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ABOUT YOU As the Assistant Buyer for our Softlines department, you will assist the Buyer in expanding our range by taking ownership of your own range and contributing to the department's strategy. You will be personable, proactive and a team player who is able to form strong relationships across departments to ensure efficiency in getting ranges launched on time. You will ideally be an established Assistant Buyer ready to take the next step in your career with My 1st Years.
Main Duties & Responsibilities - Accountable for critical path management for the Softlines department, managing supplier approvals including lab dips and strike-offs and sending comments in a timely manner in line with the critical path with a view to coaching the BAA on process and commerciality.
- Manage and mentor BAA, role modelling our My 1st Years values and behaviours
- Ownership of an own bought range, sourcing, negotiating prices in line with dept BIM targets and trading under supervision of Buyer
- Takes additional responsibility to plan department with the support of Buyer/Merchandiser and presents at sign-off
- Actively contribute to the department strategy, by identifying risks and opportunities for the department supported by data, presenting these to the Buyer & Merchandiser with a plan of action
- Oversee the fitting and sealing of samples through fit sessions, supporting the tech team with product information where required
- Support with management and upkeep of internal documents and systems, handing over information to the relevant teams in line with the critical path for Launch
- Work with Photography to manage schedule and handing over of new product samples in line with Launch dates
- Build excellent relationships with your suppliers
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of global competitors, considering pricing, product and current affairs in the analysis of their product ranges and presenting findings to the team with suggestions on pricing architecture, product development and marketing opportunities
- Present/deputise in Buyer’s absence in meetings such as Monday Trade
- Partner with the eCommerce team to optimise merchandising on-site, ensuring all information is accurate to provide a smooth shopping experience for our customers
- Develop and maintain a sound understanding of the wider Business Strategy and how that impacts your Department in the short and long term.
- Actively seek to understand department and business KPIs and understand trade discussions at an appropriate level
- Support Buyer with briefing new season design briefs and chasing through samples for sign-offs as required
Skills & Knowledge - Minimum 1-2 years experience at Assistant Buyer level, ideally within a baby/childrenswear setting
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-channel environment and perform effectively under pressure
- A passion for retail and a desire to work and develop within a buying role
- Good time management skills with the ability to plan, organise and prioritise tasks under pressure to meet deadlines
- Critical Path management experience
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships at all levels of the business
- Exceptional attention to detail and organisational skills
- Commercially-minded, focused and proactive
- Experience of the licence industry would be beneficial but not essential
Benefits - Salary of £26,000pa
- 25 days holiday (increasing to 28 with service) + Bank Holidays
- Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Pay
- Birthday Day Off
- Summer Hours (3pm Finish on Fridays in June, July & August)
- Early finish payday Friday
- EAP
- 2 Volunteering Days per year
- Generous staff discount
- Free onsite parking
Location : we are currently working a hybrid model with 2-3 days per week in the office and 2-3 days per week from home. Our office is located just off the M1 in Northampton
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