Assistant Buyer

Pretty Lavish continues to emerge within the fashion industry bridging the gap between high street and designer brands. Recognised for our sophisticated occasionwear, luxury knitwear and our sleek and modern bridesmaids collection. We strive to make luxury affordable by designing quality, timeless and versatile designs that can be worn day to night, season to season and loved for years to come. As Pretty Lavish grows, we are looking for a passionate, hard working and humble individual to join us on this exciting journey.

Roles and Responsibilities

•  Product development – Contribute to range build meetings ensuring we're covering off bestsellers from LY and reviewing best and worst in detail.
• Send weekly Critical Path chasing email to suppliers for orders raised / samples outstanding. Support the Buyer in managing the department Critical Path.
• Attend weekly fit sessions and make suggestions to improve fit, focusing on reducing returns rate.
•  Update delivery schedule / XF dates on Zedonk. Present delivery schedule and updates to CP weekly to wider teams.
• Manage and update CP calendar on PLM.
• Review repeats weekly with Merchandising team. Flag any cost price increases for repeats to Buyer.
•  Manage and approve bulk fabric swatches alongside Design.
• Negotiate cost price reductions with factories where required as per manual.
•  Check packing lists for -/+5 % tolerance before shipped / paid and send to merchandiser for approval where needed.
• Send invoice / balance payments to finance for analysis and respond to any queries where needed.
• Attend calls and communicate with suppliers regularly as point of contact.
• Conduct competitive shopping analysis, preparing competitive retail and pricing strategies.
•  Support with supplier performance management.
• Manage and chase suppliers for samples ahead of product meeting deadlines.
• Support with PO raising - continuity / repeats / new collection.
• Manage online schedule document and samples for e-commerce shoots alongside Marketing team.
• Analyse weekly sales reports to present in trade meetings and recommend trading actions and product opportunities alongside Merchandising team, also communicate commercial needs and opportunities to the wider business.
•  Present new product opportunities to Buyer, based on sales and trend analysis.
• Work with Logistics to track deliveries and shipment modes, ensuring product is on time for launch.
• Negotiate supplier cost prices, with support from Buyer, ensuring commercial, quality and financial targets are achieved.

Skills and Experience

• Desired experience as an established Assistant Buyer.
• Ability to influence and communicate effectively at all levels.
• Product development skills.
• Keen interest in fashion and trends.
• Analytical and commercial eye.
• Strong negotiation skills.