Senior Buyer - Bags, Accessories & Fashion

The Buying team work closely with our Design & Product Development teams to create and develop our fantastic designs by ensuring the quality and variety of product is exciting to the Cath Kidston customer, as well as with Merchandising to add a commercial dimension to their thinking. Blending creativity and commercial judgement, you must really involve yourself in the brand, get yourselves into the feet of our customers and deliver the products they desire.

Responsibilities 

Inspiration and creation 

• Regularly visit the field, read relevant press & reports and observe competitors to maintain a high knowledge of competitor ranges, trends and upcoming fashion collections. 
• Contribute relevant, innovative ideas to product development which reflect the company strategy of focusing on New, Original, Relevant and challenge ideas from management to drive creativity. 

 Commercial 

• Build the range (silhouette, price, material) that is commercially relevant for all channels globally and all customer segments, in partnership with design, sourcing and merchandising
• Responsible for building a range architecture with merchandising including options and target RRP 
• Responsible for analysing sales on a weekly and seasonal basis to aid commercial decision making 
• Working closely with the Design team to produce visuals for the rest of the business; ensure the team maintains the Range Plan of all products. 
• Ensure the team liaises with stores and digital team to provide relevant product and sales information 
• Ensuring that the team develops packaging and labelling needs by product. 
• Approval of images for website  
• Ensure range plan is accurate and updated with customer facing attributes inclusive of franchise/ wholesale only styles 
• Manage critical path with license partners to ensure deadlines are met 

Person Specification 

• Experience in multi category Buying, must have strong previous Bags and Accessories experience  
• Awareness of current and future trends, knowledge of brands target market and high taste level. 
• Ability to demonstrate a proactive approach in sourcing new ideas and inspiration. 
• Capable of dealing with a fast paced environment with the agility to move rapidly whilst protecting the critical path. 
• Ability to collaborate with peers in other multi-category Buying teams to build a coherent collection 
• Ability to challenge, influence & persuade effectively and bring people on the journey
• Skilled at working with other departments in close collaboration 
• Have an established track record of producing genuine commercial results. 
• Strong technical knowledge of product specifications and the development process 

Our mission is to inspire the everyday optimist, whoever they are. That’s why we are committed to being an equal opportunities employer and encourage applicants regardless of religion, ethnicity, nationality, disability status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status. We understand that inclusion is more than just diversity – it’s about belonging. And we want everyone to feel welcome and part of something important. If you need any assistance or accommodation during the recruitment process please let us know.