Junior Buyer

SUMWON STUDIOS; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fashion brand group in Manchester is seeking a motivated Junior Buyer to join their dynamic team. This role offers the chance to develop commercial skills and contribute to product offerings. Candidates should have at least 3 years of experience and strong analytical skills. The position includes hybrid working, competitive salary, and various employee benefits such as discounts and annual leave.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Health Scheme

30% employee discount

Company social events

Creative work environment

Competitive salary

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Pension contributions

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience at a fashion brand.
• Strong analytical skills with a data-driven approach.
• Enthusiastic and proactive mindset.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Manage trading activities of assigned departments.
• Forecast trends by analysing market insights.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Trend forecasting

Problem-solving skills

Education

Experience in buying for a fashion or beauty brand

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Junior Buyer

Location: Manchester

Department: Buying

Reports To: Senior Buyer

Job Type: Full-time

About Sumwon Studios

Sumwon Studios is a fashion brand group, with an innovative and creative approach to developing & designing direct-to-consumer fashion brands for a diverse global customer base.

The current brands we run are MISSGUIDED, SUMWON, AiiRZ and KiZN. Our team of talented designers, trend forecasters, and industry experts collaborate seamlessly to bring our vision to life.

We leverage our expertise in market research, consumer insights, and design excellence to create brands that resonate with consumers. We are proud to have forged a strategic and exclusive relationship with one of the largest fashion retailers in the world. This partnership enables us to expand our reach and distribute our brands to a global audience of over 150 million customers. Where others perceive limits, we perceive opportunities.

We're building our team ready to challenge everything and embrace bold, new-age thinking. We honour and celebrate individuality, building an international space where everyone can feel inspired and thrive.

Role Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Junior Buyer to join our dynamic team. This role offers the opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment, develop strong commercial skills, and play an essential part in shaping product offerings and driving profitability. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a keen eye for product trends with at least 3 year’s experience at a fashion brand.

Key Responsibilities

• Product Development & Selection: Work closely with internal teams and external suppliers to develop commercially viable products. Maximize the potential of best-selling products while identifying opportunities to introduce new, trend-driven lines.
• Trading & Category Management: Manage the trading activities of assigned departments, ensuring that product assortments meet market demands. Monitor sales performance and make proactive decisions to optimize stock levels, pricing, and product offerings.
• Trend Forecasting: Confidently forecast trends by analysing market insights and customer preferences. Translate these insights into actionable product strategies that align with business objectives.
• Supplier Collaboration: Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, particularly teams in China and Dubai, to ensure efficient sourcing and delivery of products. Negotiate terms to secure the best value for the company.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Use strong analytical skills to assess sales performance, identify trends, and create reports that inform buying decisions. Provide insights on key product performance metrics.
• Communication: Maintain clear and effective communication with internal stakeholders, including design, merchandising, and sales teams. Ensure that all relevant parties are aligned on product strategies and timelines.
• Innovation & Problem-Solving: Generate proactive ideas to grow departments, improve product offerings, and enhance overall profitability. Identify and address challenges swiftly to maintain a competitive edge.
• Attention to Detail: Ensure accuracy in product specifications, order processing, and reporting to maintain high standards across all aspects of the role.
• Team Collaboration: Work independently as well as part of a collaborative team environment to achieve departmental and business goals.

Qualifications & Skills

• Enthusiastic and proactive mindset
• Strong analytical skills with a data-driven approach to decision-making
• Minimum three years’ experience within buying for a fashion and or beauty brand
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Keen eye for identifying product trends and commercial opportunities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team
• Confidence in trend forecasting and strategic decision-making
• Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on continuous improvement

This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated individual who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about product development and driving business growth.

What's on offer?

• 25 working days of annual leave plus bank holidays
• Health Scheme
• 30% employee discount on all Sumwon Studios brands (Sumwon, Missguided, Aiirz)
• Company social events
• Creative work environment
• Competitive salary
• Hybrid working to support work-life balance
• Enhanced paternity and maternity leave
• Pension contributions employee 5% employer 3%

Work Environment

• Opportunity to be part of a dynamic, innovative and fun organisation.
• Collaborative and supportive work culture with opportunities for professional growth and development.
• An engaging and supportive work environment
• A very modern office to work in

EEO Statement: Sumwon Studios is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion within our work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.