Hybrid Assistant Buyer - Seasonal & Gifting in Manchester

Hybrid Assistant Buyer - Seasonal & Gifting in Manchester

Manchester Seasonal 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
N Brown

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist in buying ranges, liaise with suppliers, and analyse sales trends.
  • Company: Join N Brown, a leading UK digital retail platform focused on inclusivity.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 24 days holiday, and a colleague discount across all brands.
  • Other info: Work in a vibrant Manchester office surrounded by cool cafes and bars.
  • Why this job: Be part of a diverse team that champions inclusion and makes fashion accessible.
  • Qualifications: Experience in buying or merchandising and a passion for fashion are essential.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

N Brown is a leading UK digital retail platform for clothing, footwear, home and technology, headquartered in Manchester and employing over 1,200 people nationwide. Through our strategic retail brands JD Williams, Jacamo and Simply Be and our unique payments offering, we exist to champion inclusivity and serve the underserved. Our customers are our passion, and we take great pride in delivering products that ensure they can look and feel amazing, without compromising on choice, value and accessibility. We're committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment that values equality for all. Our vision is that by 'championing inclusion, we'll become the most loved and trusted fashion retailer'. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging are, therefore, at the heart of our culture.

In May 2024 we were delighted to be named one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024. We work hard to create a happy and inclusive culture for everyone and we're so proud to have made this list - as voted for by our very own colleagues!

What you'll be responsible for as an Assistant Buyer:

  • Taking responsibility for a couple of ranges under the guidance of the Category Manager and developing a customer centric range with the right price architecture and quality standards.
  • Responsible for Supplier liaison/ building relationships to ensure that all information & samples required are available in a timely manner.
  • Responsibility for end-to-end buying process, including having ownership for buying administration.
  • Responsible for keeping information up to date and correct in all relevant systems and databases.
  • Working closely with the merch team to ensure that product goes live as quickly as possible and working through any delivery changes.
  • Day to day development and motivation of BAA's under the guidance of the Category Manager.
  • Supporting the delivery of margin targets.
  • Range planning and building for their ranges.
  • Reviewing weekly sales, with a focus on the best and worst sellers and trade actions.
  • Monitoring the retail market and customer activity through competitive shops, sales and trend analysis.
  • Attend and contribute to meetings.
  • Reviewing the previous week's sales, best and worst sellers for the buying department.
  • Regular website checks for product set up issues and fixing (where necessary).

What you will need to succeed as an Assistant Buyer:

  • Some experience within a buying, merchandising, or similar commercial environment would be beneficial.
  • Relevant degree in fashion or the ability to demonstrate the required level of skills through work-experience.
  • Excellent administrative, communication and organisation skills.
  • A keen interest in fashion and customer first.
  • Driven & motivated.
  • Retail experience essential.

What's in it for you:

  • Hybrid working (2-3 days in the office at a minimum).
  • 24 days holiday (+ 8 bank holidays).
  • Annual bonus scheme.
  • Enhanced maternity and adoption leave.
  • Company pension with up to 8% N Brown contribution.
  • Mental Health support both internally and externally, including access to our wellbeing champions and counselling services.
  • A range of financial wellbeing support.
  • Stream - a financial wellbeing tool that helps you track your pay, access earnings early and manage your money with confidence.
  • Colleague discount across all N Brown brands.
  • Onsite café with subsidised rates and local restaurant discounts!
  • Life Assurance and Private Medical Insurance.
  • Paid volunteer time - all our colleagues can take a full day paid to volunteer for a charity of their choice.

Ways of Working:

We offer hybrid working which varies across the business depending on the role you're in. Our Head Office is located in the Northern Quarter in Manchester City Centre. So if you are travelling by train, tram or bus we're perfectly located, plus we're surrounded by cool cafes, trendy bars and the best places to eat!

Hybrid Assistant Buyer - Seasonal & Gifting in Manchester employer: N Brown

N Brown is an exceptional employer, recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024, thanks to our commitment to inclusivity and a supportive work culture. With hybrid working options, generous holiday allowances, and a focus on employee wellbeing, we empower our team members to thrive both personally and professionally in our vibrant Manchester office, surrounded by a dynamic city atmosphere. Join us to be part of a diverse workforce that champions equality and values every individual's contribution.

N Brown

Contact Details:

N Brown Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Hybrid Assistant Buyer - Seasonal & Gifting in Manchester

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at N Brown or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching N Brown's brands and their latest trends. Show us you’re passionate about fashion and understand what makes them tick. Tailor your answers to reflect their values of inclusivity and customer focus.

Tip Number 3

Practice your buying skills! Brush up on your knowledge of market trends and customer preferences. Being able to discuss these confidently will show us you’re ready to take on the Assistant Buyer role.

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 our awesome team at N Brown.

We think you need these skills to ace Hybrid Assistant Buyer - Seasonal & Gifting in Manchester

Buying Experience
Merchandising Skills
Supplier Relationship Management
Administrative Skills
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Fashion Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Fashion:When you're writing your application, let your love for fashion shine through! Share any relevant experiences or insights that demonstrate your keen interest in the industry. We want to see how you connect with our mission of championing inclusivity and serving our customers.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Assistant Buyer role. Use keywords from the job description to show us you understand what we're looking for. This will help your application stand out from the crowd!

Be Organised and Clear:We appreciate a well-structured application! Keep your writing clear and concise, and make sure to proofread for any typos or errors. A tidy application reflects your organisational skills, which are super important for this role.

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 the role. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at N Brown!

How to prepare for a job interview at N Brown

Know Your Fashion Trends

Make sure to brush up on the latest fashion trends and seasonal styles. N Brown is all about inclusivity and serving diverse customers, so being able to discuss current trends and how they relate to their brands will show your passion and understanding of the market.

Showcase Your Buying Experience

If you've got any experience in buying or merchandising, be ready to share specific examples. Talk about how you’ve managed ranges, liaised with suppliers, or handled buying administration. This will demonstrate your capability to take responsibility for product ranges as an Assistant Buyer.

Prepare Questions About Inclusivity

Since N Brown values diversity and inclusion, prepare thoughtful questions about their initiatives in this area. This shows that you align with their culture and are genuinely interested in contributing to a positive workplace environment.

Be Ready for Data Discussions

Familiarise yourself with basic sales analysis and market research techniques. Be prepared to discuss how you would monitor sales performance and make data-driven decisions. This will highlight your analytical skills and readiness to support margin targets effectively.