Assistant Buyer

Debenhams; Manchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK department store is seeking an Assistant Buyer to focus on youth brands including NastyGal and Warehouse. The ideal candidate will support the Buyer in developing seasonal ranges, conduct market research, and maintain product information. Strong organizational and teamwork skills are essential, along with the ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment. This role offers various benefits including substantial discounts and a vibrant work culture.

Benefits

Participate in share schemes

Up to 40% discount off brands

Health and wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Experience in a buying role, ideally in a fashion context.
• Adaptability in fast-paced environments.
• Excellent teamwork and support during peak times.

Responsibilities

• Support the Buyer in developing seasonal ranges.
• Conduct trend and competitor research.
• Coordinate timely sample management.
• Assist in costing and margin management.
• Monitor sales performance for insights.
• Prepare trading reports for Buyers.

Skills

Experience within a previous buying role

Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment

Team player

Confident using Microsoft programs

Ability to spot trends

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

You know all about our high street roots and bricks and mortar stores. Now, we're looking to the future. Since 2021, we've embraced some changes. Debenhams hasn’t made a comeback - we’ve been here since 1778, evolving and adapting to the times. This is Debenhams today - Britain’s Leading Online Department Store. We are more than a department store - we are an institution. From creating the blueprint for designer collaborations with designers at Debenhams, to launching countless brands and inventing the beauty counter, we’ve consistently shaped the retail landscape. We don’t underestimate the power of our brand or the place we hold in people’s hearts. This is only the beginning of the next chapter for Debenhams. Britain needs Debenhams.....Debenhams needs you!

THE ROLE

We are currently recruiting an Assistant Buyer for Debenhams to focus on our youth brands, NastyGal, MissPap and Warehouse. As Assistant Buyer you will support the Buyer in sourcing and developing our product ranges with the brand. This role will include constantly reviewing the critical path to ensure that department targets, as well as deliveries, are met on time and in line with the brand's strategy. You will play a part in coaching our BAAs and share your skills and experience to help build our future talent.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Support the Buyer in developing seasonal ranges that reflect each brand’s unique aesthetic and customer profile.
• Conduct trend, marketplace, and competitor research to inform product decisions.
• Coordinate sample management, ensuring timely delivery, organisation, and preparation for sign-off meetings and fit sessions.
• Assist with costing, negotiations, and margin management to meet financial targets.
• Monitor weekly sales performance, highlighting risks, opportunities, and key learnings.
• Analyse category performance to identify bestsellers, slow movers, and emerging trends.
• Prepare trading reports and present insight-driven recommendations to the Buyer.
• Work closely with global suppliers to follow up on product development, pricing, lead times, and approvals.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal teams including Merchandising, QA, Studio, and Marketing to ensure smooth end-to-end product flow.
• Own SKU creation, system updates, and maintenance of accurate product information across buying systems.
• Manage purchase orders, ensuring all details are correct and aligned with deliveries and launch timelines.

What We Are Looking For

• Experience within a previous buying role. Preferably within a fashion business.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
• A team player. Someone who enjoys going above and beyond to support others in the team where needed, especially during peak times.
• Super adaptable and find it easy to switch it up when the business needs.
• Ability to delegate and share workload to the team effectively, conscious of others’ workloads and abilities.
• Always ahead at spotting trends and commercial wins for the business.
• Confident using Microsoft programs such as Microsoft Excel.

WORKING WITH US

• You’ll get the opportunity to take part in our various share schemes.
• Core hours enable you to flex your working times around your needs on an ad hoc basis.
• Benefits that support your health and wellbeing.
• There’s up to 40% discount off our all of our brands.
• Our social calendar? Next level.
• With HQs in Manchester and London and offices across the globe (some are dog friendly!), we offer a buzzing atmosphere and the boohoo family culture wherever you work.