Vivienne Westwood’s Assistant Buyer (Maternity Cover) will provide essential administrative and analytical support to the Buying department, working closely with the Account Buyer (AB) and Buying and Allocation Assistant (BAA). This role plays a vital part in supporting the achievement of sales targets by managing stock flow in line with the delivery plan and ensuring the effective distribution of stock to stores and Ecommerce.

This is a Fixed Term Contract for 11 months. 

The Assistant Buyer (Maternity Cover) will work full-time in Conduit Head Office, supporting the Wholesale and Buying teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Supports the buying team by raising orders, managing data, and ensuring records are accurate and submitted on time.
• Optimise stockturn by highlighting slow selling products and recommending actions to be taken
• With Buyers, plan allocation and replenishment criteria based on store capacity, seasonality, min/max, on sale weeks, sales curves etc. 
• Maintain store allocation parameters 
• Allocate initial stock to stores based on the range plan and recommend actions for any stock shortages 
• Analyse and regularly update allocation parameters to reflect current and future trading patterns 
• Coordinate the flow of information and build strong relationships with stores/Ecommerce/DC to deliver commercial insights 
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge on sales, best and worst sellers, competitor activity etc. 
• Amend allocation plan according to weekly trading decisions 
• Feedback product learning to assist Buying in range planning and to inform the buying itself
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the systems the department is using (Excel, SAP, BI) and attend training as required 
• Overseeing the preparation of the weekly and monthly top line retail and buying reports
• Writing up of meeting notes and distributing to all attendees in a timely manner
• Support with the organisation of the buying schedule and appointments- liaising with the showroom to book rooms and models and supporting with the preparation of any required material 
• Supports the Buyer in meeting all key deadlines through proactive planning and coordination.
• Support with preparation for the company Buying presentations 
• Notices discrepancies in data and communicates to relevant departments to rectify 
• May be expected to work longer hours/weekends during buying season 
• Any ad-hoc tasks required. 

Technical Skills & Experience Required

• Analytical and results driven, able to use data to measure performance and identify areas of improvement.
• Process orientation – interprets figures with ease. Excellent IT skills and competent in all Microsoft Office applications with emphasis on Excel. Can adapt to new systems quickly.
• Commercial acumen – Highly numerate and data rational. Confident in analysing large volumes of data.
• Numerical and analytical with experience in administration and database management. Shows interest in product and retail.
• Previous experience as AB.
• Numerical/analytical experience required.
• Team player – genuine interest in buying and willingness to learn. Enthusiastic and proactive.
• Organisation – good planning and organisational skills. Ability to manage and prioritise tasks to meet business objectives in a fast-paced environment.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Can work well under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Demonstrates ability to communicate confidently and effectively in group situations.
• Ability to initiate and build strong relationships with key departments. 
• Organised and proactive. Able to multi-task, prioritise and work to tight deadlines.
• A problem solver. Able to apply different ways of thinking in different situations.
• A great communicator, both verbal and written. Builds good relationships with stakeholders, able to work across various teams and is seen as approachable for key contacts.
• Pacey, positive and flexible. Responsive to business needs, happy and comfortable to take responsibility for own tasks.
• Open and receptive and acts upon feedback.
• Takes responsibility for the work standards of BAA and ensures all tasks are completed within the deadline.

(Please note this is not an exhaustive list of duties and you may be required to perform additional duties to fulfil the requirements of the role)
 

BENEFITS

• Staff discounts
• Training
• Health & Wellbeing support (includes Private Medical Health Insurance, EAP, Gym Discounts, Access to Financial Planning Service, etc.)
• Perkbox membership: access to a wide range of perks, discounts, and wellness resources
• Cycle to work scheme
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Pension Scheme
• Opportunity to develop new skills and progress in your career
• Opportunity to work for a company that cares and believes in its people and the environment

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Vivienne Westwood is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by local government laws.

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