Buyer (Branded)

We exist to give people the confidence to be whoever they want to be, and that goes for our people too. At ASOS, you're free to be your true self without judgment, and channel your creativity into a platform used by millions.

The Role

Buyers play a critical role at ASOS, working closely with Merchandising, Design and Technical teams to build a commercial and trend‑led product range for the department that is loved by the ASOS fashion lovers! They are collaborative, organised, and strategic with their finger on the pulse of fashion – always looking to push the range for our global markets forward. In partnership with Merchandising, and with the support of relevant customer and market insights, Senior Buyers are responsible for the delivery of sales and profit targets through a cohesive product strategy.

The Team

The Buying team is instrumental in making ASOS the leading destination for fashion lovers across womenswear and menswear. Within our Own Buy function, which includes ASOS Design, AsYou and Collusion, our teams focus on developing and delivering a range that pushes the boundaries and meets the needs of our customer. Working collaboratively with several teams including Design, Merchandising, Marketing and Garment Technology, and with a wide global supplier base, our Buyers ensure that the product we deliver is the best it can be.

What you’ll be doing…

• Develop a cohesive range for the department, ensuring that product reflects the Brand strategy, that the range is without gaps or duplication, and that the season is logically and commercially thought through.
• Work with Design to shape the product direction for the department, ensuring that it is aligned to the brand and divisional strategy.
• Deliver department KPIs to drive margin and profit, identifying and addressing any risks, in partnership with Merchandising.
• Anticipate the needs of the customer, using sales and trend data to deliver commercial product ranges that account for global factors.
• Trade effectively by identifying gaps in ranges and potentialising opportunities that will have the biggest impact on department performance, whilst effectively managing risk.
• Maintain in‑depth knowledge of planning and trading documents, using them to shape category analysis and evolution of the buy.
• Drive cost‑saving initiatives or ideas to become more cost efficient.
• Effectively build ranges, taking into account options, ALB strategy and global requirements, with the flexibility to pivot in season to potentialise or de‑risk.
• Work closely with Merchandising to build cohesive lessons learnt and ensure buying is within OTB, influencing trend and performance.
• Build and leverage relationships with a network of appropriate internal teams and external suppliers.
• Keep up to date with global trends and competitor activity, reviewing product strategy considering competitor activity and initiatives.
• Maintain a clear understanding of brand purpose and Fashion with Integrity and ensure these principles are fully embedded within the team, looking for opportunities to use sustainable materials wherever possible.
• Work closely with Marketing to identify promotional and marketing opportunities for brand and ensure clear and consistent brand messaging.
• Set up a trialling calendar, engaging with key stakeholders to build program frameworks.
• Work closely with Sourcing to develop a sound supply base, striving for consistent best‑practice partnerships and highlighting any pinch points or saturation.
• Actively contribute to cross‑functional initiatives and projects, welcoming and championing change.
• Lead and build a strong team of ABs and BAs, with a focus on growing future talent.
• Provide clear direction and development to the team, identifying individual training needs and encouraging collaborative ways of working.
• Motivate and engage the team through recognition and regular feedback.

Branded Only

• Develop the Brands portfolio, considering desirability and relevance by segment.
• Identify Brand churn/mapping.
• Use the global market to source the most contemporary and trend‑led brand mix, ensuring commerciality and profit is delivered.
• Utilise shows, Instagram and street trends to drive newness and relevance.
• Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with key brand partners, acting as the primary point of contact to drive collaboration, secure exclusive opportunities, and ensure alignment with ASOS commercial objectives.
• Leverage a highly analytical and commercially focused approach to trading branded ranges, using data‑led insights to inform range planning, optimise performance, and maximise profitability.

Qualifications

• Has significant experience operating as a Junior Buyer/Buyer within a fast‑paced and rapidly changing global retailer.
• Has proven ability to drive the success of a department through creative and commercial thinking.
• Has a creative eye with a strong awareness of current trends, retail market conditions and competitor activity.
• Has highly developed negotiation and influencing skills.
• Can gain buy in from the team and management to potentialise opportunities.
• Demonstrates a commercial mindset, using data and insights to leverage opportunities that successfully contribute to the department and wider retail strategy.
• Has in‑depth knowledge of planning and trading documents, with the ability to challenge figures and plans where necessary.
• Uses relevant market insights to aid decision making and achieve the best outcome for the business.
• Shows strong awareness of current trends, retail market conditions and opportunities within a global context, including global competitors’ product offer, pricing strategy and trading activity.
• Builds great relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• Demonstrates an effective and inclusive leadership style, role‑modeling positive behaviours and providing the team with clear direction and development.
• Has strong prioritisation and systems skills, including relevant trading systems and MS Office.

Additional Information

What's in it for you? Competitive salary, pension, and private medical care scheme. Performance‑related bonus. Flex benefits allowance – which you can choose to take as extra cash or use towards other benefits. 25 days paid annual leave + an extra day for your birthday.