Junior Buyer - Childrenswear

BODEN; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fashion retailer in the UK is seeking a Junior Buyer to manage product categories and collaborate with various teams. This role requires a strong analytical mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to interpret market trends. You'll develop product ranges, negotiate with suppliers, and assess quality and pricing effectively. The opportunity allows for a flexible work setup and emphasizes creativity and commercial awareness.

Qualifications

• Passionate about a career in Buying.
• Strong taste and competitor awareness.
• Be organised, adaptable and enjoy a challenge.

Responsibilities

• Drive product development with Design and suppliers.
• Assess supply base to deliver best price and quality.
• Communicate clearly to avoid delays.

Skills

Commercial awareness

Creativity

Analytical skills

Data Management

Strong communication

Time management

Education

Established Senior Assistant Buyer level

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Office

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

The Junior Buyer is responsible for managing their own category, reporting into the Buying Lead for their department. The role includes, developing and sourcing the range, negotiating prices, managing a robust supply base. You will contribute and help drive a department strategy to deliver amazing product to our customer.

Location: 4-5 days per week at our North Acton office, the rest WFH.

What You Will Do

• Drive the development of our amazing product working closely with Design, Garment Technology and suppliers.
• Work closely with Merchandising, Design and Garment Tech from the start of the development stage to ensure the designs align with the Product Framework and meet quality and margin targets.
• Work with the Fabric team to book and monitor fabric/yarn commitment to trade effectively through the season.
• Continually assess supply base, building strong relationships to deliver best price, quality, reliability and repeat lead times.
• Recognise opportunities and risk that form part of the Supplier Strategy.
• Set realistic margin targets and have strong negotiation skills to meet each season's target.
• Strong critical path management both internally and with supply base.
• Work with Merch, Design and Garment Tech teams to ensure Supplier can achieve lead time and instock achieved.
• Understand our Brand and our customer in all our trading regions. Be customer focused in the way you work and the decisions you make. Be aware of economic and social trends that impact our business.
• Strong competitor awareness- know where Boden sits in the market and know our competitors ranges and pricing.
• Strong analysis skills and able to deliver clear key messages. Quick to respond to current trade and constantly evaluating future ranges, highlighting both risk and opportunities.
• Build in ability to trade with your supply base and establish trigger dates to move with pace.
• Get the best out of your team by motivating, developing and coaching, keeping brand values at the forefront.
• Carry our regular 121's and performance reviews setting out clear, measurable targets and giving regular feedback.
• Delegate and manage the workload of your team appropriately to ensure accurate and quick response.
• Build strong relationships with the supply base and internal teams to ensure smooth running of the department.
• Clearly communicate to make decisions and avoid delays.
• Ensure PLM/S5 up to date and accurate at all times.

What We Are Looking For

• Passionate about a career in Buying.
• Be both commercial and creative with a keen eye for detail.
• Great taste and strong competitor awareness.
• Ability to influence and communicate effectively at all levels.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Strong Data Management skills (inc. Excel and Microsoft Office).
• Established Senior Assistant Buyer level at a minimum.
• Strong communication skills.
• Be organised, adaptable and enjoy a challenge.
• Be proactive and show initiative.
• Great time management.