At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our EMEA team to drive product strategy and create exclusive assortments for our brands.
- Company: A&F is a dynamic fashion retailer with a focus on growth in the EMEA region.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to shape a multi-billion-dollar business.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting journey in fashion retail and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in merchandising or buying, strong leadership, and a passion for fashion.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Company Description
At A&F, we are at an exciting stage in our build‑out of the EMEA regional office and we have a clear strategy to grow our brands in the region (Hollister Co, Gilly Hicks, Abercrombie & Fitch and Abercrombie Kids). We are looking for strong, curious, optimists who aim high, push boundaries & are willing to roll their sleeves up & get stuck in to join on this exciting journey!
Job Description
This individual will work as part of the EMEA Brands team to develop local product strategy and support for the A&F or Hollister brand. They will drive product strategy across all channels. They will work directly with the global product team to create the local version of our brand aesthetic. Success in this role will be highly dependent upon building and maintaining exceptional relationships with internal and external teams in both EMEA and the US.
What will you be doing?
- Within a business division, act as owner for a full merchandise department for the brand in the EMEA region
- Lead merchandise buys and distortions for two merchandise departments, leveraging regional customer preferences and advancing regional business strategy while preserving brand identity and priorities
- Create the high‑level architecture for an EMEA‑exclusive product assortment
- Ensure assortments are consistent with overall brand strategy and identity
- Item‑level execution of EMEA‑exclusive assortment will be handled in partnership with Home Office Design and Merchandise teams
- EMEA‑exclusive product assortment is expected to play a key role in sales growth
- Be the expert in current selling analysis and historical selling knowledge for the region
- Leverage financial and strategic capabilities to influence promotions, pricing, product placement, etc. as well as product development and assortments
- Intimately understand regional customers\’ preferences and interests by observing shopping patterns, regularly shopping competitors, aspirational brands/ runway and monitoring media platforms
- Execute against key milestones / seasonal processes:
- Following each season, execute a detailed hindsight / strategic line review process at the department level to inform future strategy and identify line list needs for design
- Present weekly selling / business updates as part of a regular Monday review process, evaluating performance, proposing tactical improvements, and consolidating results into a summary to be shared with the Home Office
- Participate in central assortment reviews on a seasonal basis, contributing ideas, identifying top items, and preparing for seasonal buys
- Participate in monthly Chase / Buy / Cut reviews to provide a regional perspective on key products and fine‑tune assortments
- Participate in monthly MPC meetings, working with team to identify upsides and risks to the plan
- Connect remotely and in‑person with Home Office Visual Merchandising teams to coordinate floorsets
- Partner with Home Office teams to ensure EMEA‑exclusive assortment is on track throughout the product development process, carrying out consistent updates and communicating effectively both remotely and in‑person
What will you need to bring?
- Bachelor\’s or undergraduate University degree equivalent
- 2+ years of Merchandising or Buying experience, preferably in apparel
- Proven leadership experience and ability to thrive in team‑based settings
- Passion for the buying role, fashion retail, customer research, and the Hollister brand
- Desire to take ownership for a portion of a multi‑billion‑dollar business
- An acute eye for product and trend
- A deep understanding of sales analysis and financial metrics that relate to your business
- Strong presentation skills and the ability to communicate confidently to leadership
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed by the department
- A high comfort‑level with analytical sales tools and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
- A collaborative approach to working with cross‑functional partners to achieve the vision of the brand
Additional Information
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
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Associate Buyer, EMEA employer: ABERCROMBIE AND FITCH
Contact Detail:
ABERCROMBIE AND FITCH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Buyer, EMEA
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to A&F or similar brands. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews – it’s all about making those connections!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the brand! When you get the chance to chat with someone from A&F, make sure to express your enthusiasm for their products and vision. Share your insights on current trends and how you can contribute to their growth in the EMEA region.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s culture and values. Familiarise yourself with their brands and recent initiatives. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you’re not just another candidate – you’re the right fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, keep an eye on any upcoming job fairs or recruitment events where A&F might be present – it’s a great opportunity to make a lasting impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Buyer, EMEA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the buying role and the Hollister brand shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about fashion retail and are excited about being part of our journey.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in merchandising or buying. We’re looking for someone with at least 2 years in the field, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements and how they relate to the role. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills!
Be Analytical: Since this role involves a lot of sales analysis and financial metrics, it’s important to mention your comfort level with analytical tools. Share any experiences where you've used data to influence decisions or improve outcomes – we love a numbers-savvy candidate!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and ready to take the first step in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ABERCROMBIE AND FITCH
✨Know Your Brands Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into A&F's brands like Hollister and Abercrombie. Understand their unique selling points, target demographics, and current market trends. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion for the brand and how you can contribute to its growth in the EMEA region.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since the role requires a strong understanding of sales analysis and financial metrics, be prepared to discuss your experience with these tools. Bring examples of how you've used data to influence buying decisions or improve product assortments in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
This position involves working closely with various teams, both locally and globally. Share specific examples of how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional partners in the past. Highlight your communication skills and ability to build relationships, as this will be key to your success.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. Think about potential challenges you might face in the role, such as adapting product strategies to regional preferences, and prepare thoughtful responses that showcase your proactive approach and creativity.