Buyer (12-month FTC)

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fashion retailer in London is seeking an experienced Buyer to manage a Womenswear department on a 12-month fixed-term contract. The role involves team leadership, strong supplier relationships, and delivering products that meet brand quality standards. Ideal candidates will have proven commercial experience, customer insight, and a passion for product.

Benefits

Competitive salary & targeted annual bonus scheme

Generous clothing allowance

30% discount on current clothing

25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays

Online discounts portal

Virtual GP Service

Free onsite parking

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Buyer with a strong commercial track record.
• Excellent product and customer knowledge, with the ability to balance creativity and strategy.
• Experience managing and developing team members.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a talented team in Womenswear department.
• Build strong supplier relationships and shape product ranges.
• Deliver product that reflects the Boden brand strategy.

Skills

Strong commercial track record

Excellent product and customer knowledge

Strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills

Ability to influence and build relationships

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

We're looking for an experienced and commercially minded Buyer to play a key role within one of our Womenswear departments on a 12-month fixed-term contract.

Reporting into the Buying Manager, you'll help lead and develop a talented team, build strong supplier relationships, and help shape ranges that reflect the Boden brand and meet our quality standards.

This role is about balancing creativity with commercial awareness, delivering margin, driving sales, and ensuring our product offering delights our customer, Kate, season after season.

Location: 4-5 days per week at our North Acton office.

What You Will Do

• Champion a deep understanding of the Boden customer across all markets, ensuring your team is equally customer-obsessed.
• Use competitor analysis, customer insights and market research to shape product decisions.
• Anticipate social, cultural and economic trends and translate them into commercial opportunities.
• Deliver product that reflects Boden's handwriting and brand strategy.
• Develop robust seasonal frameworks in collaboration with the wider product team.
• Balance attributes within ranges using data, history, and innovation to spot opportunities.
• Ensure cross-department collaboration so Kate can shop outfits, not just categories.
• Deliver a balanced price architecture, benchmarking competitors to meet both value and margin targets.
• Partner with Garment Tech and Fabric teams to ensure fit, quality, and value at the right price.
• Review trading performance regularly, acting proactively to optimise opportunities and mitigate risks.
• Manage short- and long-term commitments (orders, fabric planning, lead times) for maximum flexibility.
• Set and manage FOB and trigger dates, ensuring on-time delivery.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, identifying new opportunities and protecting margin.
• Support the development and execution of supplier strategies that deliver flexibility, quality, and design.
• Lead, motivate and coach your team through regular one-to-ones, reviews and clear objective setting.
• Delegate effectively, keeping the team focused on priorities and outcomes.
• Act as an ambassador for Boden, modelling our values and behaviours.

What We Are Looking For

• Proven experience as a Buyer with a strong commercial track record.
• Excellent product and customer knowledge, with the ability to balance creativity and strategy.
• Experience managing and developing team members.
• A keen eye for detail, creativity, and a passion for product.
• Strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
• The ability to influence and build relationships internally and externally.
• A proactive problem-solver who enjoys a challenge and thinks strategically.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary & targeted annual bonus scheme.
• Generous Boden clothing allowance!
• 30% discount on all current clothing ranges.
• 25 days Holiday annually, plus Bank Holidays.
• Online Portal with an array of discounts on retail & entertainment.
• Virtual GP Service for you and your household!
• Free onsite parking and subsidised café.

We want Boden to be the place everyone wants to work. Friendly, open and tolerant. A best-of-British company with diverse teams, equal opportunities, and fair working and recruitment practices. We believe in hiring the best person for the job, whoever they are, helping them thrive in it and celebrating their individuality.

We would like to encourage people from a diverse range of backgrounds to apply for our roles. If you need any reasonable adjustments or additional support during your application process, please do not hesitate to let us know.