Assistant Buyer

Motel Rocks; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fashion retailer in London seeks an Assistant Buyer to support the delivery of a commercially strong and cohesive product range. You will be responsible for managing samples, vendor coordination, and conducting detailed range reviews. Ideal candidates will have 12 years of experience in a fast-paced fashion environment and possess strong data analysis, Excel skills, and a passion for youth culture trends. Attractive benefits include a competitive salary and discounts.

Benefits

Competitive salary

3% employer pension contribution

33 days annual leave

Birthday day off

Team socials and meetups

Monthly well-being activities

Tailored progression pathways

A thorough EAP scheme

Access to professional support & mentoring

Bonus scheme for all employees

Motel 50% discount

Qualifications

• 12 years experience in a BA or Junior AB role within a fast‑paced fashion environment.
• Strong product eye with genuine interest in youth culture trends and commercial buying.
• Confident communicator with strong supplier management skills.
• Good Excel skills, strong administrative accuracy and comfort interpreting trading data.
• Demonstrated experience working to tight deadlines within an agile trading environment.
• Highly organised, proactive and adaptable to change.
• Strong attention to detail with a rigorous, methodical approach.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of a commercially strong, on-brand product range.
• Conduct monthly deep-dive reviews on each range.
• Manage all samples including tracking and communication to suppliers.
• Coordinate sending and returning samples for e-commerce shoots.
• Maintain and update the denim development tracker.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Purchasing

Organizational skills

AS400

Math

Pricing

Analysis Skills

Merchandising

Microsoft Excel

Retail Math

Administrative Experience

Negotiation

Job description

Location

London UK

Type

Full-Time Permanent

Welcome to Motel

Our story began during a road trip in the 1990s where our founders Will and Andy travelled across America collecting vintage items while living out of motels. They started purchasing vintage clothing in the USA and selling it wholesale which eventually led to the creation of stores. From there they began designing reworked vintage pieces and thus Motel was born.

Over 30 years and a team of 200 people later every piece of clothing we make is created with the same spirit of fun freedom and adventure as the road trip that first defined the brand. We’re still ambitious and independent but now we’re a global team – we work from an operational base in Worcester, a design studio in London and a creative studio in Bali.

The role

As Motel’s Assistant Buyer you’ll support the delivery of a commercially strong, on‑brand and cohesive product range working closely with the Buy and wider product teams to ensure ranges launch on time and to a high standard. This role contributes directly to our commercial performance through accurate data management, supplier coordination, trading insight and margin support.

Main tasks & responsibilities

Range Development & Trading Insight

• Conduct monthly deep‑dive reviews on each range analysing top performers, underperformers and key trading insights.
• Maintain and update the visual range plan reflecting movements, cancellations and late changes.
• Assist with all pricing‑related tasks and provide support with margin calculations to ensure products meet financial targets.

Sample & critical path management

• Manage all samples including tracking, organisation, movement and communication to suppliers.
• Prepare samples for fittings, meetings, shoots and seasonal sign‑offs in line with development timelines.
• Maintain smooth critical‑path operations and assist buyers during key milestones and launches.

Track the buy plan providing weekly updates on progress

Coordinate sending and returning samples for e‑commerce shoots and content creation.

Denim support

• Maintain and update the denim development tracker to monitor samples production timelines and fabric details.
• Prepare the denim development slide for internal range reviews and seasonal meetings.
• Participate in denim fit sessions to assess garment fit, comfort and proportion, providing movement and fit feedback.
• Provide administrative support to the denim team, including scheduling, meeting preparation and ad‑hoc tasks.

Supplier & cross‑functional coordination

• Support onboarding of new suppliers and categories, ensuring all product information, documentation and processes are completed accurately.
• Confidently communicate daily with suppliers to chase samples, clarify queries and resolve issues.
• Help support the Wholesale team by suggesting move‑on products based on best sellers.

Operational excellence

Carry out styling checks on all new‑in shoot imagery.

Assist with tracking key commercial moments ensuring the range remains cohesive and fully mapped from concept through to launch.

About you

• 12 years experience in a BA or Junior AB role within a fast‑paced fashion environment.
• Strong product eye with genuine interest in youth culture trends and commercial buying.
• Confident communicator with strong supplier management skills.
• Good Excel skills, strong administrative accuracy and comfort interpreting trading data.
• Demonstrated experience working to tight deadlines within an agile trading environment.
• Highly organised, proactive and adaptable to change.
• Strong attention to detail with a rigorous, methodical approach.

Whats in it for you

• Competitive salary in line with industry benchmarking.
• 3% employer pension contribution, 5% employee contribution as standard.
• 33 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays with additional days for long service.
• Birthday day off.
• Team socials and meetups.
• Monthly well‑being activities.
• Tailored progression pathways.
• A thorough EAP scheme offering financial, legal and health support.
• Access to professional support & mentoring.
• Bonus scheme for all employees paid out twice a year.
• Motel 50% discount.

Key Skills

Microsoft Office, Purchasing, Organizational skills, AS400, Math, Pricing, Analysis Skills, Merchandising, Microsoft Excel, Retail Math, Administrative Experience, Negotiation.

Motel Rocks Group Ltd is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.