Buying Manager, Womenswear Own Brand

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 set on design and product, focusing on own branded products. 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 suppliers while aligning with sustainability targets.,

• 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 suppliers, acquiring suppliers 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
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including marketing, design and technical partners, to ensure alignment and integration of category strategies and initiatives
• Design own-brand ranges within the designated category, to drive product
• innovation and differentiation. This includes the ability to collaborate with design teams and suppliers to create compelling product assortments that resonate with target customers
• 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, Our BAME Network supports Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic Partners, celebrate their contributions and create a more inclusive workplace.
Faith & Belief FAB (Faith & Belief) is aimed at educating, celebrating and increasing awareness of all faiths and beliefs.Gender Equality Promoting Gender equality, empowering Partners to overcome barriers and be more involved in topics outside of their day job.Linkages Our intergenerational or age network aiming to build awareness of the benefits and opportunities of an intergenerational workforce.Pride Our first network that we developed. Designed to support the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.Working Parents Our Working Parents' Network supports and inspires working parents throughout their parenting journey.Care Experience Providing a safe and supportive community for Partners with experience in the care system.Carers Network The network aims to raise awareness and support Partners who are carers, and their allies.Ability Championing workplace disability inclusion by creating a supportive environment and offering peer communities for those with diverse needs.Unity Our BAME Network supports Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic Partners, celebrate their contributions and create a more inclusive workplace.Faith & Belief FAB (Faith & Belief) is aimed at educating, celebrating and increasing awareness of all faiths and beliefs.Gender Equality Promoting Gender equality, empowering Partners to overcome barriers and be more involved in topics outside of their day job.Linkages Our intergenerational or age network aiming to build awareness of the benefits and opportunities of an intergenerational workforce.Pride Our first network that we developed. Designed to support the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.Working Parents Our Working Parents' Network supports and inspires working parents throughout their parenting journey.


• Extensive proven experience in the retail industry, with a focus on sourcing strategy and range building, buying/category management/product management. Experience in buying practices, merchandising strategies, and supplier negotiations is crucial for success in this role
• Experience in leading the design process of Own-Brand ranges. Ability to translate market trends and consumer insights into innovative and commercially viable product designs
• 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 vendors 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, and product assortment development 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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We're the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We're not just employees, we're Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to our future, there's never been a more exciting time to join us. We're ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify. Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food-lovers in Waitrose. As Partners we all share the responsibility of ownership and in its rewards. We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through the good and challenging times, holding true to our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect. We all own making the Partnership somewhere we belong. Embracing our differences and creating an environment where we're free to be ourselves and can THRIVE. Growing ourselves individually, and as a collective. As Partners, we make all the difference. And, we all own it., This is where you'll be based, whether that's in a shop, distribution centre or one of our head offices. London Central Office 1 Drummond Gate London, SW1V 2QQ See Commute, The Partnership has its very own heritage centre where you can find out about the Partnership's history. They even have thousands of previous textile designs dating from c.1800!

Leisure Learning Enjoy learning a new skill or hobby even more by claiming up to £200 towards certain tutored courses. (Applies to courses which you pay for in advance yourself).PARTNER DISCOUNT 25% off at John Lewis and 20% at Waitrose. We knew you'd like this one! (some exclusions apply). (Partner discount is only available following successful completion of your 90-day Earning Membership period once you have started).Clubs & Societies From arts & crafts to fishing, from skiing to running, we have so many clubs and societies bringing Partners with shared interests together.HOLIDAY & LEAVE Enjoy a generous holiday provision. Plenty of time for some rest and relaxation. (The amount of holiday you'll get depends on your role and working hours. It increases over time).PENSION & LIFE ASSURANCE Secure your future with our comprehensive pension scheme and life assurance.