Senior Assistant Buyer

Pretty Lavish; East Hertfordshire; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A fashion brand in East Hertfordshire seeks an experienced Assistant Buyer to manage product development and support the team in a fast-paced environment. You will oversee multiple collections, ensure timely delivery, and contribute to negotiations and product strategies. The role offers hybrid working and unique perks like an idyllic countryside office and generous staff discounts.

Benefits

Idyllic Countryside Head Office

Hybrid Working

Early finish Fridays

Generous Staff Discount

Birthday Day off

Start-up Culture

Qualifications

• Experienced Assistant Buyer, operating at a senior level.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and work on multiple collections at once.
• Ability to influence and communicate effectively at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Manage briefing new CAD sheet development to suppliers.
• Review proto samples against CAD sheets and design specifications.
• Send weekly critical paths to suppliers, tracking orders and outstanding samples.

Skills

Experienced Assistant Buyer

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Ability to influence and communicate effectively

Product development skills

Keen interest in fashion and trends

Good commercial eye

Strong negotiation skills

Job description

Overview

Pretty Lavish continues to emerge within the fashion industry bridging the gap between high street and designer brands. Recognised for our sophisticated occasionwear, luxury knitwear and more recently our sleek and modern bridesmaids collection. We strive to make luxury affordable by designing quality, timeless and versatile designs that can be worn day to night, season to season and loved for years to come.

As Pretty Lavish grows, we are looking for a passionate, hardworking and humble individual to join us on this exciting journey.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Product development – Manage briefing new CAD sheet development to suppliers, chasing development samples to meet deadlines and negotiate cost prices independantly. Contribute to range build meetings.
• Review proto samples against CAD sheets, requested fabric and design specifications once received, working closely with the Technologist and Designer, reporting any inaccuracies and sending any feedback to suppliers ahead of range build.
• Feeding back to the Buyer and cross costing/re-sourcing where necessary if a cost is unworkable ahead of product meetings with Directors.
• Being responsible for product meeting preparation and follow-up to ensure all teams and suppliers are clear on next steps.
• Sending weekly critical paths to suppliers, tracking current orders and outstanding samples. Being responsible for meeting our lateness % targets.
• Reviews supplier performance in relation to critical path and raises concerns or repetitive patterns.
• Attend weekly fit sessions and lead these in absence of the Buyer.
• Update Zedonk system and delivery schedule document weekly ahead of presenting delivery schedule meetings, communicate XF delays and style concerns to wider teams in the business.
• Manage and update CP calendar on PLM
• Propose and review repeats weekly with merchandising team
• Managing and maintaining all data on systems with accuracy and efficiency, working to eliminate discrepancies.
• Ensure the PLM system is up to date with all relevant information and any changes are communicated with the relevant teams
• Manage and approve lab dips and bulk fabric swatches and communicate approvals/rejections in order to stay on track with critical path.
• Supporting, nurturing and training junior members on the team in all areas of their development, being approachable and leading by example with managing workload pressures.
• Supporting the Buyer with reviewing processes and suggesting amendments to or new ways of working.
• Attend calls and communicate with suppliers regularly as point of contact.
• Supporting with supplier performance management. Analysing performance issues and identifying opportunities
• Manage new collection online schedules
• Propose new product opportunities to Buyer, based on current/previous trade and trend analysis

Skills and Experience

• Experienced Assistant Buyer, operating at a senior level
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and work on multiple collections at once.
• Ability to influence and communicate effectively at all levels
• Product development skills
• Keen interest in fashion and trends
• Good commercial eye
• Strong negotiation skills

Our ‘Pretty Positive’ Perks

• Idyllic Countryside Head Office – in the leafy village of Widford, Hertfordshire
• Hybrid Working
• Early finish Fridays - last Friday of every month
• Generous Staff Discount – 50% for you, 20% for your friends and family
• Birthday Day – your birthday off every year after one year service
• Start-up Culture –the chance to make a real impact to a fast-growing company