Description

A BIT ABOUT THE ROLE
The Buyer is responsible for managing their department and reports into the Buying Manager. This role includes management and coaching of their team, creating, and delivering a range in line with the Product Framework and concept. Managing the supply base to create amazing product that meets Boden quality standards.
BENEFITS AT BODEN
Flexible hybrid working
Targeted annual bonus scheme
Generous Boden clothing allowance and 30% discount on all current clothing ranges
Holiday increase with years of service
Portal with an array of discounts and cashback offers on retail and entertainment
Group personal pension scheme and life insurance cover
24/7 Virtual GP service for you and your household
Free onsite parking, teas & coffee stations and subsidised café with free toast for breakfast
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
Clear understanding of our brand, customer, and competitors in all trading regions and ensure that all decisions made are customer focused.
Understand economic and social trends and question their impact on the business.
Strategy – Create a clear Product Framework, including attributes each season based on trade learnings, brand direction, customer insight and new opportunities.
Trade the department on a weekly basis, be quick to respond, identify opportunities, risk and find solutions.
Product Development - Drive the development of our amazing product, collaborating closely with internal teams and suppliers.
Work closely with the Designers, Technicians and Merchandisers from the start of the development stage to ensure the designs align with the Product Framework and placed with the right suppliers to meet quality and margin targets. Ensure the range reflects core Boden values: Uplifting, Stylish and Grounded.
Align with the Fabric team and set out clear fabric price targets each season. Stay up to date with price fluctuations and when resourcing is required.
Build and present a balanced, commercial range working closely with Design and Merchandising in line with the Framework and budgets.
Deliver the sustainability roadmap.
Supply Base – Create a supplier strategy that meets Boden’s needs each season. Continually looking for opportunities through cross costing, new areas of development and risks.
Build strong relationships with suppliers and lead supplier performance reviews.
Continually assess supply base, ensuring you’re buying from the right source and COO to deliver best price, quality, reliability, flexibility and lead times.
Negotiation – Maximise your negotiation skills to meet each season’s target margin, set targets and understand where you are going to make the biggest impact.
Critical Path – Lead the department Critical Path to ensure deliveries are on time and delays are escalated to management with solutions. Ensure deadlines are met taking appropriate action to avoid delivery delays.
Communicate production and fabric forecasts to suppliers in order to hold capacity and improve margin.
Support the team with understanding quality needs and standards.
Ensure garments are always fitted on time and with fit & flatter in mind helping to reduce returns.
Manage and keep up to date fabric and liable holdings.
Management – Get the best out of your team by motivating, developing and coaching, always keeping the brand values in mind.
Hold weekly 121s and performance reviews setting clear, measurable objectives and giving regular feedback.
Recognise talent and manage underperformance.
Lead by example and create and culture built on trust.
Communication – clearly communicate to get quick decisions to avoid delays, be able to recognise when you can make the decision and what needs to be escalated.
Systems – Ensure your team keep systems (PLM, S5, PIM) up to date and accurate at all times.
THE EXPERIENCE WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Relevant experience in a Fashion retailer at Buyer level
Strong analytical skills
Be creative and have a keen eye for detail
Excel and Microsoft Office skills
A BIT ABOUT YOU
Be organised, adaptable and enjoys a challenge
Be Strategic
Clear communication skills
Good problem solving skills
Great time management
Ability to multitask
Ability to work independently
We want Boden to be the place everyone wants to work. Friendly and open, understanding and supportive. A best-of-British company with diverse teams, equal opportunities, and fair working and recruitment practices. We believe in hiring the best person for the job whoever they are, helping them thrive in it and celebrating their individuality.
We would like to encourage people from a diverse range of backgrounds to apply for our roles. If you need any reasonable adjustments or additional support during your application process, please do not hesitate to let us know.