Assistant Buyer - Childrenswear

BODEN; London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

BODEN is seeking an Assistant Buyer based in London to support product development and manage supplier relationships. This role focuses on negotiating prices, ensuring timely deliveries, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, passionate about buying, and have strong Excel and communication skills. Join us and contribute to our commitment to ethical and stylish fashion.

Qualifications

• Passionate about a career in Buying.
• Experience in retail or administrative capacities.
• Organizational skills and adaptability are essential.

Responsibilities

• Support product development alongside teams and suppliers.
• Negotiate supplier prices to meet target margins.
• Manage the critical path and ensure timely deliveries.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Time Management

Multitasking

Creativity

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Stylish, grounded, uplifting - these values live through everything we do at Boden. Without the collaboration, honesty and friendship between our teams, we wouldn't be where we are today. We curate a world of beauty that's ethical, inclusive - and importantly - good fun. We inspire you to live your best life. We are Boden.

Overview

The Assistant Buyer reports to the Buyer and are responsible for assisting to manage the department. This includes management of the Admin Assistant, negotiation, supplier communication, overseeing the department critical path and systems admin to ensure deadlines are met.

Location: 4-5 days per week based at our North Acton Office. What You Will Do

Product Development

• Support the development of our amazing product working closely with internal teams and suppliers.
• Work closely with the Designers, Techs and Merchandisers to ensure the designs align with the Product Framework and are a balanced wearable offer meeting quality standards and margin targets.

Negotiation

• Understand cost and fabric prices required, set target prices and negotiate with suppliers to meet the required target margin.

Critical Path

• Support the Admin Assistant with the Critical Path.
• Ensure deliveries are on time and delays are communicated in a timely manner and solutions offered.
• Set up order confirmation sheets and communicate to suppliers.
• Support the Admin Assistant with lap dip, trim, and bulk approvals/rejections in line with the critical path.
• Ensure development packs and samples meet the deadlines set out in the company critical path.
• Manage trigger and repeat dates with suppliers.
• Attend weekly fit sessions and understand how fit amendments can affect garment prices and the critical path, flag concerns and find solutions.
• Manage and keep up to date liable fabric and holdings alongside your Buyer.
• Support the Admin Assistant ensuring they meet deadlines, and work to the quality standards required.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the supply base and internal teams to ensure smooth running of the department.
• Keep systems up to date and accurate at all times with the help of the Admin Assistant.
• Set up production BOM's and ensure all information is accurate before placing orders with suppliers.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with all cross functional teams.
• Support your manager by working at pace and ensure deadlines are met.
• Ensure decisions are made in a timely and efficient manner.

What We Are Looking For

• Passionate about a career in Buying.
• Be creative and have a keen eye for detail.
• Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
• Experience of being part of a team.
• Some retail or administrative experiences.
• Be organised, adaptable and enjoy a challenge.
• Clear communication skills.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Great time management.
• Ability to multitask.
• Ability to work independently.