Trainee Buyer

Next Careers; Leicester; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fashion retailer in the UK is hiring Trainee Buyers to support product development and sourcing activities. This full-time permanent role offers a 12–18 month training program across various teams, fostering skills in fashion trends, supplier interaction, and market analysis. Ideal candidates are organized, analytical, and excellent communicators passionate about fashion. Join a collaborative team to help shape future product ranges.

Qualifications

• Skills in organization and multitasking are essential for success.
• Strong communication skills and ability to build relationships.
• Analytical mindset with a passion for fashion and market trends.

Responsibilities

• Develop understanding of product development process.
• Liaise with suppliers and maintain accurate buying systems.
• Conduct competitor analysis to inform product initiatives.

Skills

Account Management

Execution

Catering Operations

Job description

About the Role

Be Brave. Be You. Be NEXT.

2026 applications! Ready to start your career journey? We have roles with varied start dates. Apply today if you’re looking to begin soon or if you’re planning for a Summer 2026 start. Don’t wait – we’re hiring for both!

We are opening our applications for those looking to join us on a full-time permanent basis in 2026!

Trainee Buyers

• Develop an understanding of the product development process
  • Sourcing the right materials
  • Negotiating the best cost
  • Approving colour, fabric and fit for production.
• Liaise with suppliers from Europe to the Far East to track samples for selection meetings and production.
• Prepare garments/accessories for selection meetings, trade meetings and online photoshoots.
• Have an awareness of key fashion and market trends by gaining inspiration from a variety of sources.
• Use your knowledge of relevant trends to find new product initiatives that you believe are missing from the department’s current product offering.
• Conduct competitor shop analysis and present findings back to your team to gain an understanding of where Next sits in the market.
• Maintain accurate buying systems.
• Work closely with the trainee merchandiser to analyse daily best/worst sellers and make recommendations.
• Maintain an organised department – sample storage and approval library.

The Scheme

You will start your 12–18 month training programme on one of our product teams – Womenswear, Menswear, Childrenswear, Home – or on our Brands team (who work with a portfolio of over 750 brands). With support from your team you will learn the skills required to progress within our merchandising function. Responsibility comes early and you will be looking after millions of pounds worth of stock from day one! You will receive regular feedback from your buying team who will coach and develop you throughout the scheme, supporting you in reaching your goals. Once you are ready to take the next step you will be promoted to Assistant Buyer. Day to day you will be…

Your Team

It’s all about collaboration and great teamwork! You will be working alongside our amazing merchandisers and designers on tasks from sourcing materials and even conducting competitor analysis to influence what our NEXT product ranges look like. You will learn to trade those ranges reacting to what our customers are telling us they love. If placed within an own‑brand team you will be involved in product development activities or if you go into a branded team you will work with an exciting selection of external brands. It’s fast‑paced, exciting, challenging and very rewarding!

About You

Are you the kind of person who thrives in a dynamic fast‑paced environment? Do you excel at juggling a wide range of tasks while maintaining impeccable organisation? If so, you might be the perfect fit for our team. We’re looking for someone who is not just a great communicator but a relationship builder who can effortlessly connect with both colleagues and clients.

Your analytical skills are sharp; you live and breathe fashion and are able to present your ideas in a clear and compelling way in our bustling workplace. Your approachable nature and team spirit make you a go‑to person fostering collaboration and positivity. You’re driven and decisive, confident when presenting, always aiming to make a meaningful impact. If this sounds like you then you’re exactly who we need to help take our team to the next level.

As part of your application please include a cover letter detailing the below:

• What skills do you have that will make you a successful trainee buyer?
• What are your main interests and how do these relate to the buying role?
• What do you think the most challenging aspect of the trainee buyer role will be?
• What current trend are you most excited about?

At Next we embrace technology and innovation but we want to see the real you! A generic AI response won’t help you stand out from the crowd and may hinder your application. We appreciate you might want to use Gen AI to help structure your responses and check for grammar and spelling, but the content needs to reflect your unique self, your passion and your understanding of the role.

Sponsorship

Next has assessed the role advertised and based on current UKVI criteria the merchandiser/buyer role is not eligible for skilled worker sponsorship. If you hold a visa that allows you to complete the training, Next will be unable to sponsor you at the conclusion of the training and expects that you will have alternative immigration status to take up the role.

Required Experience

Intern

Key Skills

Account Management, Execution, Insurance Management, Import & Export, Catering Operations, Building Electrician

Employment Type

Full‑Time

Experience

Years

Vacancy

1

Be Brave. Be You. Be NEXT.