At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the buying process, manage supplier relationships, and ensure product trends are met.
- Company: Dynamic fashion brand focused on streetwear and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with exciting career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of fashion, influencing trends and driving brand success.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for streetwear.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
As an Established Assistant Buyer, you'll lead critical areas of the buying process, from development and cost negotiation to trade actions and product delivery.
You'll manage your own category or sub-category spend and supplier relationships, taking accountability for its commercial performance.
You'll work closely with design and garment techs to ensure the product is trend‑relevant and fits are approved on time.
You'll also take a lead role in developing the BAA, passing down key responsibilities and coaching where appropriate.
- What You'll Be Doing
- Own the critical path and ensure all intake deadlines and targets are met
- Attend and lead all fit sessions; approve samples and ensure fit comments are communicated clearly to suppliers
- Manage open costing with a strong understanding of fabric, printing, construction, and wage costs
- Lead development meetings independently with suppliers and deliver feedback to internal teams
- Own a sub‑category and manage associated budget, trading actions and supplier performance
- Drive supplier negotiations and ensure best cost prices are achieved
- Proactively identify and flag OPO or intake issues with suggested solutions
- Support the Buyer in weekly sign‑off meetings, presenting products and developments for approval
- React to trading reports by recommending rebuys, cancellations or product moves
- Lead weekly trade pack reviews and provide insight into sub‑category performance
- Take a lead role in team meetings and development sessions
- Oversee product uploads, unpublished reports and studio sample coordination
- Conduct competitor analysis and identify commercial opportunities and gaps
- Ensure site accuracy on product details and images; flag and correct issues
Qualifications
- Strong experience in an Assistant Buyer or similar role, ideally managing a category or budget
- Proven negotiation skills and understanding of margin, BIM, pricing architecture and KPI tracking
- Strong commercial awareness with a sharp eye for product and fashion trends
- Confident and professional communication skills with internal and external partners
- Experience managing the critical path and sample lifecycle end‑to‑end
- Proficient in Excel, PIM and Sage (preferred)
- A passion for streetwear and the customer, with ideas to drive the brand forward
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Assistant Buyer in Manchester employer: Debenhams Retail
At Karen Millen, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of central London. Our Junior Graphic Designer role not only provides competitive benefits such as a bonus scheme and private medical cover but also fosters employee growth through ongoing learning and development opportunities. Join us to collaborate with a talented creative team and contribute to a brand that values innovation and excellence in design.
