TOPSHOP/TOPMAN - Buyer

ASOS.com; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dynamic Buyer to drive product strategy and enhance departmental success. In this role, you will develop a cohesive product range, collaborate with design teams, and leverage data insights to meet customer needs. You will also lead a talented team, ensuring alignment with brand principles and adapting to global retail trends. Join a forward-thinking company that values creativity, innovation, and sustainable practices, while offering excellent personal development opportunities and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Employee Discount

Personal Development Opportunities

Sample Sales Access

Access to LinkedIn Learning

25 Days Annual Leave

Discretionary Bonus Scheme

Private Medical Care

Flexible Benefits Allowance

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop product ranges that align with brand strategy.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers.

Skills

Negotiation Skills

Creative Thinking

Data Analysis

Trend Awareness

Relationship Building

Education

Experience as a Buyer

Familiarity with Trading Systems

Tools

MS Office

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 worldwide through the ASOS platform and generate approximately £200m in sales. Our mission is to unlock the best of fashion for everyone, driven by creativity and innovation.

Following the formation of a joint venture between ASOS and HEARTLAND in October 2024, ASOS is establishing a dedicated, standalone cross-functional team to unlock the growth potential of TOPSHOP and TOPMAN. These brands will benefit from ASOS's infrastructure and resources while maintaining creative independence and agility.

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

Job Description

What you’ll be doing…

1. Develop a cohesive product range that aligns with the brand strategy, ensuring a logical, comprehensive, and commercially viable assortment for each season.
2. Collaborate with Design to shape product direction, ensuring alignment with brand and divisional strategies.
3. Meet departmental KPIs to enhance margin and profit, proactively identifying and mitigating risks in partnership with Merchandising.
4. Anticipate the needs of the 20-something customer by analyzing sales and trend data to create commercially successful product ranges considering global factors.
5. Trade effectively by identifying gaps and opportunities within ranges to optimize department performance while managing risks.
6. Utilize planning and trading documents for category analysis and to inform buying decisions.
7. Drive cost-saving initiatives to improve cost efficiency.
8. Build ranges considering options, ALB strategy, and global requirements, with flexibility for seasonal adjustments.
9. Work closely with Merchandising to ensure buying stays within OTB, influencing trend and performance.
10. Build and leverage relationships with internal teams and external suppliers.
11. Stay informed on global trends and competitor activity to adapt product strategies accordingly.
12. Embed brand purpose and principles such as 'Fashion with Integrity' within the team, exploring sustainable materials.
13. Collaborate with Marketing to identify promotional opportunities and ensure consistent brand messaging.
14. Establish a trial calendar and engage stakeholders to develop program frameworks.
15. Partner with Sourcing to develop a reliable supply base, highlighting potential pinch points or saturation issues.
16. Contribute to cross-functional initiatives and champion change.
17. Lead and develop a team of ABs and BAs, focusing on talent growth.
18. Provide clear direction, identify training needs, and foster collaborative working.
19. Motivate and engage the team through recognition and feedback.

Qualifications

We’d love to meet someone who…

• Is interested in permanent and fixed-term roles.
• Has significant experience as a Junior Buyer/Buyer in a fast-paced, global retail environment.
• Can drive departmental success through creative and commercial thinking.
• Has a keen eye for current trends and market conditions.
• Possesses strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Can gain buy-in from teams and management to maximize opportunities.
• Uses data and insights to make informed decisions that contribute to the retail strategy.
• Has in-depth knowledge of planning and trading documents, with the confidence to challenge figures when necessary.
• Utilizes market insights for decision-making to achieve optimal business outcomes.
• Demonstrates awareness of global retail trends, competitors, and opportunities.
• Builds strong relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• Displays inclusive leadership, providing clear guidance and development for the team.
• Possesses excellent prioritization and system skills, including familiarity with trading systems and MS Office.

Benefits & Additional Information

• Employee discount (hello ASOS discount!)
• Personal development opportunities through ASOS Develops
• Sample sales access
• Access to LinkedIn Learning resources
• 25 days annual leave plus a special celebration day
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Private medical care
• Flexible benefits allowance to customize your benefits package

Discover more about life at ASOS by searching #InsideASOS on social media.

Additional Details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Purchasing
• Industry: Retail