Overview
Stylish, grounded, uplifting – these values live through everything we do at Boden. Without collaboration, honesty and friendship between our teams, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We curate a world of beauty that is ethical and inclusive, and we aim to make work good fun. We inspire you to live your best life.
The Buyer is responsible for managing their own department and reporting to the Buying Manager. This role includes managing the team, developing the range in line with concept and strategy, meeting margin targets, and managing the supply base to create amazing products that meet Boden quality standards. Location: 4–5 days per week at our North Acton office, the rest working from home. The desired start is mid‑July2026 with a finish in early May2027.
What You Will Do
* Product Development – Drive the development of our product in close partnership with internal teams and suppliers, ensuring designs align with the Product Framework and meet quality and margin targets.
* Collaborate with Designers, Techs and Merchandisers from the start of development to keep the product on track.
* Coordinate with the Fabric team to set clear fabric price targets each season and stay updated on price fluctuations.
* Pre‑empt potential issues, propose solutions, and review development samples to confirm suppliers’ adherence to instructions.
* Deliver the sustainability roadmap.
* Supply Base – Create a supplier strategy that meets Boden’s needs each season, continuously evaluate opportunities and risks, and onboard new suppliers.
* Maximise negotiation skills to achieve each season’s target margin and identify key margin impact areas.
* Critical Path Management – Oversee the department critical path to ensure on‑time deliveries, escalating delays with solutions and communicating order confirmations to suppliers.
* Support the team in understanding quality needs and standards, ensuring development packs and samples meet deadlines and garments are fitted on time.
* Maintain and update fabric holdings and critical path dates in line with supplier commitments.
* Management – Manage the team to meet deadlines, build strong relationships with the supply base and internal teams, and hold weekly one‑on‑ones. Provide regular feedback, recognize talent, manage underperformance, and lead by example.
* Communication – Communicate clearly for quick decisions, recognise issues early, and avoid escalation. Escalate only when necessary.
* Systems – Ensure the team keeps PLM up to date, and production BOMs are accurate.
What We Are Looking For
* Current Buyer or preferable experience in Children’swear categories (though not essential).
* Strong supplier management experience.
* Creativity and a keen eye for detail.
* Proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office.
* Experience managing a team.
* Some retail or administrative background is desirable.
* Organised, adaptable, strategic and enjoys a challenge.
* Clear communication and problem‑solving skills.
What We Offer
* Competitive salary and targeted annual bonus scheme.
* Generous Boden clothing allowance.
* 30% discount on all current clothing ranges.
* 25 days holiday annually plus bank holidays.
* Online portal with discounts on retail and entertainment.
* Virtual GP service for you and your household.
* Free onsite parking and subsidised café.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We want Boden to be the place everyone wants to work – friendly, open and tolerant. 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, and celebrating their individuality. We encourage applications from a diverse range of backgrounds. If you need any reasonable adjustments or additional support during your application process, please let us know.
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