Buyer - Girlswear (Lipsy)

Location | Head Office, Tottenham Court Road, London

Working style | Hybrid

NEXT Wholly Owned Brands…

At NEXT Wholly Owned Brands, we’re a collective of London-based fashion and lifestyle brands. From our beginnings with Lipsy in 1998, to becoming part of the UK’s largest fashion retailer, NEXT, in 2008 we’ve evolved into a group of bold, design-led brands, each with its unique identity.

At the heart of our business is a passionate team driven by creativity, innovation, and a shared ambition to deliver exceptional results. We foster a culture where individuality is celebrated, curiosity is encouraged, and challenging the status quo is part of how we grow.

Who are Lipsy?

Our Lipsy customer is a leading lady; a woman who never says no to a touch of glamour - and why would she, when the world is her catwalk

Role Purpose

The Buyer is responsible for proposing and gaining agreement on the business plan for their department to create and deliver a profitable, commercial range that maximises sales. This role ensures the product range achieves all profit parameters while providing leadership to the team to ensure skills are improved and performance is maximised.

Role Responsibilities

• Strategy & Range Planning:
  • Plan the range according to future trends, taking into account range construction, pricing architecture, and seasonal variations.
  • Collaborate with the Merchandiser and Designer to review and plan future supplier strategy, identifying sourcing requirements as needed.
  • Continuously review customer profiles across all facets of the business - Web & retail stores to develop the strongest product accordingly.
  • Working with design to deliver stories, palettes & key items in line with the Brands trend story & critical path. 
  • Have confidence in newness , influencing peers & management of unknown trends/styling 
  • Negotiate prices and agree on supplier contracts to meet departmental targets.
• Product Quality & Brand Vision
  • Working with the merchandiser to Maintain ownership of OTB, option counts, and pricing structures.
  • Place a high emphasis on product quality, working with Technical teams to analyse returns and take corrective action.
  • Effectively communicate the Buying and Design vision to the wider company through Full Phase Reviews and the creation of style guides for VM.
  • Present product samples in edit and selection meetings to gain commitment to range proposals.
  • Strategically build & maintain a strong supplier base
• Trading & Supplier Management:
  • Lead weekly trade meetings, identifying late buys, missed opportunities, and reacting to sales.
  • Regularly review the range with the Merchandiser & Designer to propose repeats, restyling, or cancellations based on commercial performance.
  • Liaise with the supplier base to ensure sampling and cost prices are received on time to meet critical deadlines.
  • Assess supplier capability to deliver on time and within price structures, conducting seasonal SWOT analyses and sourcing new suppliers when necessary.
  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers to manage issues such as late deliveries, quality, and costs effectively.
• Team Leadership & Management
  • Inspire and provide leadership and training to ensure the team is developed and skills are improved.
  • Manage resources and workload effectively, prioritising workflow and conducting regular team reviews to meet deadlines.
  • Coach and develop the team through regular performance appraisals, setting clear objectives and assessing individual performance.

Technical Requirements

• Currently working at a Junior Buyer or Buyer level for a womenswear fashion brand.
• Proven success at buying for your own area with expertise in the desired product category.
• Proven experience in managing and developing a team.
• Demonstrates passion and energy to be inspiring to others and deliver improved results
• Excellent communication skills and a high level of supplier management expertise.
• Highly organised with the ability to plan ahead while remaining flexible and reactive to trade.
• Strong commercial acumen and profit-focused mindset.
• Highly organised with the ability to plan ahead and have a flexible approach and be reactive when necessary
• Ability to travel as required for supplier visits and trend sourcing.

Diversity & Inclusion

We recognise that our differences are what make us who we are. We want people to want to work for us and be their true selves. We are dedicated to attracting and developing a talent team, and recognise that all unique backgrounds and experiences contribute to our future success.

We want to create an inclusive and inspiring environment where individuals feel valued and respected, and where people can achieve their full potential and be their very best, whoever they are.

Wellbeing

We believe that wellbeing is having the opportunity to achieve your full potential, cope with day to day pressures, be productive and thrive in all aspects of your life. We encourage a culture that promotes and enables us all to achieve positive wellbeing, by focusing on mental, physical and financial health.