So this week we've been delving deep into the industry, checking out possible career options and what the different routes entail.
On completion of my degree my initial career move idea is to become a textile designer maker, specialising in interiors. I'd love my own shop selling my own brand aswell as carefully selected products from other original designer makers from all over the country. I picture a gorgeous little place selling gorgeous little things that are just irresistible, complete with an idyllic tea room serving up delicious treats-Thats the dream anyway!
Despite this, after a lecture on possible career options, I can't say that I'm a little bit excited by the idea of working for a big/ sucessful company in their merchandising/ buying department- life in the fast lane, living in the city, cosmos after work and all that jazz definitely have appeal. So I've decided to check out the job just that little bit more...Job Title: BuyerJob Description: Buyers are required throughout the fashion, footwear, textile and apparel industries to purchase the raw materials or equipment required for the manufacturing process, or to find products for sale and trade to retailers.
A buyer may be involved in the following activities:
Forecasting trends
Planning ranges
Sourcing fabrics and trims
Sourcing suppliers and factories
Negotiating prices and deliveries
Following and facilitating the full production process of garments
Managing the fit and quality control processes to ensure they meet company guidelines/ standards
Presenting and justifying ranges to senior management
Analysing sales and planning mark downs to maximise profit
Buyers frequently work alongside senior management staff to determine buying requirements and budgets. Fashion buyers will also work closely with design teams to research and inform new trends.
They will also work alongside a merchandising team who hold responsibility for reviewing historical sales and other data. This team controls the financial budgets and works with the buyers to plan the introduction of new ranges, control mark downs of stock and conduct sales forecasting.
Working Hours: The working hours of a buyer can vary from company to company but mostly they will be expected to work normal office hours of between 37 and 40 hours a week. Longer hours and overtime may be required to meet deadlines and when travelling.
Essential skills: It may be useful for a person considering a career in buying to have some of the following skills and interests:
planning, budgeting and negotiation skills
the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
strong literacy, numeracy and IT skills
a creative mind to develop ideas and be ahead of the market
Required Quals:Employers usually expect a candidate to be educated to A-level, HND or degree standard. Many larger companies run training schemes and experience of the industry is also valued highly.
Location:A buyer is usually office-based but will be required to travel both within the UK and overseas to meet with suppliers and attend trade shows.
Salary:A Buyers Administration Assistant can expect to start on a salary of £12,000 to £18,000, £18,000 to £23,000 for an Assistant Buyer, £23,000 to £28,000 for a Junior Buyer, £26,000 to £46,000 for a Buyer and finally a Buying Manager could earn from £45,000 to £80,000 depending on experience, the size of the company and its profitability.
Progression:The typical career route, regardless of the size of company, the candidate's qualifications, age or previous experience in other jobs, is to enter a business as a BAA (Buyers Administration Assistant). Normally you will need to work as a BAA for two years, however faster progression is possible.
You could then expect to move into the role of Assistant Buyer, again this role will normally last two years. At both of these stages you will have no responsibility for managing finances or budgets but you will be assisting the department in varying functions.
Following this is progression into the roles of Junior Buyer, Buyer then finally Buying Manager. Advancement through these stages is related to the amount of money you control within your budget and your commercial success.
Buyers within the fashion and textile industry may be able to move into related areas, such as distribution, logistics, merchandising, sales, marketing or management.
www.creativeskillset.org/
My Verdict
This all sounds so exciting, I love the sound of sourcing different fabrics and trims- shopping around for new products, and negotiating prices is definitely something that I'd thrive on. Although I'm a real creative, I love variety and can become bored easily doing the same thing day in, day out so the sales and analytical aspect of the career is definitely something that attracts me too. Again, the progression aspect within the job is hugely important to me because I always strive for the next thing and to move forward, so the fact that this career has that ladder built in is really exciting.
The downside of this career is that it's generally available in head offices of companies/ brand that are usually in the cities, being a true home bird this is does put me off.
I can't say I haven't thought buying could be something done at a younger age then possibly retire to something a little more relaxed and "maker" based...(I'll just have to talk the husband around first!)
Tina XOXO
