Junior Buyer / Product Developer

Job Role: Junior Buyer / Junior Product Developer

Reporting to: Senior Buyer

Location: Head Office, White City Place, West London

Contract type: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week

About Us:

ME+EM is one of the UK’s fastest-growing luxury fashion brands. As a direct-to-consumer business, we operate in a truly omnichannel way, with an extremely successful online store, monthly mailings, and stores in London, Edinburgh, and concessions in Harrods and Selfridges. Our exciting growth continues in spring 2024 with the opening of our first US stores.

At ME+EM, we are an entrepreneurial, creative, and passionate group of people. We work hard, are enthusiastic to learn, and are not afraid to take risks. Everyone contributes to our success at all levels, and that is precisely what makes being a member of the team so rewarding.

Our office and stores are always busy and fast-paced, but we work just as hard to make sure it’s fun, with social activities and biannual parties. We pride ourselves on being approachable, supportive, and welcoming and ensure that everyone’s hard work is rewarded. It takes all these things to build a strong, successful business, and our door is always open to new talent ready to contribute to our growth and evolution.

About the Role:

Supporting the Buyer through effective and accurate administration to deliver the collection for the brand, ensuring the product DNA is captured in a balanced, high-quality, and fashionable range while maintaining on-time delivery and target margin to maximize sales.

Responsibilities:

1. Critical Path Management: Oversee delivery schedules, liaise with suppliers, manage fabric and trim approvals, and ensure timely execution of orders.
2. Sample Coordination: Manage all sample stages, from proto to press, and organize fit sessions.
3. Data Management: Maintain accurate product data and ensure seamless updates across internal systems.
4. Team Collaboration: Work closely with design, technical, and merchandising teams to meet deadlines and quality standards.
5. Margin Support: Assist with price and cost negotiations to maintain profitability.
6. Leadership Support: Mentor junior team members and deputize for the Buyer when needed.
7. Fit & Sample Management: Coordinate fit schedules, book models, write fit notes, and oversee intake board updates.
8. Trade & Performance Support: Attend weekly trade meetings, analyze sales trends, and address in-season opportunities or risks.
9. Sustainability & Compliance: Collate ethical and sustainability information for the Head of Sustainability.
10. Supplier & Team Collaboration: Manage repeat orders, support team recruitment, and foster strong supplier relationships.
11. Product Oversight: Organize Product Surgery meetings, attend quarterly fit and returns reviews, and ensure accurate invoicing approvals.
12. Leadership Assistance: Deputize for the Buyer during absences and provide key support on reports, intake meetings, and competitive analysis.

Skills:

1. Ideally 8 years + European factory/supply base/CMT experience.
2. Critical path management is a must.
3. A degree in Fashion Buying, Merchandising, or a related field is preferred.
4. Previous experience in Junior Production/Product Developer/Buyer role preferably in fashion retail or supplier.
5. Strong negotiation and communication skills.
6. Analytical mindset with a good grasp of numbers and sales data.
7. Highly organized, with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
8. Proficient in Microsoft Office and familiarity with buying systems is a plus.

Employee Benefits:

1. 33 days annual leave for full-time employees (25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays)
2. A day off to celebrate your birthday.
3. Pension Scheme
4. Group Life Insurance
5. Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
6. Length of Service Award
7. Refer a Friend Scheme
8. Staff uniform for retail employees
9. Generous Staff and Friends and Family Discount
10. Annual Volunteer Day
11. Cycle to Work Scheme
12. Tech Scheme
13. Eye Care Vouchers
14. Real Living Wage Employer
15. Employee-led committees
16. Social events and biannual parties
17. Enhanced maternity and paternity package after 2 years of service.

ME+EM is an equal opportunities employer committed to fostering and preserving a culture of diversity, equality, and inclusion in our workforce. As an equal opportunities employer, we do not discriminate against applicants based on race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We believe that diversity enriches our workforce and strengthens our organization. Therefore, we encourage minorities, LGBTQ+ candidates, and individuals with disabilities to apply for opportunities within our company.

Please note, due to the large number of applications we receive, we can only reply to those that are successful to the next stage.