Buyer - Softlines

The Walt Disney Company (Germany) GmbH; London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a creative Buyer to lead the development of inclusive apparel collections. This role requires a blend of commercial insight and creativity, working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure product assortments resonate with diverse audiences. You'll manage the entire product lifecycle, from development to launch, while analyzing market trends to drive sales growth. Join a dynamic team that values inclusion and innovation, and help shape the stories that connect fans with the magic of Disney. This hybrid role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a vibrant environment.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Private medical insurance & dental care

Free Park Entry

Disney Discounts

Excellent parental and guardian leave

Employee Resource Groups

Qualifications

• Degree-level education or equivalent experience required.
• Proven experience in buying and merchandising essential.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teams to develop inclusive apparel ranges.
• Manage product lifecycle from development to launch.
• Conduct trend analysis to inform assortment strategies.

Skills

Buying

Merchandising

Product Development

Sourcing

Sales Growth

Team Leadership

Consumer Behaviour Analysis

Effective Communication

Cultural Awareness

Education

Degree-level education in a relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

As a Buyer at Disney, you’ll help shape the product stories that connect with fans around the world. Partnering with the Senior Buyer, you’ll lead the development of compelling, inclusive assortments across softlines categories, including kids’ and adults’ apparel across multiple channels.

This role blends creativity with commercial insight, analyzing performance, identifying growth opportunities, and ensuring our apparel ranges reflect the diversity of our audience. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring the magic of Disney to life through every item we offer, from character-driven children’s wear to trend-led adult collections.

This is a fixed-term opportunity located in Hammersmith, London, with a hybrid schedule of four office days per week.

What You Will You Do

• Collaborate with design, creative, and marketing teams to build inclusive, customer-focused apparel ranges across softlines, with a focus on both kids’ and adults’ wear.
• Manage the full product lifecycle from development to launch, ensuring alignment with regional goals and consumer needs.
• Define and communicate product flow strategies, balancing newness with continuity to support revenue and engagement.
• Build strong relationships with vendors and internal partners to deliver relevant assortments and support omni-channel initiatives.

Pre-Season Planning

• Create comprehensive quarterly range plans that reflect regional needs and diverse consumer preferences across softlines categories.
• Conduct competitive and trend analysis to stay informed on macro, micro, and consumer trends in the apparel market.
• Develop assortment strategies that support revenue, margin, and audience growth, while ensuring competitive pricing and value.
• Align with planning teams on key metrics such as pricing, inventory, and product rankings.

In-Season Execution

• Monitor in-season performance and apply insights to optimize future planning and assortment decisions.
• Partner with commercial and planning teams to drive revenue, margin, and audience acquisition for assigned apparel categories.
• Manage product lifecycle and test new strategies to fuel growth, in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Oversee weekly product flow, site merchandising, and marketing moments to enhance product visibility and customer engagement.
• Coordinate administrative buying processes with global teams, ensuring timely product delivery and compliance with environmental legislation.
• Secure marketing and markdown funding and manage vendor negotiations as needed.

Team & Talent Development

• Lead and support a team of direct and indirect reports, fostering a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and innovation.
• Act as a mentor and coach, providing regular feedback and development opportunities.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration and ensure team alignment with business goals and compliance standards.
• Continuously assess team contributions and adapt to evolving business needs.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Degree-level education in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience.
• Proven experience in buying, merchandising, product development, or sourcing.
• Track record of driving sales and margin growth in a retail or omni-channel environment.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing, diverse teams.
• Ability to curate globally relevant and locally resonant assortments.
• Strong understanding of consumer behaviour, market trends, and brand integrity.
• Effective communicator with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders.
• Collaborative leadership style with a commitment to inclusion and innovation.
• Proficiency in business English and Microsoft Office tools.
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to global markets.

The Perks

• 25 days annual leave
• Private medical insurance & dental care
• Free Park Entry: the opportunity to enter any of our parks with your family and friends for free
• Disney Discounts: entitled to discounts on designated Disney products, resort F&B and ticketing
• Excellent parental and guardian leave
• Employee Resource Groups – WOMEN @ Disney, Disney DIVERSITY, Disney PRIDE, our new disability & neurodiversity focused group - ENABLED, and our Mental Health & Wellbeing Group, TRUST.

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

Sobre The Walt Disney Company:

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