Department: Buying
Reports into: Global Design & Product Director
Location: Head Office, New Bond Street, London combined with remote working
Contract: Permanent, 4 days per week
WHO WE ARE
LK Bennett is a brand with a British heritage feel, born in the 90s, with our first boutique in Wimbledon. Our pieces are designed in our London HQ to be full of vibrant prints, iconic silhouettes and beautiful fabrics.
Since our beginnings, we’ve become well-loved thanks to our effortless, luxurious collections featuring ready-to-wear, shoes, bags and accessories. Known for our distinctly wearable style and luxury craftsmanship with high-quality production across Europe. Sourcing only the finest fabrics, including our signature silks from the Far East. We create investment pieces to love forever – only now, we inspire women to bring the extraordinary to the ordinary, everyday.
JOB ROLE
Working at LK Bennett is more than just a job; it’s a way of life and by becoming our Senior Buyer means you will be at the forefront of our luxury business. As a Senior Buyer you will bring to life our brand proposition and continue to nurture and ignite the love for our beautiful products, whilst being in one of the driving seats of a commercially successful business.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
* Working in collaboration with the Design, Merchandising and Technical departments, influence the development of an exciting and commercially viable range in accordance with the Buying strategy, seasonal fashion trends and the LK Bennett product philosophy.
* Continually challenge the range viability whilst ensuring it remains cohesive with the brand vision.
* Negotiate preferential contract terms ensuring budgeted sales, gross margin and profit targets are achieved, whilst managing supplier reliability and relationships.
* Resolve any development/supplier issues experienced within the product cycle, achieving the best result for the Company in any given risk scenario
* Manage and review the OTB to maximise the sales and profitability of the product ranges. Plan product category splits and Lessons learnt/ Seasonal Strategy.
* Progress, monitor and manage the range from concept to delivery into the Warehouse, keeping to the stringent critical path requirements.
* Provide detailed range and product information to all internal parties including Marketing, Retail, Press and Digital; participate in the development of product knowledge communications with these relevant business partners.
* Compile competitor data and activity and stay one step ahead using all available market analysis to identify trends, constantly assessing competitors to deliver an optimum product offer which exceeds customer expectations; Identify growth opportunities through assimilating fashion forecasting and market trends both UK and Internationally.
* Analyse product sell through, performance data and weekly line sales and spend OTB to maximise trading and limit risk accordingly.
* Manage, develop and motivate the buying team creating a collaborative and rewarding working experience.
WHO YOU ARE
* Outstanding planning and organisational skills
* Multi product and category experience on Clothing required.
* Resilient and flexible with a natural flair for trends and fabrics; product development experience and a deep understanding of fit and premium brand product development
* Commercially driven, with negotiating and influencing skills
* Well-travelled, with a solid understanding of supplier capabilities and Country specific fabric/product development specialities
* Ability to quickly interpret results and work within a fast-paced environment
* Excellent time management and able to prioritise workload
WHAT WE OFFER
* 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
* Day off on your birthday, to celebrate in style
* Ambassador & brand discounts as well as regular colleague sales
* Company pension
* Life Assurance
* Employee Assistance & Rewards Programme