At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Buyer in sourcing and developing trendy fashion products.
- Company: Join the innovative team at PrettyLittleThing, part of Debenhams Group.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a fast-paced fashion environment with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a brand revolutionising fashion and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Previous buying experience in fashion and strong teamwork skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace focused on creativity, innovation, and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
A legacy in progress... Say hello to a new era of modern sophistication. PrettyLittleThing has undergone a rebrand, shaping a brand that celebrates both heritage and evolution. Fashion is all about reinvention, and at PLT we are proving that style is more than just what you wear; it’s a statement. We are stepping away from being a fast fashion brand, and pivoting towards giving customers premium quality product and design. Are you ready to join our movement?
THE ROLE
This role is a fixed term contract for 12 months, based at our Manchester office 5 days per week. As an Assistant Buyer you will support the Buyer in sourcing and developing our product ranges with the brand. This role will include constantly reviewing the critical path to ensure that department targets, as well as deliveries, are met on time and in line with the brand's strategy. You will play a part in coaching our BAAs and share your skills and experience to help build our future talent.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
- Trade
- Contributes to weekly trade pack, reviewing department best and worst, suggesting move ons for new reactions.
- Reacts to daily trading reports, feeding back to Buyer on new reactions.
- Achieves cost price reductions on first time rebuys.
- Carries out weekly comp shops and supports the BAA in collating the comp shop report.
- Works closely with the buyer and garment techs to react to high returning lines.
- OPO Management
- Highlights all OPO issues to buyer, making sure any suppliers with issues are highlighted.
- Takes responsibility for weekly OPO meetings alongside AM, BAA and MAA.
- Team Management
- Manages BAA on critical path and OPO management to ensure department targets are achieved and deliveries are on time.
- Manages and develops the BAA and supports with their training.
- Creative
- Contributes to product development with an awareness of department best and worst.
- Generates ideas to support department strategy through product, studio and VM.
- Carries out daily review of department galleries to ensure product is being shot correctly.
- Sage
- Uses Sage to find pricing and supplier information when needed.
- Amends prices/description/dates and supplier information.
- Product Development
- Assists JB/Buyer in product development and sends out own briefs.
- Understands category fabrics, their compositions, weights, and prices.
- Takes ownership for chasing in development samples.
- Has a basic understanding of category frameworks in relation to product development.
- Production Samples
- Approves all fit samples.
- Manages and oversees samples being sent to studio and organises shoot rails.
- Fits
- Demonstrates a strong understanding of fitting and technical terminology.
- Leads all fit sessions, along with Quality Control.
- Takes ownership for ensuring fit comments sent.
- Supplier Management
- Takes ownership of OPO and critical path to make sure all intake lands on time.
- Attends weekly supplier meetings.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- Experience within a previous buying role, preferably within a fashion business.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
- A team player who enjoys going above and beyond to support others in the team where needed, especially during peak times.
- Super adaptable and finds it easy to switch it up when the business needs.
- Ability to delegate and share workload to the team effectively, conscious of others’ workloads and abilities.
- Always ahead at spotting trends and commercial wins for the business.
- Confident using Microsoft programs such as Microsoft Excel.
WORKING WITH US
At Debenhams Group, we are a diverse portfolio of five core brands (boohoo, boohooMAN, PrettyLittleThing, Karen Millen, and Debenhams) alongside a dynamic marketplace model and a growing financial services division. We don’t stand still - we lead, evolve, and redefine online fashion. With bold ambitions and big energy, we’re on a mission to be the best, delivering the strongest propositions to our customers in the most engaging, innovative, and efficient ways possible. We thrive on change, innovation, and pace. Every challenge is an opportunity, and every day is a chance to push boundaries. If you’re someone who embraces the unknown, thrives in a fast-moving, high-growth environment, and is ready to shape the future of retail, you’ll love it here. We want visionaries, disruptors, and doers, people who bring fresh thinking, relentless energy, and the drive to make an impact. Be brave. Be creative. Be a community.
WHY JOIN US
2025 is a year for making bold moves, delivering real results, and driving forward with unstoppable momentum. If that excites you, then you belong at Debenhams Group. Let’s lead the change together.
Assistant Buyer FTC in Manchester employer: Debenhams Group
Contact Detail:
Debenhams Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer FTC in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the fashion industry, especially those who work at PrettyLittleThing or similar brands. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for fashion! When you get an interview, make sure to share your thoughts on current trends and how they relate to the brand's vision. This will show that you're not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets the brand.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your past experiences align with the role of Assistant Buyer. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've contributed to product development or managed teams in fast-paced environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and being part of the exciting changes happening at PrettyLittleThing.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer FTC in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Fashion: When you're writing your application, let your love for fashion shine through! Talk about what inspires you in the industry and how you see yourself contributing to our bold new vision at PrettyLittleThing.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Assistant Buyer role. Highlight your relevant experience in buying, especially within fashion, and showcase any specific skills that align with our needs, like trend spotting or supplier management.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences are easy to spot. Use bullet points if it helps!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with us at PrettyLittleThing.
How to prepare for a job interview at Debenhams Group
✨Know Your Fashion Trends
Before the interview, brush up on the latest fashion trends and how they relate to PrettyLittleThing's new vision. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to sourcing and developing product ranges that align with this bold rebrand.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
As an Assistant Buyer, teamwork is key. Prepare examples of how you've supported your colleagues in previous roles, especially during busy periods. Highlight your adaptability and willingness to help others achieve their targets.
✨Master the Numbers
Since you'll be using Microsoft Excel and Sage, make sure you're comfortable discussing data analysis and cost price reductions. Bring examples of how you've used these tools to make informed buying decisions in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Creative Side
Think about how you can contribute creatively to product development. Be prepared to share ideas on how to enhance the department's strategy through innovative product suggestions or visual merchandising concepts.