Role: Buyer- Accessories Location: Havant, Hampshire (Hybrid working 3 days in the office) Contract: Full Time (35 hours per week), Fixed Term (9 months) Who are we?
For over 30 years, we've travelled, we've laughed, we've grown.
We believe life is for living and more fun with those we love.
Our purpose is to bring positivity to our customers lives through the clothes we make, the things we do and the values we have.
We are Made for Life.
Trusted quality.
Sustainably sourced.
Proud to be a B Corp TM.
Equality and inclusion isn't an aspiration but the standard.
We promote and drive equality within our workforce to ignite an inclusive foundation for us all to build and truly connect with our customers, colleagues, and communities alike.
You play a key part in creating an environment free of prejudice, racism, sexism, harassment, bullying and any other form of marginalisation in our workplaces.
Role Summary To source, develop and buy product ranges that exceed our customers' expectations.
Delivering the product strategy for the department, to maximise sales and margin.
Manage the product development cycle to ensure availability is maximised to the quality and sustainability level required by the business.
Role Responsibilities Work with team to produce the department product strategy in line with overall company strategy and successfully implement the same.
Work with Designer & suppliers to create and develop seasonal ranges which deliver the overall product strategy and phased buy plans.
Manage the sampling process from design packs through to finished proto samples.
Work closely with the team to select a balanced and commercial range which satisfies customer needs for all our channels and have this successfully signed off with the Buying Manager and Director.
Work with Wholesale division to place orders, trade and showcase ranges where required.
Together with the team create and implement a supply chain strategy which sets out short, medium- and long-term plans for supplier partnerships, development and improvement.
Manage the placement of orders ensuring all KPI's and delivery & margin targets are met.
Work with Buying Manager to hand over product to the marketing & creative team for customer communication.
Manage the critical path process ensuring the product remains on brand through the approval cycle and that launch availability is maximised.
Through weekly trading reviews and proposals across all channels, ensure that in season activity maximises profitability whilst maintaining efficient controls of commitment.
Gain market awareness through regular competitor visits both online & in store.
Develop self through store, competitor, factory, and supplier visits.
And through increased awareness of other HO functions and company issues.
Plan seasonal pricing and promotional activity together with Merchandising and in line with the overall strategy.
Effectively manage and motivate assistants through development and reviews, ensuring that they understand their contribution towards company goals.
Skills and Experience • Degree or equivalent level of qualification • Experience in Fashion based subjects • Buying experience at Junior Buyer level within accessories is essential • Previous experience of garments essential • Strong negotiation skills to achieve targets.
• Strong presentation skills to all levels.
• Highly numerate, able to interpret data to determine decision making, work to budget and KPIs • Strong communication and influencing skills at all levels.
• Team management, and task delegation skills.
• Good planning and organisational skills able to adapt in line with business needs.
Role Competencies • Passionate about product & FatFace Brand • Thorough understanding of all buying principles and systems • A strength in product development • Commercial and Market awareness • Understanding of the supply chain & product lifecycle • Comprehensive understanding of customer profile, product range, and competitors • Use of CIMS, QA & Microsoft applications Key Contacts & Relationships External: Product suppliers Internal: The product teams.
Marketing & creative Directors Visual Merchandising Warehouse Finance People Team Accountable Resources Brand Integrity – product in line with Brand identity.
Company integrity - relationship with externals.
Financial - ensure profitability of category within Stores and Direct channels, through product strategy, working to budget & delivering intake margin.