Company Profile Carraig Donn is Ireland's premier lifestyle retailer of Ladies Fashion, Jewellery, and Gifts, established in ****.
Inspired by our proud Irish heritage, we continue to innovate and evolve to meet the needs of our loyal and growing customer base.
With customer service at the heart of everything we do, our experienced buying team delivers high-quality, exclusive products at affordable prices across our network of 42 stores and thriving online platform.
We are 100% Irish owned, employing over 500 people across our Head Office, Buying Offices, Warehouse, eCommerce operations, and retail stores.
Based in Westport, Co.
Mayo, Carraig Donn is entering an exciting phase of expansion supported by a 10-year strategic growth plan.
Role Title: Fashion Buyer - 12-Month Fixed Term Contract Reports To: Senior Buyer (with a dotted line to the CEO) Location: Carraig Donn Buying Office, Swords, Co.
Dublin (Hybrid Role) Contract Type: Full-Time, 1-Year Maternity Cover Potential: Opportunity for permanent employment based on business needs and performance Purpose of the Role We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Fashion Buyer to join our Ladies' Fashion team on a 12-month maternity cover contract .
The successful candidate will take full ownership of the buying function for key womenswear categories, ensuring the delivery of trend-led, high-quality, and commercially successful collections.
This role requires a proactive and adaptable individual who can quickly integrate into the team, maintain continuity, and drive performance throughout the contract period.
This role plays a key part in delivering our retail growth ambitions across both stores and eCommerce.
There is an opportunity for a permanent position after this 12-month period for the right candidate.
Reporting Structure This role reports to a Senior Buyer and Head of Merchandising.
The Buyer will also lead and support team members within their department.
Key Responsibilities Range Planning and Product Development - Create commercially focused collections that reflect the Carraig Donn Customer, market trends, and seasonal opportunities.
-Identify new product opportunities that align with Carraig Donn's vison and customer needs.
- Lead the development, sourcing and purchasing of product ranges for the department, ensuring all buys deliver on sales, margin, stock KPIS and quality.
-Conduct regular competitor and market analysis to inform product direction.
Supplier Management and Sourcing - Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to broaden sourcing options, enhance value, and support quality and exclusivity.
-Negotiate cost prices, MOQs, lead times, and delivery windows to maximize margin and profitability.
- Travel internationally to review suppliers, identify new opportunities, and secure competitive product offerings.
- Ensure all sourcing complies with Carraig Donn's ethical, sustainability, and quality standards.
-Manage the critical path to ensure timely product delivery.
Commercial and Analytical Responsibilities - Work with Head of Merchandising to build seasonal budgets, stock intake, regular review of OTB's and forecasted performance.
-Analyse weekly sales reports, stock levels, and trend data.
Respond quickly to trading conditions-adjusting buys, phasing, and replenishment where needed.
- Track and manage margin performance, ensuring commercial targets are achieved.
- Collaborate with Store Ops on stock allocation, planning, and category performance reviews.
Collaboration Cross-Functional Alignment -Work closely with marketing, e-commerce, VM, and retail teams to ensure product stories are aligned across channels.
-Support photoshoots, product launches, and campaign planning with product insights.
-Visit stores regularly to support operations staff and gain direct customer insight and feedback Operational Responsibilities -Oversee sample management, fit sessions, and product approvals in conjunction with Garment Tech and Buying Assistant.
-Manage accurate and timely PO creation, data entry, and administration within buying and merchandising systems.
- Champion best practice across buying systems, processes, and communication workflows.
Team Leadership - Provide clear direction, coaching, and support to junior team members.
- Foster a collaborative, motivated, and high-performing team culture.
- Ensure continuous development of team members in line with business needs.
Required Experience and Skills Experience - Minimum 5 years' extensive buying experience within retail, ideally within ladies fashion - Strong understanding of fashion trends, fabrics, construction, and garment costing.
-Demonstrated ability to build commercially successful product ranges.
-Excellent negotiation, communication, and supplier management skills.
-Highly analytical with ability to interpret sales data and adapt strategy quickly.
-Proficient in Microsoft Excel and buying/merchandising tools.
-Strong organisational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
- Experience managing or supervising team members is strongly desirable.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong cross-functional collaboration capabilities.
-International travel experience for sourcing and supplier management preferred Personal Attributes - Creative, trend-aware, and genuinely passionate about product and retail.
- Confident communicator with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Strong relationship-builder with suppliers, colleagues, and leadership.
- Positive, energetic, and solutions-focused mindset.
What we offer Competitive Compensation Package: We value your expertise and contribution.
Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects your experience and skills.
Flexible Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of balancing personal and professional commitments.
Benefit from flexible working arrangements that suit your lifestyle.
Hybrid working options (where applicable).
Career Advancement Opportunities: Grow your career with us.
Join a team of industry professionals dedicated to your success.
Take advantage of our culture of mentorship and development as you progress within our organization.
Exposure to the full product lifecycle, offering a high level of ownership and autonomy.
Opportunity for a permanent role after the maternity cover, dependent on performance and business needs.
International Travel to Far East and Europe Supportive and Inclusive Work Environment: At Carraig Donn, we foster a culture of collaboration and respect.
Join a diverse team of talented individuals who are passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Collaborative culture with a passionate, friendly buying and merchandising team.
Continuous Learning and Development: We invest in our employees' growth and development.
Access a variety of learning resources, training programs, and workshops to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Comprehensive Benefits Package: Enjoy peace of mind with our comprehensive benefits package, and access to a health and wellbeing support plan.
Employee Discounts and Perks: As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy generous staff discounts on our exclusive product range.
Take advantage of our employee referral scheme and other exciting perks.
Health and Wellbeing Initiatives : Your health and wellbeing are important to us.
Benefit from initiatives such as our bike-to-work scheme and access to our Employee Assistance programme, as well as our employee platform offering mindfulness resources, lifestyle savings, and more.
Join Carraig Donn and become part of a team that values your talent and dedication.
Experience the rewards of working for Ireland's premier lifestyle retailer as you embark on a fulfilling career journey with us.
Apply now to seize this exciting opportunity!