Buyer - Nightwear & Gifting

THE WHITE COMPANY; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the retail sector is seeking an innovative Buyer to develop and manage a diverse product range. This role involves sourcing products, negotiating prices, and ensuring quality while collaborating closely with creative teams to maintain market competitiveness. If you have a strong buying background and a passion for product development, we want you on our team!

Benefits

Up to 50% discount on products

25 days holiday rising to 28 with service

Access to a discretionary bonus scheme

Pension scheme enrollment upon joining

Private healthcare options

Flexible working from home options

Fruit basket daily

Social events throughout the year

Qualifications

• Graduate level required in a related field.
• Strong experience in a head office Buying environment either as a Junior Buyer or Buyer.

Responsibilities

• Develop a well-balanced product range for all business channels.
• Source new products and negotiate prices to exceed margin targets.
• Collaborate with QA and suppliers to ensure quality and compliance.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Creative ability

Commercial ability

Product awareness

Systems knowledge

Education

Graduate level, buying or design/creative background

Job description

Our Role

With responsibility for a specific product area, you will plan, source, and develop a commercial, comprehensive, exciting, and innovative product range that meets profit objectives. You will develop products appropriate to the brand and ahead of competitors, working closely with the Creative teams. Additionally, you will ensure a robust, well-balanced supply chain that adequately protects business risk.

What you'll be doing

Product Development

• Build a balanced, commercial, and innovative product range suitable for all business channels.
• Source new products and negotiate prices to achieve and exceed margin targets.
• Create initial ideas and strategy packs for new season development meetings.
• Review historical performance to inform future product strategy, collaborating with the Merchandiser.
• Propose innovative ideas for product development, working with design to develop new season briefs.
• Attend UK and international trade shows to source new suppliers and market trends.
• Plan pricing and sourcing strategies to meet margin targets.
• Maintain accurate product and supplier information in the system to support deadlines and challenge cost assumptions.
• Identify sampling requirements and provide timely feedback to suppliers.
• Approve bulk fabrics, yarns, packaging, and components to meet critical path dates.
• Propose assumptions behind the critical path to ensure deadlines are met and risks are managed.
• Coordinate with QA to ensure sealing stages meet critical path requirements.

Supplier Management

• Work with QA to ensure suppliers meet quality and ethical standards efficiently.
• Propose changes to the supply base as needed.
• Plan sourcing and buying trips to meet critical path requirements.
• Manage the product brief process for new season development.
• Collaborate with suppliers to meet quality, creative, and commercial standards.
• Develop product information for efficient selection meetings and deadline adherence.
• Conduct regular supplier visits and reviews to foster strong partnerships and stay updated on market developments.
• Ensure suppliers adhere to our manual and terms.

Commercial Awareness

• Conduct regular store and competitor visits, review market data, and propose strategic actions.
• Develop a deep understanding of target customers and emerging trends.
• Deliver excellent customer service and seek feedback across channels.
• Analyze sales reports to guide trading decisions, identify opportunities, and review product performance with the Merchandiser.
• Present evaluations of product performance and impact on strategy.
• Review returns with QA and implement lessons learned.
• Support product copywriting with design and marketing teams to highlight features and benefits.
• Utilize system knowledge to support buying decisions.
• Participate actively in trading stores and online channels.

Management, Training, and Development

• Engage proactively in training and team activities, sharing best practices.
• Review and improve processes and controls regularly.
• Contribute to the development and training of the Buying team.
• Manage the team daily to ensure effective operations.

Skills & Experience Needed

• Knowledge of systems.
• Graduate level, preferably with a buying or creative/design background.
• Strong creative and commercial skills with a keen eye for product and brand.
• Excellent negotiation skills.
• Experience in a head office buying environment, as a Junior Buyer or Buyer.

What We Offer

At The White Company, we value our employees' dedication and reward it with competitive salaries and benefits.

• Up to 50% discount and access to Sample Sales
• 25 days holiday, rising to 28 with service
• Holiday Buy option for up to 5 days
• Group Personal Pension Scheme
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Perkplace Benefits Platform
• Wagestream Money Management app
• Structured Learning and Development support
• Salary Sacrifice for Electric Vehicles (eligibility dependent)
• Leadership Development Programme (for eligible roles)
• Private Healthcare and Babylon Digital Healthcare
• Life Assurance

Additional Benefits

• Daily fruit basket, tea, and coffee
• Work from home options on Mondays and Fridays
• Social events and seasonal sales
• Volunteer days with charities
• Prime location near transport links and amenities

Our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement

We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can bring their authentic selves, contribute, and feel valued. Our recruitment process reflects this commitment.

Our Sustainability Commitment

We aim to build a sustainable legacy, integrating environmental responsibility into everything we do.