Location: Manchester City Centre. Office Based.
Reports To: Head of Buying & Merchandising
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive, based on experience
Job Purpose:
To source, select, and manage a commercially viable fashion product range that aligns with brand identity, customer demand, and seasonal trends. The Fashion Buyer is responsible for driving sales and profitability by working collaboratively with suppliers, designers, merchandisers, and marketing teams.
Key Responsibilities:
Product Selection & Development
Identify and select products that meet market demand, brand strategy, and margin requirements.
Work closely with the design and development teams to create exclusive product lines or adapt trends to suit the target customer. Source new suppliers and negotiate best prices, terms, and lead times.
Trend Analysis & Market Research
Monitor fashion trends, street style, influencer movements, and competitor activity. Attend trade shows, fashion weeks, buying trips, and regular retail comp shops.
Supplier & Vendor Management
Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and manufacturers. Ensure suppliers meet quality, ethical, and sustainability standards. Negotiate cost prices, payment terms, and delivery schedules.
Financial Planning & Stock Management
Work with the merchandising team to plan ranges within budget and achieve sales, margin, and stock turn targets. Monitor sales performance, identify bestsellers/slow movers, and take action to optimise range accordingly. Support markdown and promotional strategies based on trading performance.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Collaborate with design, merchandising, e-commerce, and marketing teams to launch and promote collections. Ensure alignment between product range, brand positioning, and customer expectations.
Person Specification:
Essential Skills & Experience:
Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in a buying role, ideally within a fashion or apparel business. Strong commercial awareness and knowledge of UK fashion retail landscape.
Proven track record of selecting trend-led ranges that perform commercially.
Skilled in supplier negotiation and relationship management.
Confident working with financial data and trading KPIs. Proficient in Microsoft Office (especially Excel)
Key Attributes:
Excellent eye for trends and product detail.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Analytical and data-driven with sound commercial judgement. Highly organised and able to manage multiple deadlines. Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced environment.
Benefits:
Staff discount
Flexible working hours
25 days holiday + bank holidays
Annual bonus scheme
Pension contribution
Training and career development opportunities