Garment Buyer

Garment Buyer based in the London Offshore Purchasing Team

London

The world is noisier than ever, with millions of brands competing for seconds of attention but how do we at Brand Addition stand out? We add heart and soul to goods and gifts that build brand love. We add purpose to products that spread more joy and less junk. We add emotion to everyday items that inspire connection. When you only have a second to make an impression adding what matters makes every moment count.

Brand Addition is a business that helps global brands build culture, awareness, and meaningful connections. We extend our client values in thoughtful, sustainable, globally conscious ways to create branded moments that people love. In an industry of excess – we will lead through sustainability to generate wellbeing for generations to come, what we do today can determine what kind of place that will be. We will continue to build amazing products while strengthening careers and client relationships. Here at Brand Addition, we work across oceans and continents to build a better, brighter future for our partners, our people, and our planet.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Garment Buyer to work in our business on premium retail clothing collections for various well known brands.

The ranges comprise of wovens and knitted items across men's, women's and children's garments. All items need to reflect the high quality and precision of the brands for which they are developed.

What you'll be doing:

• Managing the product ranges, from sourcing to project management and responsible for the P&L on this category.
• Collaborating with in-house design and sales teams on product concepts, ideas, and project management.
• Sourcing from and taking ownership of a reliable supplier base across Turkey and the Far East. You will likely be visiting the suppliers on an annual basis, negotiating prices, ensuring high-quality and on-time delivery, while exploring new supply routes to expand our product offering and maintain a competitive edge.
• Researching and evaluating fabrics, price points, lead times and consumption for development work on new core ranges which come out every 2 years with Spring Summer and Autumn Winter release dates.
• Creating detailed product tech packs for the purchase orders for the suppliers, ensuring clarity and mutual commitment to project success.
• Co-ordinating with all departments to ensure timely delivery of projects.
• Overseeing quality control and technical compliance, ensuring products meet industry standards in terms of safety and performance.
• Fit checks on the prototype samples together with co-ordinating wash tests for durability and ensuring a premium quality is maintained.
• Creating and managing the Critical Path from start-up development through to the launch dates.
• Lead and develop an offshore buying team dedicated to sourcing bespoke apparel for brands which are managed across the Brand Addition sites.

What you'll need:

• We're seeking a Garment Buyer who has a wealth of experience and technical expertise in wovens and jersey items and working directly with the factories who produce these.
• We need you to make regular supplier visits in Turkey and Asia.
• Ideally, you'll be of graduate calibre with a garment related degree.
• A can-do attitude with a willingness to take on diverse tasks and challenges.
• At least 10+ years of garment buying experience is needed.
• A strong interest in apparel, along with a passion for quality assurance and ethical sourcing from manufacturers in EU, Turkey, and the Far East.
• Commercial acumen, with the ability to see the bigger picture and make smart decisions as well as managing the P&L for the garment category.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills (both written and verbal), with the ability to build rapport at all levels.
• A true team player, demonstrating personality, empathy, and a drive to succeed, with exceptional organizational skills and a keen attention to detail.
• The ability to lead an offshore purchasing team on this key category, gaining an in-depth understanding of the different brands and requirements, attending client meetings, and working with internal teams to drive growth in this exciting area of the business.
• Experience in developing garment ranges across multiple categories and a proactive approach to suggesting new ideas and improvements that align with our sustainability goals.
• Strong supplier relationship management and negotiation skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple projects.
• Confidence in leading regular client communication and openness to travel for client meetings in Europe.
• Ability to analyse sku sales and to promote the ideal quantity for first time buy.
• Commercial awareness with a solid understanding of risk management.
• Technical expertise in garment constructions - how to make a garment aesthetically desirable whilst ensuring that the construction lends itself to long term durability throughout the product lifecycle.
• Experience in fabric & trim selections, price points, lead times.
• Using your emotional intelligence to understand the supply chain and know when to switch as needed.

Benefits:

Our Culture:

Brand Addition offers you the opportunity to work in a responsible and challenging role within a dynamic, international, and ambitious environment.

We're informal but hard working and great teamwork and collaboration are key to our success. We are all proud to be part of the BA family; we all share the same passion and dedication to the company, we champion diversity and inclusion and respect difference, because it makes us stronger.

Our teams operate across oceans and collaborate across continents, leveraging diverse perspectives to create amazing things together. It may be fast paced but it's a fun and friendly place to work. We have a big footprint globally but remain personal and transparent. You can expect quality, sustainability, and value to be at the heart of everything that we do. You'll have the support of a close network of colleagues and managers, and every day is different here

Reward and recognition:

We offer Global Development Opportunities - Hybrid Working minimum 3 days a week in the London office - Flexible Working and a Subsidised Wellbeing Programme to name a few.

Position to thrive:

Brand Addition provides you with everything you need to excel in your job and for personal growth, to be the best version of you.

We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage flexible working through family friendly working hours.