Assistant Buyer FTC

N BROWN; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fashion retailer based in Manchester is seeking an Assistant Buyer to support the development of a customer-centric product range. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree in fashion or equivalent experience, along with excellent communication and organizational skills. This role involves supplier negotiation, managing critical paths, and reviewing sales performance to identify trends. The working environment is hybrid and offers flexibility to meet business needs. Competitive benefits include a generous holiday package and a company pension scheme.

Benefits

Hybrid working

24 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays

Annual bonus scheme

Enhanced maternity leave

Company pension up to 8% contribution

Mental health support

Colleague discount across brands

Subsidised onsite café

Life Assurance and Private Medical Insurance

Paid volunteer time

Qualifications

• Relevant degree in fashion or demonstrable skills through work experience.
• Excellent administrative, communication and organisation skills.
• A keen interest in fashion and retail experience is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop a customer centric range with the Buyer or Senior Buyer.
• Supplier liaison and cost price negotiation.
• Manage critical paths and motivate team members.
• Review weekly sales focusing on best and worst sellers.
• Monitor market trends and conduct fit sessions.

Skills

Excellent administrative, communication and organisation skills

Keen interest in fashion and customer first

Driven & motivated

Retail experience

Education

Relevant degree in fashion

Job description

N Brown - who we are and why work for us?

At N Brown, we're committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment that values equality for all. Our vision is that by 'championing inclusion, we'll become the most loved and trusted fashion retailer'. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging are, therefore, at the heart of our culture.

We're a forward-thinking digital retailer with a financial services proposition to be proud of. We're customer-obsessed, serving them through three core brands: JD Williams, Simply Be, and Jacamo. We're experienced, with over 160 years of trading under our belt. We're inclusive, as we believe in fashion without boundaries; and we're sustainable, striving to make as little impact on the planet as possible.

In May 2024 we were delighted to be named one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024. We work hard to create a happy and inclusive culture for everyone and we're so proud to have made this list - as voted for by our very own colleagues!

Here at N Brown Group we're looking for an Assistant Buyer to join our Retail Domain.

What you'll be responsible for as an Assistant Buyer:

• Work with the Buyer or Senior Buyer on developing a customer centric range with the right price architecture and quality standards
• Supplier liaison/relationships and cost price negotiation
• Responsibility for critical path management
• Day to day development and motivation of BAA's under the guidance of the Buyer/Senior * Supporting the delivery of margin targets
• Fashion range planning and building for their ranges, supporting Buyers/Seniors
• Reviewing weekly sales, with a focus on the best and worst sellers and trade actions
• Monitoring the fashion market and customer activity through competitive shops, sales and trend analysis
• Attend and conduct fit sessions with involvement in product development
• Attend and contribute to buying meeting
• Reviewing the previous week's sales, best and worst sellers for the buying department
• Regular website checks for product set up issues and fixing (where necessary)

What you will need to succeed as an Assistant Buyer:

• Relevant degree in fashion or the ability to demonstrate the required level of skills through work-experience
• Excellent administrative, communication and organisation skills
• A keen interest in fashion and customer first
• Driven & motivated
• Retail experience essential

What's in it for you?

• Hybrid working
• 24 days holiday (+ 8 bank holidays) with the option to buy an additional 10 days
• Annual bonus scheme
• Enhanced maternity and adoption leave
• Company pension with up to 8% N Brown contribution
• Mental Health support both internally and externally, including access to our wellbeing champions and counselling services
• A range of financial wellbeing support
• Colleague discount across all N Brown brands
• Onsite café with subsidised rates and local restaurant discounts!
• Life Assurance and Private Medical Insurance
• Paid volunteer time - all our colleagues can take a full day paid to volunteer for a charity of their choice

Ways of Working

We offer hybrid working which varies across the business depending on the role you're in.. Our Head Office is located in the Northern Quarter in Manchester City Centre. So if you are travelling by train, tram or bus we're perfectly located, plus we're surrounded by cool cafes, trendy bars and the best places to eat!

Our full-time working hours are 36.17 per week over 5-days. We don't have strict working hours therefore there is some flexibility around start and finish times as long as you are meeting the needs of the business.

Our promise to you:

We're an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. 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.

What happens when you apply to a role at N Brown?

As soon as we receive your application, we'll send you an email to let you know. We always aim to come back to you as soon as possible with an update and we really appreciate you taking the time to apply for a role with us. Good luck!