LK Bennett is a brand with a British heritage feel, born in the 90s, with our first boutique in Wimbledon. Our pieces are designed in our London HQ to be full of vibrant prints, iconic silhouettes and beautiful fabrics.
Since our beginnings, we’ve become well-loved thanks to our effortless, luxurious collections featuring ready-to-wear, shoes, bags and accessories. Known for our distinctly wearable style and luxury craftsmanship with high-quality production across Europe. Sourcing only the finest fabrics, including our signature silks from the Far East. We create investment pieces to love forever – only now, we inspire women to bring the extraordinary to the ordinary, everyday.
LOCATION
Head Office, New Bond Street, London with remote working
JOB ROLE
Working at LK Bennett is more than just a job; it’s a way of life and being a part of Buying team as Assistant Buyer means you will be at the forefront of our luxury business. In this role you will be able to proactively develop the product range. Develop, produce and deliver a collection on time that maximises sales and profit, achieves the target margin, drives the business and trading opportunities in line with the product strategy.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
PRODUCT/RANGE
- Support and assist the Buyers in delivering the Buying strategy for the Business
- Work closely with Merchandising team and the guidance of Buyer to manage and deliver the strategy for their department
- Work closely with the Design, Technical, Merchandising, Retail and Wholesale teams to develop and deliver an exciting collection which encompasses creativity, style and commerciality.
- Sustain on-going key awareness of departmental and company performance and understands the market with strong competitor awareness.
- Evaluate, propose and implement any actions that need to be taken on trading.
- Support the Buyer; to help build a commercially viable product range that reflects the LKB brand image and current trends
- Ensure that options developed are in line with the options plan.
- Ensuring that all products at approval stage have the highest quality and finesse that is required in line with the LKB brand image
- Regularly visit LK Bennett stores and maintain key awareness of trends, brands and competitors.
- Working closely with the team to ensure comprehensive ranges within the department and to effectively present the range internally and externally when required.
- Working closely with the merchandising team to achieve target intake margins/sales and profit plan with the direction from Buyer
- Use sales and performance information to make suggestions on sales opportunities, liaise with Marketing, Press, Retail and Digital teams to maximise sales.
CRITICAL PATH AND PRODUCTION
- Ensure the range is developed in line with the product strategy, brand vision, quality & specification standards, margin targets and multiple critical path deadlines.
- Work closely with Design and Tech ensuring that all approval stages are action and in line with the Critical Path and on time
- Progress, monitor and manage the development of the range from concept to delivery into the warehouse. Monitor each stage of development and production to ensure all key critical path dates are met across product areas.
- Ensure supplier allocation of product is balanced.
- Negotiate prices to achieve margin without a detrimental effect to the product and ensuring the design vision is kept.
- Ensuring that their department ranges are bought and delivered in time with the Buying Critical Path and within OTB requirements.
- Manage supplier critical paths to ensure on time delivery into warehouse.
- Ensure all raw materials, labelling, documentation deadlines are met to achieve into warehouse dates.
- Work with the Technical team to achieve sealing deadlines to meet multiple critical paths and dates.
- Proactively resolve all issues impacting on the range development at all stages of development and production.
- Work closely with suppliers (including visits) to understand their strengths and weaknesses.
- Manage relations with mills/trims and manufacturers, supporting the strategic direction of partnerships with suppliers.
- Ensure accuracy of data into various systems at LK Bennett.
TEAM
- Key support to the Senior Buyer & Global Product & Design Director
- Proactively manage and support Buying Admin Assistant, delegating to aid development and drive the department
- Work within a small team, continuously developing their knowledge and skills and motivate and inspire them to exceed in the delivery of departmental and individual goals
- Ambassador for the Buying team, working closely with Retail, Marketing, Digital, Merchandising and Press, building strong relations with all stake holders
WHO YOU ARE
- Ideally have at least one years’ experience at AB level developing premium product in footwear and accessories
- Strong team player and manager
- Confident decision maker
- Happy to travel when required
- Ability to react to the changing demands on the market place
- Excellent commercial awareness
- Quick & methodical thinker
- Organised whilst being adaptable to changing priorities
WHAT WE OFFER
- 25 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays.
- Day off on your birthday, so you can celebrate in style
- Early Friday finishes
- Great brand discount
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Life Assurance
