Buying Admin Assistant

Debenhams Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic fashion company is seeking a Buyers Admin Assistant to support their buying team in Manchester. This role involves crucial administrative tasks including managing timelines, coordinating samples, and aiding in product accuracy. The ideal candidate will be proactive with strong organizational skills, interested in menswear trends, and ready to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Attractive benefits such as competitive bonuses, discounts, and opportunities for growth are offered to the successful applicant.

Benefits

Highly competitive bonus scheme

Access to an on-site gym

40% discount across four brands

Comprehensive wellbeing package

Ongoing learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Previous administrative or buying office experience preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong initiative and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the buying process from start to finish.
• Maintain and update critical path trackers with accurate delivery timelines.
• Coordinate sample management and respond to queries from suppliers.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Commercial awareness

Problem-solving

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Sage

PIM

Job description

At boohooMAN, we’re redefining menswear with bold style, fearless innovation, and a fresh take on fashion that sets us apart from the rest.

With a focus on streetwear, tracksuits & going-out-gear, product is everything to us and we don’t do anything substandard, not now, not ever!

We pay attention to detail, and we keep our products on-point to ensure our customers ‘fits are consistently on lock. We’re constantly responding and reacting to stay ahead of the game and deliver you the best in fashion 24/7.

Your Team

The Buying team at boohooMAN is trend-led, reactive and commercially sharp. We work at the heart of product creation, turning data and inspiration into commercially winning collections. Our team ensures the right product hits the site at the right time and at the right price.

Our contribution is critical to the business, with our decisions directly impacting brand image, sales and customer loyalty. A key highlight from the past 12 months has been launching multiple influencer-led collections that sold out within days.

You will report into an Assistant Buyer and work cross-functionally with Junior Buyers, Buyers, Merchandisers, Designers, and Studio teams. This role is an essential entry point into the buying world and is fast-paced, hands-on, and full of learning opportunities.

Your Role

You will support the buying process from start to finish, ensuring the smooth and accurate flow of product and sample information across internal systems and external suppliers. Your responsibilities will touch every part of the buying cycle, from organising fit sessions and chasing samples, to checking product details on-site and running admin reports. Your goal is to deliver first-class support so the team can focus on buying and trading the range.

A successful Buyers Admin Assistant is proactive, detail-driven, and commercially aware. You will help reduce errors, eliminate delays, and drive efficiency across the department.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and update OPO and critical path trackers with Assistant Buyer, ensuring accurate delivery timelines and intake targets
• Chase suppliers for fit and production samples, approvals and comments to keep the critical path running to schedule
• Support fit sessions by ensuring samples are labelled, logged and presented in the correct order with all codes and details visible
• Coordinate sample management, including receiving, unpacking, logging and passing on post to relevant teams
• Own the department’s unpublished report and ensure all products are moving through required approval stages with studio and suppliers
• Regularly review live product listings to check accuracy of taxonomy, descriptions, care and details; raise corrections as needed
• Respond to all supplier, studio and warehouse queries within 24 hours and escalate issues where appropriate
• Assist in preparing and organising product for weekly sign off, rack-ups and development reviews
• Lead comp shop activity alongside AB and contribute key findings on shape, colour and pricing trends
• Contribute to weekly OPO meetings with critical updates and trade actions from supplier or studio communications
• Ensure clear, accurate admin across systems including Sage and PIM

What we are looking for

• Previous administrative or buying office experience preferred
• Exceptional organisational skills with strong attention to detail
• Confident communicator, able to liaise with suppliers and internal teams professionally
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of the fashion retail landscape
• Interest in menswear trends and ecommerce trading
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and data entry processes; Sage or PIM experience is a plus
• Strong initiative and problem-solving skills; willing to take ownership and responsibility
• Positive, team-focused attitude with a willingness to learn

WORKING WITH US

At Debenhams Group, we are a diverse portfolio of five core brands (boohoo, boohooMAN, PrettyLittleThing, Karen Millen, and Debenhams) alongside a dynamic marketplace model and a growing financial services division, it keeps us pretty busy!

We don’t stand still - we lead, evolve, and redefine online fashion. With bold ambitions and big energy, we’re on a mission to be the best, delivering the strongest propositions to our customers in the most engaging, innovative, and efficient ways possible.

We thrive on change, innovation, and pace. Every challenge is an opportunity, and every day is a chance to push boundaries. If you’re someone who embraces the unknown, thrives in a fast-moving, high-growth environment, and is ready to shape the future of retail, you’ll love it here. We want visionaries, disruptors, and doers, people who bring fresh thinking, relentless energy, and the drive to make an impact.

WHY JOIN US

2025 is a year for making bold moves, delivering real results, and driving forward with unstoppable momentum. If that excites you, then you belong at Debenhams Group.

Let’s lead the change together.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

• If we believe you could be a great fit for the role, we’ll invite you to complete an initial video interview. This won't take up too much of your time but will help us get to know you, your experience and ways of working.
• If successful, you’ll then meet with the Line Manager to discuss your experience in more detail and explore the value you can bring to the team

Benefits Include: (subject to level and eligibility)

• Highly competitive bonus scheme, company pension, share schemes, private medical cover, and life assurance
• Access to an on-site gym (Techno Equipment) and free weekly yoga and fitness classes
• 40% discount across four brands and 20% off at Debenhams
• A comprehensive wellbeing package to support your health and lifestyle
• Some of our offices are dog-friendly, so your furry friend can join you at work
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities with great internal career progression
• On-site canteen serving breakfast, lunch, snacks, and hot drinks daily