Role : Assistant Buyer
Contract : Full-Time (35 hours), Permanent
Location : Havant, Hampshire, PO9 1QJ
Working Arrangements : Hybrid Working (3 days per week office based)
About us 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.
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
Assisting the Buyer in all aspects of the buying function. To maximise profit through effective end to end management of the critical path, commercial understanding of the market, negotiation and BA management.
Role Responsibilities
Critical path
- Be aware of the Seasonal company critical path and the preparation and deadlines around each key sign off and seasonal development process
- Clear understanding of trigger dates and lead times for your category
- Manage weekly critical path for your department. Develop a strong relationship with category AM to update both buyer and merchandiser of any potential delays. Managing approvals and fits and resolving queries and problem solving to ensure shipment dates are met and availability is maximised
- Regular calls with suppliers to develop strong relationships
- Responsible for all sustainable certification through management of the BA
Sample and Approval management
Accountability of the management and preparation of samples and information for Product handover meetings, sign off’s, outfitting, partner appointments and visual merchandisingResponsible for overseeing sample management of product library / archive and preparation for fitsEnsure VLPS are always up to dateResponsible for organizing approvals and ensuring honesty and print folders are up to dateCategory development
Aware of the department product strategy – analysing supplier, competitor & product information as requiredParticipate in the development process for each collection, contributing lessons learnt on product and suppliersAttend sign offs and make clear notes for post sign off developmentSupport Buyer in negotiating cost price and ex. dates with suppliersOversee the raising of purchase orders and amends happens in a timely mannerHave a strong understanding of the market and FF current performanceCarry out regular comp shops on trend as well as retail map opportunities. Analyse and present back findings and make suggestions for retail prices, OTB, repeats, cancellations and style changesPeople and management
Manage the training and development of the Buyers Admin. Monitoring performance against their training programme, highlighting areas for improvementWork closely with other Abs to manage work load, BA development and draw on skills setsWork cross functionally within the business – developing strong relationships with design, merch and tech as well as other functionsDeputise for the Buyer where necessaryDevelop strong relationships with suppliers and internal deptsSkills and Experience
Degree or equivalent level of qualificationExperience in Fashion based subjectsStrong negotiation skills to achieve targets.Strong presentation skills to all levels.Highly numerate, able to interpret data to determine decision making, work to budget and KPIsStrong communication and influencing skills at all levels.Team management, and task delegation skills.Good planning and organisational skills able to adapt in line with business needs.Role Competencies
Understand the buying process from design inspiration to delivery in store and implications on the critical path.Commercial and market awareness.Knowledge of the Supply chain & product life cycle.Use of Board, D365 and Microsoft Office.Organised and can work at pace.Key Contacts and Relationships :
External :
Product suppliers Internal :The product teamsMarketing & creativeVisual MerchandisingPeople TeamAccountable for Resources : N / A
FatFace Benefits :
25 days holiday plus bank holidaysPerkbox our online platform to use from day one (this includes amazing online discounts, home workouts, wellbeing content, popular brand discounts etc.)THRIVE – Our learning management system- access from day one with 1000’s of pieces of learningDental Insurance (employee funded)Pension schemeEAP support around the clock- UNUM / Retail Trust / Fashion Textiles SupportIncome Protection / Death in service for Salaried staffSick pay allowancesO2 phone discountEye Tests / contributions to glassesSabbatical leave in line with serviceEnhanced Family Friendly policies i.e. Maternity LeaveRefer a friend schemeGood negotiation skills to achieve targets.Good numerical skills to interpret and analyse figures.