Buying Assistant (NEXT Wholly Owned Brands)

Role Purpose

The Buying Assistant provides essential administrative and operational support to the Buying and Merchandising teams. This role plays a key part in ensuring a smooth product journey and delivering an inspirational, authoritative, and profitable assortment for our customers.

Role Responsibilities

• Product and Range Management
  • Manage the critical path by liaising with Buying and Merchandising teams to ensure a smooth product journey from start to finish.
  • Maintain oversight of key dates while working collaboratively with team members and business stakeholders and proactively highlight any risks or concerns
  • Develop a deep understanding of the product range by managing fabric approvals, fit samples, and shoot samples.
  • Take full responsibility for managing all department samples, including those for shoots, marketing, and fits.
• Trading & Insight
  • Support the Buying team during Monday trade meetings by demonstrating knowledge of best and worst sellers.
  • Present department reactions and best sellers to the wider business to help potentialise sales and reduce risks.
  • Utilise a strong commercial eye to conduct regular inspirational competitor shopping reports and present insights on retail activity and fashion trends to the Buying and Design teams.
• Collaboration & System Management
  • Accurately and efficiently update and input critical information into buying systems.
  • Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships across the business.
  • Act as a team player with peers and wider departments by actively listening to others and working together to achieve goals.

Technical Requirements

• Previous experience working as a BAA within a fashion or retail business is desirable 
• A good knowledge of Excel/ Google Suite  and high attention to detail.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage time effectively and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Takes the initiative to find creative solutions
• Resilient, with the ability to work well under pressure
• Builds and maintains strong collaborative relationships
• A strong "Passion for Fashion" and an awareness of current trends.
• Confident communicator with strong presentation skills.
• For Senior Buying Assistant  vacancies you will need previous experience within a similar buying role in a fashion retailer