Junior Buyer

The Company

A fast-paced, trend-led fashion and footwear brand known for delivering directional, affordable styles to a highly engaged online customer. As the business continues to grow, we are looking for a commercially minded Junior Apparel Buyer to join the buying team and support the development of exciting, on-trend womenswear collections.

This is an excellent opportunity for an Assistant Buyer or experienced Buying Admin Assistant who is ready to take the next step in their fashion buying career.

The Role

As Junior Apparel Buyer, you will support the Buyer across the full buying cycle, from trend research and supplier sourcing through to product development, range building and in-season trading. You will work closely with Design, Merchandising, Garment Technology, Production, Marketing and E-commerce to ensure the company continues to deliver commercial, trend-right apparel ranges at the right price and at the right time.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Buyer in developing commercial and trend-led womenswear apparel ranges.
• Research current and emerging trends, competitor activity, customer behaviour and market opportunities.
• Attend trade shows, supplier meetings, competitor shops and market appointments to identify new product opportunities.
• Work closely with the Design team to develop product that reflects the SIMMI London customer and brand aesthetic.
• Source new fabrics, trims, techniques, suppliers and product categories.
• Communicate clearly with suppliers and factories regarding product development, costs, samples and delivery dates.
• Assist with negotiating cost prices, minimum order quantities, lead times and commercial terms.
• Review samples and provide feedback on colour, fabric, fit, styling, trims and overall commercial appeal.
• Support fit meetings and work with Garment Technologists to ensure products are fit for purpose.
• Help to build balanced ranges across key apparel categories and price points.
• Monitor product development and ensure all styles remain on track against the critical path.
• Maintain accurate product, supplier, cost and sample information on internal systems.
• Work alongside Merchandising to review weekly sales, stock levels, intake and product performance.
• Identify bestsellers and underperforming lines, recommending repeat orders, cancellations or amendments where appropriate.
• Support the Buyer with range reviews, sign-offs, trade meetings and supplier presentations.
• Assist with managing the Open to Buy, intake budgets and margin targets.
• Ensure product is delivered on time and in line with agreed quality, cost and specification requirements.
• Build strong working relationships with suppliers and internal teams.

Skills and Experience

• Previous experience within a fashion buying environment, ideally womenswear or apparel.
• Experience as an Assistant Buyer, Buying Admin Assistant or similar fashion buying role.
• A strong understanding of the fashion product development and buying process.
• Excellent awareness of current womenswear trends and competitor activity.
• Commercially focused with a strong understanding of product, pricing, margin and customer needs.
• Confident communicating with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Good numerical and analytical ability, with experience reviewing sales or product performance information.
• Excellent attention to detail, particularly when managing product information and critical paths.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and confidence working with buying or product management systems.
• A proactive, flexible and solutions-focused approach.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Please be aware the duties listed above are an interpretation of the role and do not form any part of your employment contract. Please ask the interviewer any questions about the role that you wish to clarify.

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