Senior Buyer

Job Description The Senior Buyer is responsible for owning and executing DressMeZees buying strategy delivering on-trend, commercially strong, and customer-relevant product ranges that align with our brand DNA.This role leads to the end-to-end development and buying cycle, combining deep trend intuition, analytical trading ability, and strong supplier management. You will lead the Buying function, manage cross-departmental workflows, and ensure we deliver high-quality, profitable products at the right time.You will directly manage the Fashion Designer, Merchandiser, and Buying Admin Assistant, ensuring the smooth running of the department, clear communication, and fast execution in a rapidly changing environment.Key ResponsibilitiesTrend, Range Strategy & Product DevelopmentResearch, identify, and forecast emerging trends relevant to the DressMeZee customer using market data, social insights, competitors, and global fashion movements.Build cohesive seasonal and monthly ranges with the Fashion Designer and Merchandiser, aligned to budgets, sales targets, and brand direction.Use sales reporting, customer demand, and trade analysis to drive rapid development of new styles based on bestsellers and emerging trends.Attend fit sessions, guiding product improvements and ensuring fit, workmanship, and construction meet DressMeZee quality standards.Lead sign-off meetings with the Directors presenting range builds, margin expectations, and trading rationale.Buying, Trading & Performance ManagementOwn the buying budget, ensuring all spend aligns with commercial goals and margin expectations.Continually trade the department identifying risks, opportunities, and stock gaps, ensuring stock levels are maintained correctly in alignment with stock data, seasonality and sell through rate, and taking quick action to maximise performance.Analyse weekly, monthly, and seasonal performance to inform future buying decisions and range planning.Produce EOM and trade reports, summarising stock movement, performance, margin impact, and strategic actions.Partner with the Merchandiser on OTB management, seasonal forecasting, and intake planning.Supplier Management & SourcingManage supplier relationships, negotiating cost prices, MOQ, lead times, and margin improvements.Source new suppliers and manufacturing routes to improve quality, speed, and profitability.Review supplier performance regularly, addressing quality issues, risk areas, and opportunities for innovation.Manage sourcing across multi-product categories, balancing short-lead and long-lead production.Critical Path, Logistics & Cross-Functional AlignmentMaintain ownership of the buying critical path, ensuring all deadlines, milestones, and deliveries are met.Ensure samples arrive in time for shoots and campaigns, working closely with Marketing and Production.Oversee delivery schedules, raising and communicating any delays, risks, or stock issues.Work with Marketing to support product launch storytelling, campaign planning, and timely releases.Ensure the wider business is aligned with newness flow, launches, and key trend drops.Leadership & Team ManagementManage and develop the Fashion Designer, Merchandiser, and Buying Admin Assistant.Set clear goals, expectations, and development plans through regular 1:1s and reviews.Build a high-performing, collaborative, and motivated team environment.Drive best-practice processes across the Buying function, ensuring clarity, efficiency, and accountability.Step in for the Director on relevant buying decisions where required.About You5+ years of buying experience within fast fashion, apparel, or e-commerce; senior-level buying experience essential.Strong multi-product background with experience trading fast-paced categories.High commercial acumen with a proven track record of driving sales, margin, and stock efficiency.Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills with an ability to build long-term strategic partnerships.Strong analytical ability and confidence using data to make trading decisions.Deep understanding of trend cycles, social influence, and customer behaviour.Outstanding organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple collections, deadlines, and priorities.Experience leading and developing team members.Confident communicator with cross-functional teams.Proficient in buying systems and Excel; PLM experience advantageous.Hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday (37.5 hours)

Created: 2025-12-19