Junior Buyer - Character & License

Internal use only - Grade F

About us.

We are The Very Group and we’re here to help families get more out of life. We know that our customers work hard for their families and have a lot to balance in their busy lives. That’s why we combine amazing brands and products with flexible payment options on Very.co.uk to help them say yes to the things they love. We’re just as passionate about helping our people get more out of life too; building careers with real growth, a sense of purpose, belonging and wellbeing.

About the team.

Our Buying team have some of the best minds in fashion and retail and are leading the way in finding the next trends and products.

We’re excited to share an opportunity for a high-reaching, creative and dedicated individual looking to expand their buying career.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Junior Buyer on Own Brand Kidswear. You’ll report directly into the Buying Manager, so lots of opportunity to further develop your skills.

About the role.

This role is responsible for overseeing the design and licensing of all characters and designs that we sell at The Very Group. You will be working closely with external brands and licensees to create exceptional product ranges. This will involve collaborating with designers from licensing companies and taking ownership of the entire design and purchasing process. The scope of this role includes managing all clothing and footwear licensed products for both childrenswear and adults.

• Have full ownership of our Character & License within the Kidswear own brand category.
• Manage the key strategic brand relationship, with excellent stakeholder skills.
• Consider our current proposition, market growth, competitors, consumer drivers and future opportunities.
• Think strategically, developing a clear roadmap for how the strategy translates into a clear plan for the next 6-24 months.
• Be the voice of The Very Group at supplier meetings and selections.
• Link the strategy into the wider category priorities and business initiatives, making sure you maximise on all opportunities to drive growth.
• Coach and develop your direct reports, driving career growth and performance.

About you.

• We are seeking a candidate who possesses a strong understanding of current market trends. This is crucial in order to ensure that our product ranges are not only fashionable and relevant to our customers, but also competitive in terms of price, quality, and overall value.
• Demonstrable experience working within the character and license area.
• Able to work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment, with strong focus on what is right for the business, your team and the customer.
• Demonstrate our values and culture, be a true leader for your direct report, coaching and mentoring and establishing clear ways of working.
• A wide trend knowledge across the market both pure-play and multi-channel.
• Demonstrable strong negotiation and influencing skills, with both internal and external stakeholders.
• A confident presenter to both internal and external stakeholders.

Some of our benefits

• Flexible, hybrid working model
• Inclusive culture and environment, check out our Glassdoor reviews
• £1,000 flexible benefits allowance to suit your needs
• 30 days holiday + bank holidays
• Udemy learning access
• Bonus potential (performance and business-related)
• Up to 25% discount on Very.co.uk

• Matched pension up to 6%
• More benefits can be found on our career site

 

How to apply

Please note that the talent acquisition team are managing this vacancy directly, and if successful in securing this role, you will be required to undertake a credit, CIFAS, Right to Work checks and if a specific requirement of your role a DBS (criminal records) check. Should your application progress we require you to let the team know if there is anything you need to disclose in relation to any of these checks prior to them being undertaken, including any unspent criminal convictions.

What happens next?

Our talent acquisition team will be in touch if you’re successful so keep an eye on your emails! We’ll arrange a short call to learn more about you, as well as answer any questions you have. If it feels like we’re a good match, we’ll share your CV with the hiring manager to review. Our interview process is tailored to each role and can be in-person or held remotely.

 

You can expect a two-stage interview process for this position:

1st stage - An informal 30-minute video call with the hiring team to discuss your skills and relevant experience. This is a great opportunity to find out more about the role and to ask any questions you may have.

2nd Stage – A one-hour task-based interview which will be held in-person at our HQ in Speke.

As an inclusive employer please do let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments.

If you'd like to know more about our interviews, you can find out here.

 
Equal opportunities

We’re an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.