Senior Buyer FTC

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the fashion sector is seeking a Senior Softs Buyer to join their dynamic team. In this pivotal role, you will shape and execute the buying strategy for a renowned brand, ensuring alignment with market trends and customer needs. Your expertise in supplier management and negotiation will be crucial in optimizing product ranges and driving commercial success. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a collaborative environment that values creativity and quality, where your contributions will directly impact the brand’s reputation and customer satisfaction. Join a passionate team dedicated to delivering sophisticated and timeless collections.

Benefits

Competitive bonus scheme

Company pension

Share schemes

Private medical cover

Life assurance

40% discount across four brands

20% off at Debenhams

Comprehensive wellbeing package

Dog-friendly offices

Ongoing learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in buying, ideally within a premium or luxury brand.
• Proven ability to identify trends and translate them into commercially successful ranges.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for the department.
• Negotiate prices, terms, and contracts to maximize profitability.

Skills

Buying experience

Negotiation skills

Trend analysis

Supplier management

Leadership

Communication skills

Job description

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From our humble beginnings in 2006 with just three team members, we've grown into a global multi-channel eCommerce powerhouse; home to multiple brands, a worldwide presence, and a passionate team of over 3,500.

Recently, we welcomed a new Group CEO who is a bold, forward-thinking leader with a proven track record of driving transformation and innovation. With a customer-first mindset, we’re making significant investments to fuel exponential growth across boohoo, boohooMAN, PrettyLittleThing, Karen Millen and Debenhams.

Are you ready to be part of our extraordinary evolution?

The role

This role is a 12 month FTC supporting our Karen Millen brand. You'll be based at our Soho, London site, 5 days per week.

As the Senior Softs Buyer, you will be responsible for shaping and executing the department strategy, ensuring the range aligns with Karen Millen's brand ethos. You will lead the end-to-end buying process, from product selection and development to supplier negotiations and performance analysis, ensuring commercial success and customer satisfaction, delivering a balance of new & contemporary products that meet sales, margin & profit objectives. Working closely with design and merch teams to make effective and commercially focused decisions at a fast pace, under the supervision of the Head of Buying. You will manage & develop the junior team & support the wider division.

What you'll be doing

• Category Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for the department, ensuring alignment with business objectives and market trends.
• Range Development: Identify key trends and customer needs, curating a balanced and aspirational range with a strong commercial edge.
• Supplier Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers while sourcing new opportunities to optimize cost, quality, and delivery.
• Negotiation: Negotiate prices, terms, and contracts to maximize profitability while maintaining Karen Millen’s high standards.
• Trend Analysis: Conduct market research, competitor analysis, and customer insights to inform buying decisions and innovate the product range.
• Financial Accountability: Manage OTB (open-to-buy) budgets, margin targets, and stock levels to meet financial goals.
• Collaboration: Partner with design, merchandising, and marketing teams to create cohesive collections that reflect the brand’s identity.
• Performance Monitoring: Analyse sales data, customer feedback, and market trends to continuously improve category performance.
• Leadership: Mentor and develop junior members of the buying team, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.

What we're looking for

• Extensive experience in buying, ideally within a premium or luxury brand
• Proven ability to identify trends and translate them into commercially successful ranges
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
• A passion for design & fashion, with a keen eye for detail and quality
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Why Join Us?

We’re Karen Millen. Since 1981 we’ve been a household name and trusted brand. We’re known for elevated style and our reputation for fabric, finish, quality, and detail speaks for itself. Our love for fashion revolves around long-lasting, luxurious designs that can effortlessly slip into an established wardrobe at an attainable price point. As part of our Buying team, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering collections that exude sophistication, quality, and timeless style.

At Karen Millen, you’ll be part of a brand that values creativity, quality, and innovation. We offer a collaborative and inspiring work environment where your expertise will make a tangible impact on our collections and our customers

Benefits Include: (subject to level and eligibility)

• Competitive bonus scheme, company pension, share schemes, private medical cover, and life assurance
• 40% discount across four brands and 20% off at Debenhams
• A comprehensive wellbeing package to support your health and lifestyle
• Some of our offices are dog-friendly, so your furry friend can join you at work
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities with great internal career progression