Junior Buyer

Weird Fish Clothing; Tewkesbury; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job description

Junior Buyer

Location: Head Office

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Salary: Up to £35,000 DOE

Join the Shoal at Weird Fish! We are a talented and dynamic team who work hard and represent the retail lifestyle brand we love. We offer something different from the norm, a sense of fun, an eye for practicality, and plenty of style and quality. We are looking for a passionate individual to join the team, to help us grow and shape the exciting journey we are on.

We are looking for a skilled Junior Buyer to join our Product team. In this role, you will report to the Buying Manager and play a key part in overseeing the product development process for both menswear and womenswear collections. You'll collaborate closely with the design, garment tech, and merchandising teams to ensure products are ready for purchase.

Your key areas of focus:

1. Oversee the sample management process within the office, ensuring samples are stored efficiently and meeting preparations are well-organised.
2. Build and maintain relationships with suppliers to ensure designs are placed in the appropriate factories, meeting sourcing KPIs.
3. Collaborate with suppliers to negotiate initial cost prices in preparation for the Buying Manager.
4. Manage the administrative aspects of the critical path and lead weekly exception meetings to identify any risks to deadlines.
5. Update the range plan throughout the development process to ensure all product details are current, maintaining high system standards.
6. Issue purchase orders (POs) to suppliers and confirm ex-factory dates to ensure timely launch availability.
7. Facilitate product handover between design and garment tech, and prepare bulk workbooks for factories.
8. Collaborate with the garment technology teams to ensure the fit schedule aligns with the critical path, attending fit sessions to optimize customer satisfaction and commercial potential.
9. Oversee the approval process and shipment samples from the junior team.
10. Travel to locations such as India, Bangladesh, and China as needed to support the product development process.

What our Shoal needs:

1. Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Fashion Design.
2. Minimum 2 years’ experience in a buying department.
3. Fluent in Microsoft Office, ideally with PLM or equivalent experience.
4. Highly organised with impeccable attention to detail, enjoys implementing and managing processes as well as handling products.
5. Flexible for overseas travel as required.

What We Offer:

1. Opportunities for professional growth and skill development.
2. Ability to have input and impact in our organisation.
3. A collaborative and supportive team environment.
4. 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
5. 50% employee discount on full price items.
6. Possibility for flexible working which can be discussed at the interview stage.

If you are passionate about buying and fashion retail and have the skills and experience we’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you!