Buying Manager, Womenswear SOR & D2C

About the role

Are you ready to shape the direction of a British fashion icon? Within our Womenswear SOR & D2C Directorate, you will be the driving force behind our category transformation. As a Buying Manager at the John Lewis Partnership, your role is pivotal to leading the Buying function in your category. Along with the Merchandising Manager, you are responsible for translating the Directorate strategy into an effective Category strategy. This role is critical in activating the strategic direction focusing on branded product selection, new to market product launches and brand acquisition. Your efforts contribute to delivering distinctive assortments that embody the John Lewis Brand ethos, ensuring they are both style relevant, competitive and of the highest quality. Through effective market insights and negotiation skills, you uphold robust terms with brands and suppliers while aligning with sustainability targets.

• Salary: £68,900.00 – £105,200.00 per annum dependant on skill and experience
• Contract type: This is a permanent position
• Hours and location of the role:
  • 35 hours per week
  • Your home location will be our London Pimlico Head Office
  • This is a hybrid working role. The expectation is a minimum of 3 days per week in the office as team collaboration is critical in this role – core days will vary across teams

Key responsibilities

• In collaboration with the Merchandising Manager, the Buying Manager will make critical decisions regarding product assortment, supplier negotiations, pricing, and promotional strategies, among others, ensuring alignment with the overarching category strategy
• Actively contribute to long‑term planning, range optimisation, and in‑year trading decisions
• Accountable for actively managing an element of the assortment within the overall category you are responsible for, as determined by the needs of the category
• Champion of change by embracing new Buying tools, processes and systems
• To lead & energise the buying team, create the conditions for all Partners to thrive, make their best contribution and achieve their potential
• Develop and execute the strategic direction for the category, prioritising design and product innovation to drive growth and differentiation
• Curate competitive and high‑quality assortments that resonate with target customers and align with the overall directorate vision
• Act as a brand ambassador and primary interface with brands and suppliers, acquiring new brands for the category and negotiating robust trading terms
• Achieve best margin, quality and lead‑time capabilities across supply base in compliance with sustainability policy
• Anticipate market changes and adjust commercial plans accordingly to capitalise on opportunities
• Lead and inspire a team of Buyers, fostering a culture of agility, collaboration, and excellence
• Monitor and respond to changes in the competitive landscape, both offline and online
• Champion standardisation and efficiency in ways of working, working closely with Commercial Optimisation, supporting cross‑category programmes, and leading training initiatives to champion best practices in merchandising across the directorate. Upskill capability through technical training
• In‑depth market knowledge with an awareness of trends, risks, and opportunities within the designated category, enabling informed decision-making and proactive response to market dynamics

Essential skills and/or experience

• Extensive proven experience in the retail industry, with a focus on Brand partnering, buying, category management, or product management. Experience in buying practices, merchandising strategies, and supplier negotiations is crucial for success in this role
• Proven experience in Brand management
• Demonstrated success and achievement in previous buying or category management roles, with a track record of influencing to deliver results, drive sales growth, and enhance profitability within the retail sector
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to analyse market trends, consumer insights, and competitive landscape to develop and execute effective buying strategies aligned with business objectives
• Proven negotiation skills and experience in leading strategic commercial negotiations with suppliers and brands to secure favourable terms and agreements, maximising value and profitability for the organisation
• Previous experience in leadership or managerial roles, with a focus on team management, coaching and development. Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a team, foster a collaborative and high‑performance culture, and drive results through effective team management
• In‑depth knowledge and expertise within the designated category, including an understanding of product trends, customer preferences, and industry dynamics. Direct experience in range planning, product assortment development, and brand management within the category
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively communicate ideas, negotiate agreements, and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders

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