The Frolic Junior Buyer

4th & Reckless; Altrincham; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A fashion retailer is seeking a Junior Buyer to support the development of a commercially focused product range. Responsibilities include negotiating costs, managing supplier relations, and engaging in product development. The ideal candidate has experience in fashion buying, excellent communication skills, and a strong understanding of garment construction. This role offers flexible working hours and benefits like a staff discount.

Benefits

Birthday day off

25-day holiday

Flexible hours

40% off staff discount

Team socials

Competitions

Hybrid working - 4 days in office

Qualifications

• Experience as an Assistant Buyer or Junior Buyer in fashion.
• Strong negotiation skills across multiple suppliers.
• Solid understanding of garment construction and fit.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate product costings across departments.
• Propose RRPs and maintain range plan tool.
• Attend weekly fit sessions for product quality.
• Contribute to seasonal range analysis.
• Attend buying trips for supplier meetings.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Product development understanding

Organizational skills

Excellent communication

Commercial mindset

Job description

Role Overview

The Junior Buyer is responsible for supporting the delivery of a commercial, trend-focused product range that aligns with Frolic’s brand strategy. This role manages key elements of the buying process, including costing, range planning, supplier communication, fit sessions, and cross-functional collaboration. The Junior Buyer will work closely with the Design, Merchandising, and Production teams, while engaging directly with suppliers to ensure high-quality, on-brand product.

Key Responsibilities

Costing & Supplier Management

• Negotiate all product costings across the department, covering approximately: 100 styles per month × 10 months + 6 × 50 swim and beachwear styles
• Work closely with the China team and directly with selected global suppliers to manage development, pricing, and production.
• Ensure competitive margins and timely decision‑making throughout the product lifecycle.

Range Building & Pricing

• Propose RRPs using Frolic’s established pricing architecture.
• Maintain and update the range plan tool, ensuring accuracy and alignment with commercial targets.
• Provide clear, actionable range feedback to Designers to support development and trend direction.
• Manage direction and alignment for the ASOS range, ensuring suitability and commerciality for the account

Product Development & Process Management

• Attend weekly fit sessions (approx. 6 hours per week) to support product quality, fit consistency, and on‑brand execution.
• Ensure full adherence to the critical path, escalating risks or delays as needed.
• Support fabric approvals in partnership with Design and Technical teams, ensuring suitability for end use.
• Resolve and support critical path queries with China and Turkey, maintaining smooth development flow.
• Prepare for and participate in Customer product calls for every collection, aligning product with market needs.

Trading & Reporting

• Contribute to seasonal and in‑season range analysis, identifying opportunities based on performance and trend for the customer.
• Support preparation for key meetings, sharing data, insights, and recommendations.

Travel

• Attend buying trips as required, supporting supplier meetings, sourcing, and product development.

Qualifications

• Experience as an Assistant Buyer or established Junior Buyer within fashion; multi‑product experience advantageous.
• Strong negotiation skills with experience costing across multiple suppliers or regions.
• Solid understanding of product development, garment construction, and fit.
• Highly organised with resilience in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence engaging with suppliers and internal teams.
• Commercial mindset with the ability to interpret performance and identify opportunities.

Benefits

• Birthday day off
• 25‑day holiday
• Flexible hours
• Vibrant team
• 40% off staff discount
• Team socials
• Competitions
• Hybrid working - 4 days in the Altrincham office