At a Glance
- Tasks: Support assortment planning and optimise product mix to drive sales and growth.
- Company: Join COS, a brand known for quality and innovative fashion.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25% staff discount, health checks, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values creativity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make an impact in fashion retail while developing your analytical skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in Buying or Merchandising, strong analytical mindset, and Excel proficiency.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
As an Assistant Assortment Planner, you support assortment planning and selling to drive growth and sustainable profitability. You assist in optimising the product mix and contribute to global and regional article ranking. You work cross‑functionally with Buying, Planning, Design and Controlling teams to align assortments with customer needs and strategy, providing insights and data‑driven analysis. You also support Senior Assortment Planners with meeting preparation, reporting and ad‑hoc analysis to enable strong decision‑making. Through efficient execution, timely purchasing support and structured ways of working, you help deliver a competitive and well‑balanced customer offer across markets.
What You Will Do
- Assist in analysing product performance and help optimise the product mix to drive sales, margin and sustainable growth.
- Support global and regional article ranking by providing data insights and helping prioritise key products within the assortment.
- Work closely with Buying, Controlling and Merchandising teams to ensure assortments align with customer needs, trends and company strategy.
- Support Senior Assortment Planners with reporting, presentations and ad‑hoc analyses to enable informed decision‑making.
- Provide timely execution support, including data management, purchase‑related follow‑ups and maintaining structured ways of working.
Qualifications
- Alignment to our company values is the most important characteristic we look for in all new joiners. Our values are the behaviours that we appreciate above and beyond anything else. We are open‑minded and curious, we dare to be different, we believe in constant improvement and we empower and trust you to take ownership.
- Previous experience in an assistant‑level role within Buying, Planning or Merchandising.
- Strong analytical and data‑driven mindset, with the ability to interpret sales performance and translate insights into clear actions.
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365, with good Excel skills.
- Solid commercial awareness, with an interest in fashion retail, customer behaviour and market trends.
- Confident collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across functions.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with a structured approach to managing data and deadlines.
- A proactive, solution‑oriented mindset, with high learning agility and the ability to adapt in a fast‑paced environment.
Additional Information
This is a full time permanent role based at our Head Office in London.
Benefits
- We offer all our employees attractive benefits with extensive development opportunities around the globe.
- All employees receive a 25% staff discount usable on all our H&M Group brands in stores and online.
- In addition to our staff discount, all employees are included in our H&M Incentive Program – HIP.
- Additional benefits for UK based colleagues include:
- Up to 25 days holiday
- Annual health checks
- Pension scheme
- Discounts on various activities and financial/lifestyle products via our benefits hub
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted gym membership
- Employee assistance via retail trust
- Private health & dental care
Inclusion & Diversity
At COS we're determined to create and maintain inclusive, diverse and equitable workplaces throughout our organisation. Our teams should consist of a variety of people that share and combine their knowledge, experience and ideas. Having a diverse workforce leads to a positive impact on how we address challenges, on what we perceive possible and on how we choose to relate to our colleagues and customers all over the world. Hence, all diversity dimensions are taken into consideration in our recruitment process.
Company Description
COS offers a wardrobe of ready‑to‑wear and accessories rooted in exceptional quality and lasting design. The creative soul of the brand is fuelled by a deep connection to modern culture, dynamic global cities and compelling fashion movements. With an emphasis on expert craftsmanship, innovation and materiality, collections are created with a mindful approach, seamlessly blending contemporary and timeless.
COS Assistant Assortment Planner employer: BoF Careers
At COS, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. Our London Head Office provides extensive development opportunities, a competitive benefits package including generous holiday allowances, health checks, and discounts across our brands, all while promoting an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued. Join us to be part of a team that empowers you to take ownership and drive meaningful change in the fashion retail industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land COS Assistant Assortment Planner
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like BoF Careers, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like BoF Careers!
We think you need these skills to ace COS Assistant Assortment Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at BoF Careers, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at BoF Careers and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show BoF Careers that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at BoF Careers
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
