Bakers & Larners

Fashion Buyer

Location: Holt, North Norfolk (on-site, 5 days per week)

Reporting to: Head of Retail Operations

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

 

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven multi category Buyer to lead the selection and development of our non - food offering within a well-established independent department store in North Norfolk. The Buyer must have fashion experience.

This role is pivotal in curating a distinctive and profitable range that reflects our brand identity, appeals to our customer base, and differentiates us from national competitors. The successful candidate will combine trend awareness with strong commercial acumen and a passion for independent retail.
Working closely with the retail team, this role plays a key part in ensuring the buying strategy translates effectively into store performance and customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

Buying & Range Planning

• Develop and deliver seasonal buying strategies across womenswear, menswear, and/or accessories (as applicable)
• Select commercially viable and customer-focused product ranges aligned with brand values
• Build balanced assortments considering price points, margins, and sales targets
• Identify new brands and suppliers that enhance the store’s uniqueness

Supplier & Brand Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and new suppliers
• Negotiate cost prices, delivery schedules, exclusivity, and returns where appropriate
• Attend trade shows, showrooms, and supplier meetings (including occasional European travel)

Sales & Performance Management

• Monitor product performance through regular sales analysis
• Take proactive action on slow sellers (markdowns, promotions, remerchandising)
• Work closely with merchandising or finance teams on stock levels, OTB (Open to Buy), and margin control
• Ensure stock levels are appropriate for seasonal demand

Trend & Market Awareness

• Stay up to date with fashion trends, competitor activity, and customer preferences
• Translate trends into commercially successful product ranges suited to a regional customer base
• Balance fashion-forward ranges with core, repeat-selling lines

Collaboration

• Develop and maintain a close working relationship with the retail team to ensure alignment between buying decisions, store performance, and customer experience
• Work closely with Visual Merchandising to ensure product presentation aligns with brand standards
• Partner with Marketing to support campaigns, events, and promotions
• Support store teams by sharing product knowledge and training where needed

Customer Understanding

• Develop a strong understanding of the store’s customer demographic and buying behaviours
• Use customer feedback and sales data to inform buying decisions

 

Key Skills & Experience

Essential

• Proven experience as a Fashion Buyer or Junior Buyer (ideally in a department store or independent retail environment)
• Strong commercial awareness with a track record of delivering sales and margin targets
• Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills
• Ability to analyse sales data and make informed decisions
• Strong organisational and planning skills
• Passion for fashion and a good understanding of current trends

Desirable

• Experience working in an independent or premium retail environment
• Knowledge of heritage, lifestyle, or regional customer markets
• Familiarity with retail systems and stock management tools

Personal Attributes

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive approach
• Strong attention to detail
• Confident decision-maker
• Creative yet commercially grounded
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Adaptable and able to work in a fast-paced retail environment

Additional Requirements

• This is an on-site role based in Holt, North Norfolk, working 5 days per week
• Willingness to travel for buying trips, including occasional European travel
• Flexibility during peak retail periods

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape and influence a unique fashion offer within an independent business
• A collaborative and supportive working environment
• Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
• Staff discount