At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Buyer in creating trendy menswear collections and collaborate with various teams.
- Company: Join New Look, a leading fashion retailer with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40% staff discount, private healthcare, and extra leave on your birthday.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with opportunities for growth and development in fashion retail.
- Why this job: Dive into the fashion world and make an impact on exciting product ranges.
- Qualifications: Passion for menswear, strong analytical skills, and experience in buying preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Role: (4 Days In Office) As an Assistant Buyer at New Look, you’ll be at the heart of delivering product our customers love. Supporting your Buyer, you’ll help bring creative ideas to life while balancing commercial priorities to build exciting, trend-led ranges. You’ll work closely with suppliers in the UK and internationally, as well as with teams across Design, Merchandising and Technical, to ensure product is delivered on time, on trend and at great value. Fast-paced, hands-on and full of variety, this is the perfect role for someone passionate about product, customers and the world of fashion retail.
WHATS IN IT FOR YOU:
- 40% staff discount plus friends & family discounts throughout the year
- Access to our reward platform for external discount and offers
- Private pension scheme
- 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 & Strategy: Immerse yourself in the Business Strategy and use it to drive your department forward. Stay ahead of market trends and customer insights to guide product decisions. Understand your department’s customer, market share and opportunities to help drive success. Work closely with Marketing and Ecommerce to support windows, photoshoots, and other campaigns. Assist in preparing for Department Strategy Planning, contributing fresh ideas and insight.
- Buying & Product Development: Support the product journey from design brief to launch, collaborating with Design, Marketing and wider teams. Negotiate with suppliers to achieve the best cost prices and hit margin targets. Spot trends and translate them into commercial, customer-focused product. Keep data and systems up to date, including Assortment Planning tools. Choose the right sourcing routes and suppliers for each product. Monitor the critical path to ensure intake and distribution targets are met. Attend fit sessions in the Buyer’s absence and provide styling and product feedback.
- Suppliers & Relationships: Build strong supplier relationships, managing KPIs and ensuring sampling requirements are met. Negotiate and liaise effectively with suppliers to deliver quality product on time.
- Trading & Analysis: Monitor trade reports and take action where needed to maximise sales. Adapt plans quickly to respond to market changes and challenges. Share insights on products, suppliers, and best/worst sellers to inform decisions. Keep an eye on competitors through ongoing analysis and action where appropriate.
- Team & Collaboration: Support the development of colleagues, providing training and guidance where needed. Work collaboratively with Merchandising, Design and Technical teams. Be a positive role model, inspiring peers through enthusiasm and expertise.
Who you are:
- Strong understanding of clothing/fashion product, trends, and customer preferences
- Commercially aware, with numeracy and ability to analyse sales, stock and product performance
- Experience supporting the end-to-end buying process and product development
- Menswear experience essential
- Confident negotiating with suppliers and understanding sourcing options
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills across teams and suppliers
- Organised, able to manage multiple product areas, deadlines, and critical paths
- Able to support, train and mentor junior team members
- Previous experience as an Assistant Buyer or as a Senior BAA within fashion retail preferred
Assistant Buyer- Menswear in London employer: New Look
At New Look, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values creativity and collaboration in the fast-paced world of fashion retail. With a vibrant work culture that encourages personal growth and innovation, our employees enjoy a generous benefits package including a 40% staff discount, enhanced parental leave, and opportunities for professional development. Located in a dynamic environment, our team members are empowered to make impactful contributions while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that celebrates individuality and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer- Menswear in London
✨Get Down to the Fashion Events
Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like New Look!
✨Join Fashion-Focused Communities
Become a part of online fashion communities on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Participate in discussions and share your insights on trends or your personal style journey. It’s a great way to get noticed by brands looking to fill positions, including New Look.
✨Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio
Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for New Look.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at New Look!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer- Menswear in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at New Look.
Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to New Look!
Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at New Look. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at New Look
✨Showcase Your Style Portfolio
For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!
✨Know the Latest Trends and Brands
Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills
In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Dress the Part
This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!
