At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape trendy accessory ranges that connect with customers and drive sales.
- Company: Feel-good fashion brand with over 55 years of experience.
- Benefits: 40% staff discount, virtual GP access, extra holiday on your birthday.
- Other info: Flexible working patterns and strong focus on personal development.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the fashion industry.
- Qualifications: Experience as an Assistant Buyer or Junior Buyer in retail.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
We’re the feel-good fashion brand making style accessible and fun for over 55 years, on our website, mobile app and over 300 stores in the UK. By living our values - we play to win, customer obsessed, we are one and it starts with me - we deliver That New Look Feeling for our customers and each other.
The Role
As a Junior Buyer, you’ll play a key role in shaping a product range that really connects with our customers. You’ll support the Buyer in developing and delivering a commercial, on-trend and profitable offer that drives sales and keeps our customer at the heart of every decision. This is a hands‑on, fast‑paced role where you’ll get involved in product development, sample management, market research and supplier communication. You’ll use your eye for product and your strong organisational skills to make sure ranges land on time and reflect what our customer wants now — and next. We are looking for a Junior Buyer for our Accessories department; whether you're looking for a step up or a new exciting challenge, this could be for you.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU
- 40% staff discount plus friends & family discounts throughout the year
- Access to our reward platform for external discount and offers
- Virtual GP access for you and your children – it allows you to speak to a doctor at a time and date that suits you
- All employees are covered by our life assurance policy from day one
- Unlock extra leave with our buy more holiday scheme.
- Celebrate YOU! Enjoy an extra paid day off on your birthday each year
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, and shared parental leave.
- Spread the cost of your commute with interest‑free season ticket loans
- Do your bit for the environment and save money with our Cycle2Work scheme
- We’re proud to partner with the Retail Trust and Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust
What you’ll be doing
Planning- Understanding the Business Strategy and how that impacts your department
- Influencing the pricing strategy and price point policy for ranges in conjunction with the Merchandiser
- Applying knowledge of the current competitive marketplace and trends to drive the direction of the department
- Capacity planning proposing the production capacity required to meet changing demands for the product
- Solid understanding of the Department’s current Customer insights, Market Share and opportunities
- Applying New Look brand and sub‑brand strategy to product and range decisions within own area
- Working in conjunction with Marketing and E‑Comm to identify opportunities for your department
- Developing pricing strategy
- Working with design to develop brief and product, providing focused, clear development direction to supplier base
- Managing and signing off product specification packs, thinking creatively to meet the Critical Path
- Negotiating the best cost price to achieve departmental margin targets
- Understanding product trends and interpreting them where relevant into product areas
- Developing the right product at the right time, in line with the departmental design brief to meet customer requirements
- Utilising Open to Buy (OTB) through product development
- Building Ranges to option framework to maximise sales and profit and to offer the customer the best assortment
- Understanding the best sourcing route and Supplier for product whilst developing a short lead time route for trading
- Monitoring Critical Path on Commitment to ensure intake and distribution targets are met
- Highlighting trial product opportunities to maximise future sales and reduce risk
- Working with Garment Tech to complete fit sessions in order to develop blocks and fit, that reflects design input and customer trends
- Agreeing packaging requirements and presentation of product in line with the Critical Path
Who you are
Knowledge and Experience- Previous experience as an Assistant Buyer / Junior Buyer within a major retailer / department within New Look
- A balanced, commercial departmental range bought in line with the Critical Path
- Delivery of Profit Margin target
- A motivated and supported team
- To represent our New Look Values
Why New Look?
We care about you and the planet and believe fashion should be a force for positive change. We celebrate inclusion and diversity in everything we do. We’re proud of our inclusive culture and our talented team members who embrace our shared purpose, behaviours and values.
We prioritise development, offering training to support your progression, so you can be your absolute best and achieve your goals. We pride ourselves on being a flexible employer, our colleagues work a range of patterns. If you have a specific pattern in mind, we're keen to discuss this with you in line with the output needed for the role.
Accessory Buyer: Drive Trendy, Profitable Ranges employer: New Look Group
At New Look, we are not just a fashion brand; we are a community that thrives on creativity and collaboration. With over 55 years of experience, we offer our employees a vibrant work culture that prioritises inclusivity, personal growth, and a strong commitment to sustainability. As a Junior Buyer in our Accessories department, you will enjoy competitive benefits, including a generous staff discount, enhanced parental leave, and opportunities for professional development, all while contributing to a brand that values customer connection and innovative style.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accessory Buyer: Drive Trendy, Profitable Ranges
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the fashion industry, especially those who work at New Look. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the company culture and what they really value in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for fashion! When you get that interview, make sure to share your thoughts on current trends and how they relate to New Look's offerings. This will show that you're not just another applicant, but someone who truly gets the brand.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated skills relevant to the Junior Buyer role. This could be anything from managing a project to negotiating with suppliers—make it relatable to what New Look is looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the New Look family. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Accessory Buyer: Drive Trendy, Profitable Ranges
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Fashion:When writing your application, let your love for fashion shine through! Share your thoughts on current trends and how they influence your buying decisions. We want to see that you’re not just applying for a job, but that you genuinely care about making style accessible and fun.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Junior Buyer role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in product development and market research. We’re looking for someone who understands our customers, so show us how your skills align with our values and the role’s requirements.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate clarity, so ensure your key achievements and experiences stand out without unnecessary fluff!
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 keen to be part of our New Look family right from the start!
How to prepare for a job interview at New Look Group
✨Know Your Trends
As an Accessory Buyer, it's crucial to stay ahead of the trends. Research current fashion trends and understand what resonates with customers. Bring examples of trendy accessories that align with the brand's values to showcase your knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
This role requires strong organisational skills, so be prepared to discuss how you manage multiple projects simultaneously. Share specific examples from your past experience where you successfully juggled tasks like product development and supplier communication.
✨Understand the Brand
Familiarise yourself with New Look’s brand identity and values. Be ready to explain how you can contribute to delivering 'That New Look Feeling' for customers. Highlight how your personal style aligns with the brand and how you can help shape a product range that connects with their audience.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team. Ask about the challenges the Accessories department is currently facing or how they measure success in terms of customer satisfaction and sales. This shows your genuine interest in the position and the company.