Buyer - Women's Contemporary

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail fashion brand in Greater London is seeking an experienced Buyer to develop and execute a comprehensive buying strategy. The successful candidate will manage supplier relationships and lead a team while contributing to brand positioning and profitability. Proficient negotiation, communication, and independent working skills are essential. Strong fashion market knowledge is also required. This role offers numerous benefits including employee discounts and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Employee discount: up to 40% on Fashion and Hospitality

Clothing Allowance

Season Ticket loan

Cycle to Work Scheme

Medicash - Health Cash Plan

Employee Assistance Program

Access to a series of discounts

Qualifications

• Experience in fashion buying across similar categories.
• Knowledge of market trends and ability to manage budgets.
• Leadership experience in motivating teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a buying strategy aligned with brand vision.
• Collaborate with marketing and ecommerce teams for presentations.
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers.
• Negotiate best possible terms for gross margins.
• Lead a team of Assistant Buyers and Administrators.

Skills

Proven buying experience

Strong negotiation skills

Excellent communication

Relationship building

Attention to detail

MS Office proficiency

Job description

We are looking for a candidate with an exceptional taste level and the expertise and influence to build strong supplier relationships, engage key stakeholders, and drive strategic decisions that elevate our brand and align with market trends.

You will play a key role in supporting the Head of Buying across all relevant functions, curating and managing our Women's Contemporary and evening RTW (Ready-to-Wear) fashion assortment to make your departments stand out for their exceptional fashion brands.

You will have the ability to own and drive a business independently with an emphasis on trading, enhancing brand positioning, and contributing to long-term profitability and business growth.

With a passion for fashion and a commercial approach, you will play a key role in shaping our brand's identity in the luxury space.

How you will contribute...

• Develop and execute a comprehensive buying strategy aligned with brand vision, customer demand, sales history, fashion trends and financial objectives.
• Collaborate closely with merchandising, retail, marketing, and visual and ecommerce teams to create compelling in-store and online presentations whilst driving sales
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of existing and potential suppliers and build successful relationships with suppliers through regular and effective communication.
• Establish and negotiate the best possible terms to provide planned gross margins and stock turn.
• Negotiate supplier contributions where applicable
• Monitor and manage stock levels, open-to-buy budgets, and drive sell-through strategies, including markdowns and promotions.
• Action weekly sales information to highlight requirements for repeat orders, mark-downs and range changes and review with the Head of Buying.
• Lead a team of Assistant Buyer, Buying Administrator providing coaching, guidance and clear objectives.
• Effective liaison with the Assistant Buyer, Buying Administrator & warehouse to ensure the timely receipt of goods into the stores, phasing planned intake to meet sales, stock, mark-down and profit targets.
• Ensure the timely receipt of goods into the stores through: accurate monitoring of deliveries, import management, effective liaison with the warehouse

Is this you?

• You have proven buying experience ideally across similar categories
• Strong understanding of market trends
• Experienced in managing budgets
• Strong negotiation and communication skills
• A natural relationship builder with ability to work independently
• Excellent attention to detail and exceptional organisation skills
• Have previous experience in leading and motivation a team
• Strong knowledge of MS Office applications

How we reward your hard work...

At Harvey Nichols, we champion career development and are passionate about our people. We will do all we can to support your journey and career path with us. Alongside this you will have access to a world of amazing benefits such as:

• Employee discount: up to 40% on Fashion and Hospitality, 30% on Beauty & Perfumery
• Clothing Allowance
• Season Ticket loan
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Medicash - Health Cash Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to a series of discounts (i.e. Gym, Tech, etc)

You will also have access to charity days, recognition schemes and learning & development opportunities! These are just some of the reasons people join and stay!

Where do I sign?

If you are already thinking of what you will wear on your first day (no we don't have uniforms) and this role catches your eye, hit the "apply" button below to kick-start your journey with us.