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Better Placed Ltd - A Sunday Times Top 10 Employer!
Location:
Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Job Category:
Other
EU work permit required:
Yes
Job Views:
5
Posted:
24.04.2025
Expiry Date:
08.06.2025
Job Description:
Buyer
Leeds - office based
Overseas travel required
c45k
Ready to take your buying career to the next level? I'm on the lookout for a passionate and driven Buyer to join a dynamic fashion retail team based in the heart of Leeds. This is more than just a buying role – it’s your chance to shape trends, influence strategy, and make a real impact in a fast-paced, style-focused business that’s going places.
This role's main purpose is to deliver a well-balanced, commercial range that embodies the affordable luxury positioning of the brand while driving consistent profit growth. Responsible for sourcing, developing, and negotiating a cohesive product offering that aligns with brand aesthetics, meets set margin targets, and performs across both retail and wholesale channels.
The role will focus on maximising commercial opportunities and minimising risk by regularly analysing performance, identifying trends, and reacting swiftly to trading insights.
Responsibilities:
* Manage the full product lifecycle of the collection, from initial sourcing through to development and delivery into stores.
* Oversee all categories across seasons, ensuring consistency, innovation, and commercial viability throughout.
* Work collaboratively with the design team to develop standout lines based on best-selling constructions and seasonal updates, ensuring each product reflects the brand’s DNA and vision.
* Ensure all products are developed in alignment with the brand’s price architecture and positioned competitively within the market.
* Partner with the merchandising team to plan each product's role in the range – whether full-price, promotional, or markdown – and deliver the planned BIM (Built-In Margin) targets per season.
* Source and allocate each product to the most suitable factory, leveraging supplier strengths to ensure quality, timeliness, and value.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating effectively to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes and optimal product performance.
* Collaborate with the design team to ensure new developments are matched with the right factories, driving margin optimisation and maintaining range control in line with business strategy.
* Stay ahead of trends and introduce newness into the range each season, using a responsive supply base to support short lead-time testing and fast-track developments.
* Ensure the design direction aligns closely with product and pricing architecture, working alongside the Design Manager to maintain commercial balance.
* Trade the department effectively, using daily sales reports and style file data to make informed decisions, maximise commercial opportunities, and react swiftly to performance insights.
* Demonstrate excellent negotiation and influencing skills to maximise profitability while building long-term supplier partnerships.
What We’re Looking For:
* Degree-level education or equivalent industry experience
* Proven experience managing critical paths and delivering to tight deadlines
* A minimum of 5 years’ buying experience, ideally within a fast-paced retail environment
* Strong background in the footwear category, with a solid understanding of product and market trends
* Exceptional negotiation skills, with a track record of driving margin and achieving commercial wins
* Experience working with international suppliers, including regular overseas travel
* Demonstrated ability to manage and build strong relationships across a global supply base
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