Assistant Buyer

**Vivienne Westwood is one of the most iconic British Fashion Brands who cares and believes in its people and the environment. If you’re interested in being part of an organisation that produces quality products, promotes awareness for a better world, and provides an excellent benefits package to support its employees, keep reading.**

**Vivienne Westwood is looking for an Assistant Buyer to join the Buying Team in the Conduit Street Office on a Full-time basis for 12 months.**

**JOB PURPOSE**

Primarily working with the Junior Buyers and Buying Admin Assistant to provide administrative and analytical support to the department. Carries out the buying and trading of the Shoes, Socks and Sunglasses overseen by the Junior Buyer/Senior Buyer. Responsible for supporting the development of the Buying Admin Assistant.

**ACCOUNTABILITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Supports the buying team with order raising and data management - updating buying records, order filing, ensures all orders are correctly inserted to value and quantity, in a timely manner by the deadlines
- Supports with the organisation of the buying schedule and appointments - liaising with the showroom to book appointments and models and supporting with the preparation of any required material
- Aware of and supports Buyer to meet all deadlines
- Reviews and actions store transfer requests and informs stores accordingly
- Oversees the preparation of the weekly and monthly data/reports
- Notices discrepancies in data and communicates to relevant departments to rectify
- Maintains an up-to-date knowledge of the systems the department is using (Excel, SAP, BI) and attends training as required
- Writes up meeting notes and distributes to all attendees in a timely manner
- Supports with the preparation for the company Buying presentations
- Provides regular feedback on lines buying and reports on the current season to product developers, designers and buying team
- Monitors and suggests action to relieve stock levels/maximise sales
- Monitors deliveries and the uploading of new stock on website and notifies buyer of any delays
- May be expected to work longer hours/weekends during buying season

**COMPETENCIES**
- Organised and proactive. Able to multi-task, prioritise and work to tight deadlines, while maintaining excellent attention to detail
- Analytical and results driven, able to use data to measure performance and identify areas of improvement
- 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
- Is open and receptive and acts upon feedback
- Takes responsibility for the work standards of BAA and ensures all tasks are completed within the deadline
- Has a thorough understanding of all VW systems, ways of working effectively and efficiently and can easily train any new member of team
- Demonstrates maintained customer focus in all activities and decisions
- Agrees time scales and responsibilities to achieve department goals
- Takes initiative to point out issues, make suggestions and follow up

**TECHNICAL SKILL**
- Commercial acumen - proven analytical and problem-solving skills. Highly numerate and data rational. Confident in analysing large volumes of data. Ability to identify and solve problems
- Numerical and analytical with experience in administration and database management
- Team player - genuine interest in buying and willingness to learn. Enthusiastic and proactive
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Demonstrates ability to communicate confidently and effectively in group situations
- Organisation - good planning and organisational skills. Thorough and accurate with good attention to detail. Ability to manage and prioritise tasks to meet business objectives in a fast paced environment

**KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE**
- Previous experience as Assistant Buyer

**MEASURES/ KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS**
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail in all areas of responsibility
- Good problem-solving skills, takes initiative to resolve issues
- Manages time effectively by setting and achieving priorities
- Ability to multitask
- A motivated Admin Assistant
- Constantly striving to improve systems and ways of working

**Other Essential Skills**
- Ability to initiate and build strong relationships with key departments
- Can work well under pressure and to tight deadlines
- Excellent communication skills
- Organisational skills

**BENEFITS**
- Staff discounts
- Training
- Health & Wellbeing support (includes Private Medical Health Insurance, EAP, Gym Discounts, Access to Financial Planning Service, etc.)
- 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 belie