Senior Buyer - Womenswear

COS; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fashion retailer is seeking a Senior Buyer to maximize sales and profitability in London. This role involves leading a team, developing product strategies, and ensuring alignment with COS aesthetics. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in womenswear buying and exceptional organizational skills. Attractive benefits include a staff discount and extensive development opportunities.

Benefits

25% staff discount

Up to 25 days holiday

Annual health checks

Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted gym membership

Private health & dental care

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead and develop a junior team.
• Strong understanding of COS aesthetics and genuine interest in fashion.

Responsibilities

• Set seasonal strategy and sales goals with the Head of Department.
• Lead product development alongside your designer.
• Manage profitability of the department by focusing on margins.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational Skills

Communication

Strategic Mindset

Fashion Knowledge

Education

Experience as a Womenswear Buyer

Job description

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Job Description

As a Senior Buyer, you are accountable for maximising the department sales, profitability, and growth. You lead your team to deliver on the department's vision, aesthetics, and customer appeal, in line with the COS Brand.

Leading your team, you secure the best product strategy and purchase for the department, meeting customer, time, price, quality, and quantity requirements. You are responsible for executing product development with a clear understanding of COS aesthetics and our customer.

What you will do:

1. Set the seasonal strategy and sales goals with the Head of Department and Business Controller to drive the business forward.
2. Collaborate with the Online team to drive the Global Omni Strategy for an optimized customer offer across store and online platforms.
3. Work closely with design to ensure the assortment aligns with seasonal directions, meets commercial objectives, and balances product variety.
4. Lead product development alongside your designer and manage the department’s critical path.
5. Analyze departmental performance and implement short- and long-term actions to maximize opportunities and minimize risks.
6. Oversee the review of all products and plan the overall assortment.
7. Manage the profitability of the department by focusing on margins.
8. Coordinate stock level plans with junior buyers and controllers to ensure correct quantities based on sales history.
9. Negotiate purchase prices, quality, and delivery schedules to meet margin, quality, and lead-time requirements.
10. Develop and implement a competitive production strategy, including speed to market for trends and repeats.
11. Lead, coach, and develop your team, ensuring they have the knowledge and resources to meet their objectives.
12. Guide and follow up on your team’s progress according to established people processes.

Qualifications

Alignment to our company values is essential. We value open-mindedness, curiosity, a willingness to be different, constant improvement, and empowerment. Our values influence how we act and what we stand for.

• Previous experience as a Womenswear Buyer is essential.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a junior team.
• Excellent eye for elevated products with product development experience.
• Up-to-date knowledge of the latest trends, styles, patterns, fabrics, and colors.
• Strong understanding of COS aesthetics and a genuine interest in fashion and women’s wear customers.
• Excellent organizational skills, resilience, and ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
• Strategic mindset with experience managing budgets and responding to trade.
• Strong communication skills to inspire, influence, and present confidently.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, agile environment with exceptional organizational skills and flexibility in prioritization.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, permanent role based at our Head Office in London.

Benefits

We offer attractive benefits and extensive development opportunities worldwide. All employees receive a 25% staff discount applicable across all H&M Group brands, along with participation in our H&M Incentive Program – HIP. Additional UK-specific benefits include:

• Up to 25 days holiday
• Annual health checks
• Pension scheme
• Discounts on activities and financial/lifestyle products
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted gym membership
• Employee assistance via Retail Trust
• Private health & dental care

Inclusion & Diversity

We are committed to creating inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplaces. Our teams reflect a variety of experiences and perspectives, which enhances our ability to address challenges and serve our customers worldwide. All diversity dimensions are considered in our recruitment process.

Company Description

COS offers a wardrobe rooted in exceptional quality and lasting design, inspired by modern culture and global fashion movements. Our collections emphasize craftsmanship, innovation, and mindful creation, blending contemporary and timeless styles. Learn more about COS here.

Application Process

Click on the I’M INTERESTED link to upload your CV securely. We will keep you updated on your application status via email. We look forward to hearing from you!