Womenswear Buyer - Lutterworth

Asda Stores Ltd.; Lutterworth; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail supermarket company in the UK is seeking a Womenswear Buyer to drive product strategy and oversee range construction. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in fashion retail, strong leadership qualities, and the ability to analyze market trends. The role involves managing a buying team, ensuring product profitability, and fostering supplier relationships. This position also focuses on sustainability and ethical trading practices within the supply chain, emphasising a collaborative hybrid working environment.

Benefits

Discretionary company bonus

Company pension up to 7% matched

Company Car allowance of £5,700

15% colleague discount in store and online

Access to well-being services like virtual GP and counselling

Excellent parental leave policies

Qualifications

• Experience in range construction and pricing in fashion retail, specifically Womenswear.
• Track record in team management and development.
• Ability to analyze data and forecast trends.

Responsibilities

• Lead product range from design to pricing and supplier management.
• Drive innovation in product ranges online and in-store.
• Mentor and develop Assistant and Junior Buyers.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Leadership abilities

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Relationship-building

Data analysis

Tools

Market insights tools (e.g., Kantar)

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Womenswear Buyer to join our team! In this role you will develop and source a commercially viable and fashionable product range that meets customer and market needs while maximizing profitability. As a Buyer, you will lead the buying team, inspiring, managing, coaching, and developing the Assistant Buyer and Junior Buyer. You will drive the product strategy and oversee all aspects of range construction, ensuring strong financial performance, supplier relationships, and alignment with George's brand and sustainability values. Your role involves product & range management.

Responsibilities

• Lead product range from design to pricing and supplier management.
• Ensure profitability, margin, and sales; respond to best/worst sellers.
• Drive innovation in product ranges online and in-store.
• Set and own product and online strategy aligned with business goals.
• Work with design, technical, and suppliers to meet customer needs and quality standards.
• Monitor competitors to stay competitive.

Supplier & Relationship Management

• Build and manage a strong supplier base aligned with sourcing strategy.
• Maintain supplier relationships through reviews and collaboration.
• Ensure products are delivered on time, in the right quantities, and at the right price.

Market & Competitor Awareness

• Track market trends, competitor activity, and customer preferences.
• Lead pricing strategy to maintain competitiveness and grow market share.
• Align marketing and trading activities with product strategy.

Availability

• Oversee product timelines and delivery.
• Manage the Range Plan and ensure accurate buying information.
• Align product availability with seasonal and promotional strategies.

Sustainability & Ethical Trading

• Drive sustainability and ethical practices across the supply chain.
• Ensure compliance with standards, laws, and best practices.

Team Leadership & Development

• Mentor and develop Assistant and Junior Buyers.
• Build a high-performance, collaborative team culture.
• Conduct reviews, appraisals, and succession planning.
• Manage recruitment and HR processes.

Qualifications

• Strong commercial acumen, with experience in range construction, pricing, margin management, and product profitability within the fashion retail industry, specifically Womenswear Category.
• Proven leadership and coaching abilities, with a track record of managing and developing a team.
• In-depth understanding of market trends, customer needs, and competitor activity.
• Strong negotiation and relationship‑building skills, particularly with suppliers and cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to analyse data, forecast trends, and make informed decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage critical paths and product timelines, ensuring on‑time delivery.
• Experience using market insights tools (e.g., Kantar).
• Experience in driving sustainability and ethical trading within a product range.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to understand and act on financial and sales data.

Working Arrangements

To ensure we balance collaboration and flexibility, Asda has a hybrid way of working with a minimum of 3 days a week in one of our Home Offices. Over and above this, each area of Asda may have additional requirements which may require spending more days in the office, visiting suppliers, stores or depots.

Benefits

• Discretionary company bonus
• Company pension up to 7% matched
• Company Car allowance of £5,700
• 15% colleague discount in store and online
• Free access to wellbeing services such as Stream, 24/7 virtual GP, counselling, health and dental cash plans and a 24/7 employee assistance helpline, alongside discounts across a range of services and activities, from airport parking, enhanced to theme parks and cinemas.
• Asda Allies Inclusion Networks - helping colleagues to make sure everybody is included and that our differences are recognised and celebrated
• Excellent parental leave policies, including maternity & adoption leave, paternity leave, shared parental leave, neonatal care leave, and support for those doing fertility treatments.

We want all colleagues to be able to bring their best and true selves to work, every day. Simply put, we want our colleagues to be proud to be Asda and proud to be themselves.