Job Description
Role: Junior Buyer - Womenswear
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Location: FatFace HQ, Havant, Hampshire PO9 1QJ
Working Arrangements: Hybrid Working (3 days per week office-based)
Who are we?
For over 30 years, we’ve travelled, we’ve laughed, we’ve grown. We believe life is for living and more fun with those we love. We are Made for Life.
Our mission statement:
Crafting clothes for life’s everyday adventures. Today, tomorrow and always.
We are proud to have featured in the Sunday Times top 10 Best Places to Work 2025 and Best Places to Work for Women 2025.
Equality and inclusion isn’t an aspiration but the standard. We promote and drive equality within our workforce to ignite an inclusive foundation for us all to build from and truly connect with our customers, colleagues, and communities alike. You play a key part in creating an environment free from prejudice, racism, sexism, harassment, bullying and any other form of marginalisation in our workplaces.
Who are we?
For over 30 years, we’ve travelled, we’ve laughed, we’ve grown. We believe life is for living and more fun with those we love. We are Made for Life.
Our mission statement:
Crafting clothes for life’s everyday adventures. Today, tomorrow and always.
Our Product formula:
Considered style. Trusted Quality. B Corp certified.
We are proud to have featured in the Sunday Times top 10 best places to work 2025 and best places to work for women 2025.
Equality and inclusion isn’t an aspiration but the standard. We promote and drive equality within our workforce to ignite an inclusive foundation for us all to build from and truly connect with our customers, colleagues, and communities alike. You play a key part in creating an environment free from prejudice, racism, sexism, harassment, bullying and any other form of marginalisation in our workplaces.
Role Summary
As a Junior Buyer, you will develop trend-led, profitable ranges, whilst maintaining brand integrity through product alignment. You will select, rank, negotiate and trade products to drive category performance.
Role Responsibilities
Critical Path Management
* Manage critical path timelines and ensure product launches meet availability targets.
* Agree and plan key sign off dates based on category lead times.
* You will review the ranges and trade open to buy maintain launch integrity.
Systems
* Maintain data accuracy by effectively utilizing BRP systems.
* Ensure all necessary approvals are completed in line with the critical path for PIM.
* Confirm supplier compliance through the timely and accurate completion of SCOM requirements.
Category Development
* Build balanced, commercial ranges for all channels and secure sign-off from senior stakeholders.
* Negotiate costs, deliveries, and monitor KPIs to achieve delivery and margin targets.
* Build a range with price architecture, based on market research and business KPI’s
* Drive in-season trading decisions to optimise profitability and control commitments.
* Conduct competitor and market analysis to inform strategy.
* Support the building of the departmental strategy for the category.
* Support the Tech and Design function in the fit process.
* Work Supporting the Partners team Wholesale division to place orders, trade and showcase ranges where required.
* Present the category to key stakeholders to support the execution of the vision through marketing, digital, and other selling channels.
People & Management
* Train and develop Assistant buyers and Trainee Buyers
* Collaborate cross-functionally with design, merchandising, finance, tech teams, finance and other key stakeholders
* Build strong relationships with the supply base to support product execution and CP.
* Own and drive own personal development, seeking out opportunities for personal growth.
* Uphold company values in all external and internal interactions.
Business Values and Mission
* Act as an ambassador for FatFace by living and breathing our values in everything you do. Champion our mission creating meaningful connections with customers, colleagues, and communities while ensuring every decision reflects our brand purpose
* Align self to companies social and environmental mission and champion any actions that you can directly impact at all times’
Skills and Experience
* Degree or equivalent qualification in Fashion or related field.
* Proven buying experience at Junior Buyer level or above.
* Strong negotiation, presentation, and communication skills.
* Highly numerate with ability to analyze data and manage budgets.
* Team leadership and problem-solving capabilities.
* Excellent planning and organizational skills with adaptability to business needs.
Role Competencies
* Passion for product and brand.
* Comprehensive understanding of buying principles, garment construction, and supply chain.
* Strong commercial awareness and customer insight.
* Proficient in buying systems and Microsoft applications.
Collaboration and Deliverables:
Collaboration
☐ External Agency or Consultant
☒ External Supplier
☐ NEXT Business Partners
☐ FatFace Directors
☐ Store Teams
☒ Internal Product Teams (Design, Buying, Merchandising)
☒ Internal Support Teams (Finance, IT, Retail Operations, People, Compliance, Property)
☒ Internal Creative Teams (Marketing, Creative, Studio)
☒ Industry Networking
Deliverables
☒ Department Spend vs Budget
☒ Team Performance and Development
☐ Compliance and Governance Requirements
☐ Commercial Reporting
☒ Project Delivery
☒ Timelines and Deadlines
☒ Resource Planning
FatFace Benefits:
Financial & Protection Benefits
* Sick pay allowances
* Critical Illness Income protection/ Death in service (for salaried colleagues)
* Pension scheme – with net deduction and salary sacrifice options
* Dental insurance (colleague funded)
Discounts & Perks
* 60% off FatFace products
* 25% discount at Next stores (across full price products)
* O2 phone discount
* Discounted gym membership
* Cycle to Work scheme (for salaried colleagues)
* EV vehicle scheme (for salaried colleagues)
* Perkbox – our online platform offering:
* Day-one access
* Exclusive brand discounts
* Wellbeing content
* Home workouts and more
Health & Wellbeing
* Specsavers eye care scheme
* Eye tests and contributions to glasses
* Free period products
* EAP support 24/7 via UNUM, Retail Trust, and Fashion & Textiles Support
Learning & Development
* THRIVE – our learning management system:
* Day-one access
* 1,000s of learning resources
Time Off & Leave
* 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
* Sabbatical leave (in line with service)
* Enhanced family-friendly policies – including enhanced maternity leave
* Flexible Working Opportunities – flexible working requests can be made from day one of employment and are considered on an individual basis.
Additional Perks
* Refer a Friend scheme
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply — you might be just the right fit.