Assistant Buyer

About Mint Velvet

Mint Velvet was founded by Liz Houghton and Lisa Agar-Rea to create a sophisticated collection of contemporary wardrobe staples with elevated fits that were missing from their own closets. Combining comfort with stylish and wearable fashion trends, Mint Velvet embodies 'Relaxed Glamour.' The company prides itself on designing thoughtfully with passion and aims to be a responsible, circular business focusing on sustainable fabrics and mindful production processes. The workplace culture emphasizes balance, growth, and collaboration, driven by core values centered around people, planet, and community.

Role Overview

As an Assistant Buyer, you will bring a genuine creative passion and an eye for product and emerging fashion trends, proactively seeking inspiration. You should think both creatively and analytically, handling diverse information while maintaining a commercial and financial perspective with a strong product affinity. Effective communication and a collaborative mindset are essential as you build strong relationships. You'll demonstrate resilience, adaptability, openness to feedback, and the courage to support your decisions and challenge ideas. This role offers the opportunity to deepen your commercial knowledge and creative skills to help curate the season's key fashion items.

Key Responsibilities

• Source, develop, and purchase a commercial product range together with the Senior Buyer aimed at maximizing sales and profitability.
• Maintain a clear understanding of the Mint Velvet customer profile and brand style, along with competitor analysis of high street trends.
• Own and take responsibility for your product category, influencing how the range is built.
• Develop and maintain solid relationships with Buying and Merchandising colleagues as well as suppliers.
• Manage critical path timelines effectively.
• Coordinate fit sessions to ensure smooth workflow.
• Prepare and present weekly performance and delivery schedule meetings for the department.
• Participate in supplier meetings, documenting outcomes and ensuring follow-up.
• Independently review bulk orders, making and driving decisions accordingly.
• Oversee sample management processes.
• Coordinate product styling for photoshoots to best showcase the range.
• Analyze trade reports independently, discussing insights and actions with your Buyer.
• Source and select trims subject to Buyer approval.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive starting salary with promising career advancement opportunities.
• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Private health insurance fully funded by the company.
• Discretionary bonus program.
• 50% discount on staff purchases.
• Interest-free season ticket loan.
• Custom induction and continuous development support.
• Summer working hours with early finishes at 3pm every Friday during June to August.
• A positive and inspiring workplace including social events and early finishes on paydays.

Working Location

This role is office-based in High Wycombe, requiring attendance approximately four days per week.