AddressBuying Manager – Own Brand Womenswear
Internal use only – Grade D
About us
We are and we’re here to help families get more out of life. We know that our customers work hard for their families and have a lot to balance in their busy lives. That’s why we combine amazing brands and products with flexible payment options on to help them say yes to the things they love. We’re just as passionate about helping our people get more out of life too; building careers with real growth, a sense of purpose, belonging and wellbeing.
About the team
We are looking for a Buying Manager to join our Own Brand Womenswear team. You will lead the Own Brand casual womens categories overseeing the buying function and working collaboratively with Sourcing, Design, Product tech, Assortment Planning and Merchandising Planning. We have big plans for our Own Brand ranges and to build upon annual turnover of £80m sales. We have 24 colleagues within our Own Brand women's area and this role will manage across various levels including buyers, juniors buyers and assistant buyers.
About the role
The Buying Manager role will oversee our Own Brand Womenswear department reporting directly into the head of buying. The Buying Manager will be responsible for managing some of our largest Own Brand categories at Very whilst overseeing buyers who report directly into them alongside a wider buying team of junior buyers, assistant buyers and buying assistants.
•Accountable for anticipating and meeting the product requirements of the customer, by creating a balanced and innovative range, through price point and quality.
•End to End responsibility for delivering the area P&L across all channels.
•Be proactive in anticipating the impact of commercial decisions. Drive sales and profit.
•Use new and existing product analysis and customer insight to contribute to the area’s strategic product plans.
•Review and sign off all combined channel, market and brand financial plans for area, and communicate plans to wider Buying team.
•Present commercial and innovative product ranges to the Head of Buying / Trading Director, to ensure they are in line with the strategic direction and financial plans.
•Negotiation of all products through maintaining a close working relationship with key suppliers.
•Establish and drive departmental sourcing strategy supported by their respective partners.
About you
•Extensive experience as a buyer within women’s Own Brand clothing. Ideally someone who has experience of operating at senior buyer or Buying Manager level.
•Strong product development background.
•Experience leading a sourcing strategy across women’s Own Brand clothing.
•Previous team management experience, helping to support, develop and grow a buying team.
•Ability to manage internal and external stakeholders.
•Commercially aware.
•An eye for product and future trends.
•Strong communicator across all levels.
Some of our benefits
- Flexible, hybrid working model
- Inclusive culture and environment, check out
- £6,500 flexible benefits allowance to suit your needs
- 30 days holiday + bank holidays
- Udemy learning access
- Bonus potential (performance and business-related)
- Up to 25% discount on Very.co.uk
- Matched pension up to 6%
- More benefits can be found
How to apply
Please note that the talent acquisition team are managing this vacancy directly, and if successful in securing this role, you will be required to undertake a credit, CIFAS, Right to Work checks and if a specific requirement of your role a DBS (criminal records) check. Should your application progress we require you to let the team know if there is anything you need to disclose in relation to any of these checks prior to them being undertaken, including any unspent criminal convictions.
What happens next?
Our talent acquisition team will be in touch if you’re successful so keep an eye on your emails! We’ll arrange a short call to learn more about you, as well as answer any questions you have. If it feels like we’re a good match, we’ll share your CV with the hiring manager to review. Our interview process is tailored to each role and can be in-person or held remotely.
You can expect a two-stage interview process for this position:
1st stage - An informal 30-minute video call with the hiring team to discuss your skills and relevant experience. This is a great opportunity to find out more about the role and to ask any questions you may have.
2nd Stage – A one-hour formal interview where you can expect both competency and technical questions. This can be held either in-person or remotely.
As an inclusive employer please do let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments.
If you'd like to know more about our interviews, you can find out .
Equal opportunities
We’re an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
