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Buying ManagerJohn Lewis & Partners
13 days ago
  • LevelMid Level
  • ProfessionsFashion Buyer, Planner, Fashion Product Manager
  • TypeFull Time
  • LocationLondon, United Kingdom

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Description

Closing Date: 17-Oct-2024

Our Purpose
Working in Partnership for a happier world – our shared Purpose that guides us in everything we do and inspires 3 important principles; happier people, happier business, happier world. The John Lewis Partnership is a truly unique business, one that seeks to make a positive difference to the lives of everyone.
At a glance
  • This is a hybrid working role. The Buying team aim for a minimum of 3 days a week in the office and to attend key meetings with Brands.The normal place of work for this role is London Central Offices based in Pimlico.
  • The salary range for this role is set at £65,000.00 - £98,000.00
  • This is a permanent position.
About the role
The John Lewis Buying team are looking for an experienced Buying Manager to join the Branded Women's Clothing category.
As a Buying Manager at the John Lewis Partnership, your role is pivotal to leading the Buying function in your category. Along with the Merchandising Manager you are responsible for translating the Directorate strategy into an effective Category strategy.
This role is critical in withholding the strategic direction set on design and product, focusing either on own brand product development and ranging or branded product selection, new to market product launches and brand acquisition.
Your efforts contribute to delivering distinctive assortments that embody the John Lewis Brand ethos, ensuring they are both style relevant, competitive and of the highest quality. Through effective market insights and negotiation skills, you uphold robust terms with brands and suppliers while aligning with sustainability targets.
In collaboration with the Merchandising Manager, the Buying manager will make critical decisions regarding product assortment, design strategy, supplier negotiations, pricing, and promotional strategies, among others, ensuring alignment with the overarching category strategy.
Additionally, the role will actively contribute to long-term planning, range optimisation, and in-year trading decisions.You will be accountable for actively managing an element of the assortment within the overall category you are responsible for, as determined by the needs of the category. You will be a champion of change by embracing new Buying tools, processes and systems You will lead & energise the buying team, create the conditions for all Partners to thrive, make their best contribution and achieve their potential. By leveraging your accountabilities and essential skills you will drive category performance, and contribute to the overall success of John Lewis Partnership.
Essential skills you’ll need
  • Extensive proven experience in the retail industry, with a focus on buying, category management, or product management within Branded Women’s Clothing Direct experience in buying practices, merchandising strategies, and supplier negotiations is crucial for success in this role.
  • Experience in Management and Selection of Womens Brands and having a strong industry network: previous experience in working with a wide range of brands.
  • Demonstrated success and achievement in previous buying or category management roles, with a track record of delivering results, driving sales growth, and enhancing profitability within the retail sector.
  • Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to analyse market trends, consumer insights, and competitive landscape to develop and execute effective buying strategies aligned with business objectives.
  • Proven negotiation skills and experience in leading strategic commercial negotiations with suppliers and vendors to secure favourable terms and agreements, maximising value and profitability for the organisation.
  • Previous experience in leadership or managerial roles, with a focus on team management, coaching,and development. Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a team, foster a collaborative and high-performance culture, and drive results through effective team management.
  • In-depth knowledge and expertise within the designated category, including an understanding of product trends, customer preferences, and industry dynamics.
  • Direct experience in range planning, product assortment development, and brand management within the category is highly desirable.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively communicate ideas, negotiate agreements, and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Desirable skills you could bring
  • Exposure to working within matrix leadership structures, collaborating across multiple teams and functions to achieve common objectives. Ability to navigate complex organisational dynamics and leverage diverse perspectives to drive results.
  • Understanding of sustainability principles and metrics relevant to the retail sector, particularly within the designated category.
  • Experience in implementing sustainable practices and initiatives to drive positive environmental and social impact.
  • Proficiency in utilising data analysis tools and techniques to derive actionable insights and inform strategic decision-making.
  • Experience in forecasting demand, sales trends, and market dynamics to anticipate future opportunities and risks.
Benefits of the Partnership and the role
  • 💻 - Hybrid Working.
  • 🏖️ - Full - time working holiday entitlement 25 days holiday, plus public and bank holidays (this is prorated for part time hours).
  • ⚖ - Excellent work life balance, including focus on well being and flexible working and our marketing leading equal parenthood leave Policy
  • 🐷 - Defined Contribution pension scheme where your contributions will be matched by the Partnership (up to 8% of pay) and, after three years’ service, you’ll receive an additional Partnership contribution of 4% of pay, regardless of whether you pay in or not
  • 🤑 - You’ll get Partnership discount in store and online once you complete your Earning Membership period. That’s 25% off in John Lewis (12% off electrical products, some exclusions apply) and 20% in Waitrose (some exclusions apply) You’ll also be able to nominate someone you live with to share your discount.
  • 🚴 -  Simple cycle to work support scheme
  • 🏰 - We’re really proud of our exclusive hotels based in some of Britain’s most beautiful areas and once you’ve been with us for three months, you’re welcome to explore them
  • 💗 - Health Care cover
  • 🚗 - Car allowance
  • 🌱 -  Learn more about our extensive range of exciting benefits that you could enjoy when you join us, visit - https://www.jlpjobs.com/about/benefits/

Skills Required

  • Buying
  • Negotiation
  • Strategic Thinking

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