Senior Assistant Buyer - Womenswear

Stylish, grounded, uplifting – these values live through everything we do at Boden. Without the collaboration, honesty and friendship between our teams, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We curate a world of beauty that’s ethical, inclusive – and importantly – good fun. We inspire you to live your best life. We are Boden.

Overview

The Senior Assistant Buyer reports to the Buyer and they are responsible for assisting to manage the department. This includes management of the Admin Assistant, negotiation, supplier communication, overseeing the department critical path and systems admin to ensure deadlines are met.

Location: 4-5 days per week at our North Acton office, 0-1 working from home.

What You Will Do

• Support the development of our amazing product working closely with internal teams and suppliers.
• Work closely with the Designers, Techs and Merchandisers to ensure the designs align with the Product Framework and are a balanced wearable offer.
• Understand the Boden brand and the customer in all trading regions and regularly monitor and analyse competitors’ prices and activities.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the Buying cycle.
• Support in the creation of a robust seasonal Framework.
• Support the buyer to build a balanced range which is commercial, customer focused and on brand considering all trading markets.
• Understand cost and fabric prices required, set target prices and negotiate with suppliers to meet the required target margin with support of the Buyers.
• Oversee the management of the critical path process to achieve key dates, taking appropriate actions to avoid delays or air shipment.
• Ensure deliveries are on time and delays are communicated in a timely manner and solutions offered.
• Set up order confirmation sheets and communicate to suppliers.
• Ensure development packs and samples meet the deadlines set out in the company.
• Attend fit sessions to deputise for the Junior Buyer/Buyer when required, ensuring all styles deliver the best fit and flatter, considering; core blocks, customer reviews, fabrics.
• Manage the Admin Assistant ensuring they meet deadlines, and work to the quality standards required.
• Hold weekly 121’s with your Admin Assistant, coach and develop within their role.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the supply base and internal teams to ensure smooth running of the department.
• Keep systems up to date and accurate at all times with the help of your Admin Assistant.
• Set up production BOM’s and ensure all information is accurate before placing orders with suppliers.
• Support your manager by working at pace and ensure deadlines are met.
• Manage your own workload and priorities and oversee your Admin Assistants.
• Ensure decisions are made quickly and speak up if something goes wrong.