Assistant Buyer - Brands

The role is based in central London, working across a very successful and growing department, with responsibility for over 20 accounts (including wholesale and concessions). You’ll support brand management, range selection, and trading activity across lingerie and swimwear. It’s a varied, fast-moving role with exposure to everything from shape wear to seasonal swim launches.

What you’ll take on: You’ll be joining the Brands buying team, offering them key support for the buying, developing and reviewing of the brand mix and ranges on the department. You’ll have key responsibilities at every stage of the process, from account management and product selection to trading the ranges in season to maximise sales opportunities – considering everything from market shifts to new and emerging fashion trends. You will be working closely and collaboratively with your merchandising team, whilst managing a Trainee Buyer to ensure the smooth running of the division. You’ll also have the opportunity to suggest new brands to bring to the mix and put these forward to launch on the NEXT website. You’ll be responsible for accurately maintaining product systems and ensuring critical dates and deadlines are met. You’ll also build productive and strong relationships with the brands and supply base as well as provide support and development opportunities across the department.

What you’ll bring: You’ll be established in your current role and confident to take on a new challenge. You’ll need to be commercially aware, thrive under pressure, and be confident juggling multiple priorities. A genuine interest in lingerie and a keen eye for product is a must. Experience with brands is a bonus, but we’re open to strong product-focused candidates from other areas too. We’re a relationship-led business, so being a great communicator and team player is key. If you show potential, there’s even scope to represent the team at UK and international trade shows. Someone with experience of managing or mentoring would be ideal, as part of this role will be managing the workload and training of the Trainee Buyer in the department.

Sponsorship: Candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship for this role will be required to meet the Home Office sponsorship requirements.

We encourage early applications for our roles, as our recruitment process begins as soon as the role is advertised. If we successfully fill the position, this advert may close earlier than planned.

Benefits:

• Profit‑related bonus – based on company performance
• Private health insurance – surgery choices
• Sharesave scheme – make savings from your net pay to buy NEXT shares at a discount
• Pension – fixed contribution rates from both an employer and employee perspective, but you’re also able to make additional voluntary contributions (AVCs) if you wish to save more.
• 25% staff discount on most NEXT products – plus discount on other products
• Wagestream – helping you make the most out of your money
• Salary finance – offers access to affordable loans repaid through salary, simple savings and free financial education.
• Life assurance
• Direct to work – NEXT orders delivered free to the office for collection
• VIP sale – early access to the NEXT sale
• Access to NEXT staff shops
• Octopus energy – like cycle‑to‑work, but for electric vehicles
• Free parking (excluding London locations)
• National and local discounts on goods and services – this includes things like discounted cinema tickets
• Wellhub – includes access to discounted gym membership
• Simply health – a healthcare subscription service
• Aviva Digicare Workplace+ healthcare service – 7 free services including Digital GP appointments and an annual health check.
• A range of dedicated 3rd party wellbeing partners
• Free eye testing – voucher to use at specific locations

Conditions apply to all benefits. These benefits are discretionary and subject to change. We aim to support all candidates during the application process and are happy to provide workplace adjustments when necessary. Should you need support with your application due to a disability or long‑term condition, feel free to get in touch with us by email headoffice_careers@next.co.uk (please include "Workplace Adjustments" in the subject line), or call us on 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.

What’s Next? Apply and show us what you can do. Submit your application online and our recruitment team will take a first look at your experience and strengths. We’ll get in touch for an initial conversation by phone or video to learn more about you and share what the team is looking for. If you are invited to an interview, you may be asked to present an interview task or portfolio and talk through your experience in a competency‑based interview. It is also your chance to ask questions and get to know us. If it’s the right match, our recruitment team will be in touch with a job offer and next steps. This is where your journey with NEXT begins.

Team Overview: This is where ideas become incredible collections. Designers, Buyers, Merchandisers, and Technologists collaborate to create products our customers love. You’ll spot global trends, strategically balance our range plans and meticulously test quality so every season feels fresh, inspiring and exceptional.