Experienced Buyer

Experienced Buyer

Full time Monday – Friday 8.30 – 5.30

Competitive Salary

Immediate start based in Battersea, London

To apply, please email your CV and cover letter to sarah@aspiga.com

Deadline: 2/7/21

 

THE POSITION: EXPERIENCED BUYER

Established in 2006 Aspiga is a responsible fashion brand who continue to lead the way in sustainable and ethical fashion - putting people and our planet first. We partner with artisans and suppliers, primarily in Kenya and India, to create contemporary and stylish clothing collections for women and men using natural, organic and sustainable materials.


At Aspiga, we believe remarkable talent, enthusiasm, and creative thinking add up to great work. We’re looking for an experienced Buyer to lead the Product team working closely with the Designers to ensure our collections are relevant, curated & support the Brands sustainable mission to deliver fashion made fair.
We are a small passionate team based in Battersea with punchy growth plans and are looking for the right person to drive the business forward and develop the team. It is a great place to get true hands-on experience and learn lots about fashion and the world of retail.

If you have a keen interest in sustainable fashion, experience within buying and want to make your mark with a growing brand, this is an opportunity not to be missed!

 

Key Responsibilities of Role

  • Work closely and develop strong relationships with the Design Manager to develop a trend led product range overseen by the Founder MD.

  • Champion the business ethics to produce and develop a range that delivers a sustainable impact leading new sourcing on sustainable fabrics.

  • Understand the Aspiga customer and demographic to be able to predict future trends relevant for the Brand.

  • Drive volume growth working with suppliers to improve margins and cost price efficiencies.

  • Ensure relevant trends are translated into product range at speed to reflect the brand and customer.

  • Implementing and managing the critical path from concept to pre-production with design and manufacturers. Ensuring deadlines are adhered to and follow up on all prototype/sample issues to resolve and drive to completion. Identifying, calling out and making recommendations to mitigate any risks/challenges identified at all stages

  • Manage and develop the product team to introduce best practice and attention to detail.

  • Work closely with Garment Tech to produce products that fit well and fulfil the brief, liaising with the suppliers and fabric manufacturers to ensure deadline are met and communications are accurate and efficient

  • Accurately create and share internal communication documents with the full information required for the wider business

  • Build strong relationships with the suppliers and manage your team to deliver the day to day supplier relationships: chasing fabrics, pricing, lab dips, components and artworks.

  • Responsible for building and maintaining effective working relationships with suppliers, developing a strong working knowledge of suppliers capability and availability to meet demands. This includes negotiating on costs as well as aesthetic changes to ensure design vision is maintained.

  • Actively review supplier relationships and source new suppliers that will add value to Aspigas’ portfolio and to de-list those that no longer meet the business needs.

  • Identifying opportunities for pricing, range width, competitors and product gaps, to ensure we stay ahead of our competitors within the market.

  • Create clear objectives for self, team, and others to follow

  • Review market trends and analyse data to assist with the creation of the product briefs

  • Engage with sustainable fashion market activity, develop knowledge and Champion sustainability to drive growth and bring new ideas and business opportunities to the table.

  • Ensuring all Materials, Trims & Labelling /Packaging are all correct before production commences.

  • Liaise with Marketing and assist in setting up relevant briefs and POS

 

PEOPLE SKILLS

  • Develops good working relationships within the business.
  • Develop good relationships with external suppliers.
  • Maintain professional behaviour in the workplace.
  • Be respectful of others

 

KEY ATTRIBUTES – we are looking for someone with…

A MUST / ESSENTIAL:

  • Creativity.
  • The ability to recognise future trends.
  • Excellent commercial awareness.
  • Organised and the ability to work to deadlines
  • Resourceful, reactive and flexible; thrives on positive change
  • Confidence and presentation skills.
  • Ability to make decisions under pressure.
  • Negotiation skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate at all levels
  • Ability to influence effectively within the business and put across views appropriately
  • Demonstrates ability to plan and implement business objectives
  • Self-motivated and committed to developing your skills
  • A strong team player who is a true brand and business ambassador
  • A keen eye for detail and appreciation of great design

 

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We will not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, marital status, disability, age, sexual orientation or religion.