Assistant Buyer FTC in Manchester

Assistant Buyer FTC in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 30000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the Buyer in sourcing and developing trendy product ranges.
  • Company: Join the innovative team at PrettyLittleThing, part of Debenhams Group.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for growth.
  • Why this job: Be part of a fashion revolution and make a real impact on style.
  • Qualifications: Experience in buying, preferably in fashion, and strong teamwork skills.
  • Other info: Fast-paced environment with bold ambitions and a focus on innovation.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.

A legacy in progress... Say hello to a new era of modern sophistication. PrettyLittleThing has undergone a rebrand, shaping a brand that celebrates both heritage and evolution. Fashion is all about reinvention, and at PLT we are proving that style is more than just what you wear; it’s a statement. We are stepping away from being a fast fashion brand, pivoting towards giving customers premium quality product and design. Are you ready to join our movement?

THE ROLE

This role is a fixed term contract for 12 months, based at our Manchester office 5 days per week. As an Assistant Buyer, you will support the Buyer in sourcing and developing our product ranges with the brand. This role will include constantly reviewing the critical path to ensure that department targets, as well as deliveries, are met on time and in line with the brand's strategy. You will play a part in coaching our BAAs and share your skills and experience to help build our future talent.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

  • Contributes to weekly trade pack, reviewing department best and worst, suggesting move ons for new reactions.
  • Reacts to daily trading reports, feeding back to Buyer on new reactions.
  • Achieves cost price reductions on first time rebuys.
  • Carries out weekly comp shops and supports the BAA in collating the comp shop report.
  • Works closely with the buyer and garment techs to react to high returning lines.

OPO Management

  • Highlights all OPO issues to buyer, making sure any suppliers with issues are highlighted.
  • Takes responsibility for weekly OPO meetings alongside AM, BAA and MAA.

Team Management

  • Manages BAA on critical path and OPO management to ensure department targets are achieved and deliveries are on time.
  • Manages and develops the BAA and supports with their training.

Creative

  • Contributes to product development with an awareness of department best and worst.
  • Generates ideas to support department strategy through product, studio and VM.
  • Carries out daily review of department galleries to ensure product is being shot correctly.

Sage

  • Uses Sage to find pricing and supplier information when needed.
  • Amends prices/description/dates and supplier information.

Product Development

  • Assists JB/Buyer in product development and sends out own briefs.
  • Understands category fabrics, their compositions, weights, and prices.
  • Takes ownership for chasing in development samples.
  • Has a basic understanding of category frameworks in relation to product development.

Production Samples

  • Approves all fit samples.
  • Manages and oversees samples being sent to studio and organises shoot rails.

Fits

  • Demonstrates a strong understanding of fitting and technical terminology.
  • Leads all fit sessions, along with Quality Control.
  • Takes ownership for ensuring fit comments sent.

Supplier Management

  • Takes ownership of OPO and critical path to make sure all intake lands on time.
  • Attends weekly supplier meetings.

What We Are Looking For

  • Experience within a previous buying role, preferably within a fashion business.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
  • A team player who enjoys going above and beyond to support others in the team where needed, especially during peak times.
  • Super adaptable and finds it easy to switch it up when the business needs.
  • Ability to delegate and share workload to the team effectively, conscious of others’ workloads and abilities.
  • Always ahead at spotting trends and commercial wins for the business.
  • Confident using Microsoft programs such as Microsoft Excel.

WORKING WITH US

At Debenhams Group, we are a diverse portfolio of five core brands (boohoo, boohooMAN, PrettyLittleThing, Karen Millen, and Debenhams) alongside a dynamic marketplace model and a growing financial services division. 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 brave. Be creative. Be a community.

WHY JOIN US

2025 is a year for making bold moves, delivering real results, and driving forward with unstoppable momentum. If that excites you, then you belong at Debenhams Group. Let’s lead the change together.

Assistant Buyer FTC in Manchester employer: PrettyLittleThing.com

At PrettyLittleThing, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a vibrant and innovative work culture in the heart of Manchester. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our supportive team environment, where you will have the opportunity to develop your skills and contribute to exciting product ranges while being part of a dynamic brand transformation. Join us as we redefine fashion and embrace change together, making every day a chance to push boundaries and make a meaningful impact.
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Contact Detail:

PrettyLittleThing.com Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer FTC in Manchester

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the fashion industry, especially those who work at PrettyLittleThing or similar brands. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on job opportunities.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in fashion and PLT's recent collections. Show us that you're not just passionate about fashion but also understand the brand's evolution and vision.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the Assistant Buyer role. Highlight your adaptability and teamwork skills, as these are key in a fast-paced environment like ours.

✨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 us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our exciting journey.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer FTC in Manchester

Product Development
Sourcing Skills
Critical Path Management
Team Management
Trend Spotting
Supplier Management
Fit and Technical Understanding
Microsoft Excel
Communication Skills
Adaptability
Coaching Skills
Analytical Skills
Fast-Paced Environment Experience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Fashion: When you're writing your application, let your love for fashion shine through! Talk about what inspires you and how you see yourself contributing to our bold new vision at PrettyLittleThing.

Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Assistant Buyer role. Highlight your relevant experience in buying and any specific skills that align with our needs, like your ability to spot trends and manage teams.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences are easy to find and understand. No need for fluff!

Apply Through Our Website: We want to hear from you directly! Make sure to submit your application through our website to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status!

How to prepare for a job interview at PrettyLittleThing.com

✨Know Your Fashion Trends

Before the interview, brush up on the latest fashion trends and how they relate to PrettyLittleThing's new vision. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their shift towards premium quality products and design.

✨Showcase Your Buying Experience

Prepare specific examples from your previous buying roles that highlight your ability to manage critical paths, react to trading reports, and achieve cost price reductions. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and understanding of the role.

✨Be a Team Player

Since the role involves managing and developing BAAs, think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with others or supported team members. Share these stories to show you're adaptable and ready to contribute to a fast-paced environment.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Sage

If you have experience using Sage, be prepared to discuss it. If not, take some time to learn the basics. Understanding how to find pricing and supplier information will show your initiative and readiness to hit the ground running.

Assistant Buyer FTC in Manchester
PrettyLittleThing.com
Location: Manchester

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