships and driving new opportunities.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Buyer (multi-product experience ideal).
• Strong negotiation skills and experience costing across multiple countries of origin.
• Ability to analyse trade, build balanced ranges, and deliver commercial assortments.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, both internally and externally.
• Highly organised, proactive, and confident working in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage and mentor junior team members.
• Strong understanding of garment construction, fabrics, and fit processes.

Benefits

• Birthday day off
• 25-day holiday
• Flexible hours
• Vibrant team
• 40% off staff discount
• Team socials
• Competitions
• Hybrid working - 4 days in the Altrincham office