TOPSHOP/TOPMAN - Assistant Buyer

ASOS.com; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Assistant Buyer to join their dynamic Buying Team. This role is pivotal in developing exciting, fashion-forward products that resonate with a youthful audience. Collaborating closely with various teams, you'll be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and optimizing product ranges while navigating a fast-paced retail environment. If you have a keen eye for trends and a love for fashion, this opportunity offers a chance to make a significant impact in a vibrant and innovative setting. Join us to help shape the future of fashion!

Benefits

Employee Discount

Personal Development Opportunities

Employee Sample Sales

Access to LinkedIn Learning

25 Days Paid Annual Leave

Discretionary Bonus Scheme

Private Medical Care

Flexible Benefits Allowance

Qualifications

• Previous experience as an Assistant Buyer within Menswear.
• Passionate about fashion and understands 20-something culture.

Responsibilities

• Support Buyer in sourcing and developing products.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers for negotiations.
• Analyze sales data to justify decisions based on trends.

Skills

Fashion Buying Experience

Trend Spotting

Organizational Skills

Relationship Building

Attention to Detail

Communication Skills

Tools

MS Office

Trading Systems

Job description

Company Description

TOPSHOP and TOPMAN are iconic British fashion brands with 60 years of heritage. Headquartered in London, the brands have over 2 million customers globally through the ASOS platform and generate brand sales of approximately £200m. Our mission is to unlock the best of fashion for everyone, with creativity and innovation at our core.

Following the formation of a joint venture between ASOS and HEARTLAND in October 2024, ASOS is creating a standalone cross-functional team dedicated to unlocking the growth potential of the TOPSHOP and TOPMAN brands. The brands will benefit from ASOS infrastructure and resources while maintaining the creative freedom and agility of standalone brands.

Over the next 12 months, TOPSHOP and TOPMAN will expand their offline and online retail presence with the launch of Topshop.com and new wholesale partnerships.

Job Description

The Role

The Assistant Buyer is a key member of the Buying Team. The role involves developing exciting products and building fashion-forward, commercial ranges that meet sales and margin targets. You will work closely with your Buyer, as well as Design, Technical, Merchandising teams, Suppliers, and Brands, to develop ranges loved by our fashion-forward 20-something customers.

What you'll be doing

1. Supporting the Buyer in sourcing and developing products
2. Overseeing the fitting and sealing of samples
3. Building a relevant, fashion-forward range with constant newness that appeals to our target demographic
4. Building strong relationships with suppliers, especially for negotiating costs and delivery dates
5. Trading within the season to optimize sales and profits, working in a fast-paced, reactive environment
6. Contributing to department strategy by identifying risks and opportunities supported by data, and presenting these to the Buyer & Merchandiser
7. Using company levers to influence sales performance
8. Collaborating with Design and Merchandising to build the range, analyze sales data, and justify decisions based on trends and trade data
9. Monitoring global competitors' pricing, products, and current affairs, and presenting findings
10. Presenting CUM BTA in the absence of the Buyer, with clear trading actions
11. Managing the critical path and highlighting risks to meet deadlines
12. Working with Sourcing and Technical teams on sourcing, ethical, garment tech, and fabric considerations related to Fashion with Integrity
13. Overseeing the training and development of Buyers Administrators

Qualifications

We'd love to meet someone who:

1. Has previous Fashion Buying experience as an Assistant Buyer within Menswear in a fast-paced, global retailer or brand
2. Is passionate about fashion and product
3. Understands 20-something culture and the ASOS customer, and can spot relevant trends
4. Is highly organized, proactive, and able to work under pressure
5. Has excellent attention to detail regarding pricing, shipment dates, and product attributes
6. Can build strong relationships with retail teams and suppliers
7. Demonstrates ASOS values: Authentic, Brave, Creative, and Disciplined
8. Communicates and presents effectively at all levels
9. Has experience with relevant trading systems and MS Office

Benefits & Additional Information

• Employee discount (hello ASOS discount!)
• Personal development opportunities through ASOS Develops
• Employee sample sales
• Access to LinkedIn Learning resources
• 25 days paid annual leave plus a celebration day
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Private medical care
• Flexible benefits allowance, which can be taken as extra cash or used for other benefits

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