At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the buying team with sample management and supplier communication.
- Company: Join Debenhams, a leading brand transforming online retail.
- Benefits: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and creativity.
- Other info: Fast-paced culture that embraces innovation and change.
- Why this job: Be part of a team shaping the future of fashion retail.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and excellent organisational abilities.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
At Debenhams. com, we're transforming a high street legacy into one of the most forward thinking and creative online destinations in the industry.
We're not standing still.
We’re evolving into a modern, digital-first destination that brings style, beauty, and inspiration to millions of customers across the UK and beyond.
With bold ideas, fresh thinking, and big ambitions, we're redefining what a department store can be in the online world.
This is your opportunity to join us at a pivotal moment.
Whether you're driven by creativity, innovation, or customer obsession, you’ll be part of a team shaping the future of one of the UK’s most iconic brands.
THE ROLE
As a Buying Admin Assistant, you'll be responsible for supporting the buying team by ensuring sample management is kept on top of and organised effectively.
You'll communicate regularly with suppliers to ensure orders are fulfilled in a timely manner, including any amendments that are necessary.
You will manage the critical path set out by your department with the support of your Assistant Buyer / Buyer.
This role will sit under our Debenhams brand.
- Trade
- WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
- Holds weekly Optimum Positioning Opportunities (OPO) meetings alongside Assistant Buyer, Assistant Merchandiser and MAA.
- Updates Buyer with supplier and critical path updates.
- Carries out weekly comp shops to highlight competitors pricing, shape or colour messages and suggests actions.
- Understands the departments' best and worst sellers. Has a general understanding of the wider brand's performance.
- Order Maintenance
- Supports the AB with chasing suppliers and making sure all fit & production samples come in on time, ensuring delivery dates are met.
- Manages samples for the studio by making sure all production samples are approved and sent on the same day.
- Attends and contributes in fit sessions. All samples must be ready and in the correct order with correct codes.
- Checks own categories on site daily to ensure no spelling mistakes and accurate descriptions.
- Supports team to organise samples for weekly sign off and rack ups.
- Sample Management
- Check production samples and approves them ready to be sent to the studio.
- Clears and organises the sample room on a regular basis to keep on top of samples and general up keep of the office.
- Organises and distributes post where necessary.
- Supplier Management
- Regularly calls suppliers to discuss delivery dates and to chase samples to ensure that fit and production samples are in and approved to meet the delivery date on the critical path.
- Attends supplier meetings with Buyer / AB to understand how to negotiate price and delivery dates.
- Understands supplier delivery terms such as FOB (Freight On Board)
- Sage
- Has a good understanding of Sage and able to make relevant amendments using Sage.
- Able to amend Purchase Orders (PO) and find supplier information in the PO.
- Reports
- Contributes towards trade meetings with best and worst seller performance information.
- Has a basic understanding of the range monitor and where to find territory sales.
- Monitors unpublished stock report.
- Sends the Daily Sales Report to buyers each day.
- Product Development
- Assists in product development and chases samples using the Development tracker.
- Fits
- Has a basic knowledge of fitting & technical terminology, and how to measure garments.
- Shares ownership for sending fit comments to relevant teams.
- What We Are Looking For
- Excellent commercial awareness. Able to recognise future trends.
- Ability to priortise multiple deadlines and manage time effectively.
- Great communication skills.
- Natural planner and highly organised.
- Can think about the bigger picture, as well as the small details.
- Thrives in a fast paced environment and able to adapt to situations
- WORKING WITH US
At Debenhams Group, we are a diverse portfolio of five core brands (boohoo, boohoo MAN, Pretty Little Thing, Karen Millen, and Debenhams) alongside a dynamic marketplace model and a growing financial services division, it keeps us pretty busy!
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 bold.
Be creative.
Be a community.
Buying Admin Assistant - Debenhams employer: Debenhams
At our Debenhams HQ in Manchester, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that encourages creativity and collaboration. As the Head of Brand Partnerships, PR & Social, you will have access to exceptional growth opportunities and the chance to make a significant impact within a supportive team environment. We offer competitive benefits and a vibrant workplace that values innovation and cultural connection, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Admin Assistant - Debenhams
✨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 Debenhams, 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 Debenhams!
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Admin Assistant - Debenhams
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 Debenhams, 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 Debenhams 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 Debenhams that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Debenhams
✨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!
