Junior Buyer

**J**ob Role: Junior Buyer**

**Reporting to: Senior Buyer**

**Location: Head Office, White City Place, West London**

**Contract type: Full Time, 37.5 hours per wee**k

**About Us**:
ME+EM is one of the UKs fastest-growing luxury fashion brands. As a direct-to
- consumer business we operate in a truly omnichannel way, with an extremely successful online store, monthly mailings and stores in London, Edinburgh and concessions in Harrods and Selfridges. Our exciting growth continues in spring 2024 with the opening of our first US stores.

At ME+EM we are an entrepreneurial, creative, and passionate group of people. We work hard, are enthusiastic to learn and are not afraid to take risks. Everyone contributes to our success at all levels, and that precisely what makes being a member of the team so rewarding.

Our office and stores are always busy and fast paced, but we work just as hard to make sure its fun, with social activities and biannual parties. We pride ourselves on being approachable, supportive, and welcoming and ensure that everyones hard work is rewarded. It takes all these things to build a strong, successful business and our door is always open to new talent ready to contribute to our growth and evolution.

**About the Role**:
Supporting the Buyer, through effective and accurate administration; to deliver the collection for the brand, ensuring the product DNA is captured in a balanced, high quality & fashionable range, maintaining on time delivery & target margin to potentialise sales.

**Responsibilities**:

- **Critical Path Management**:Oversee delivery schedules, liaise with suppliers, manage fabric and trim approvals, and ensure timely execution of orders.
- ** Sample Coordination**:Manage all sample stages, from proto to press, and organize fit sessions.
- ** Data Management**:Maintain accurate product data and ensure seamless updates across internal systems.
- ** Team Collaboration**:Work closely with design, technical, and merchandising teams to meet deadlines and quality standards.
- ** Margin Support**:Assist with price and cost negotiations to maintain profitability.
- ** Leadership Support**:Mentor junior team members and deputise for the Buyer when needed.
- ** Fit & Sample Management**:Coordinate fit schedules, book models, write fit notes, and oversee intake board updates.
- ** Trade & Performance Support**:Attend weekly trade meetings, analyse sales trends, and address in-season opportunities or risks.
- ** Sustainability & Compliance**:Collate ethical and sustainability information for the Head of Sustainability.
- ** Supplier & Team Collaboration**:Manage repeat orders, support team recruitment, and foster strong supplier relationships.
- ** Product Oversight**:Organize Product Surgery meetings, attend quarterly fit and returns reviews, and ensure accurate invoicing approvals.
- ** Leadership Assistance**:Deputise for the Buyer during absences and provide key support on reports, intake meetings, and competitive analysis.

**Skills**:

- Ideally 8 years + Experience
- European factory/ supply base/ CMT experience.
- Critical path management is a must.
- A degree in Fashion Buying, Merchandising, or a related field is preferred.
- Previous experience in Junior Production/ Product Developer/ Buyer role preferably in fashion retail or supplier.
- Strong negotiation and communication skills.
- Analytical mindset with a good grasp of numbers and sales data.
- Highly organized, with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and familiarity with buying systems is a plus.

**Employee Benefits**:

- 33 days annual leave for full time employees (25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays)
- A day off to celebrate your birthday.
- Pension Scheme
- Group Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Length of Service Award
- Refer a Friend Scheme
- Staff uniform for retail employees
- Generous Staff and Friends and Family Discount
- Annual Volunteer Day
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Tech Scheme
- Eye Care Vouchers
- Real Living Wage Employer
- Employee led committees
- Social events and biannual parties
- Enhanced maternity and paternity package after 2 years of service.