At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Buyer in daily processes and manage sampling for product development.
- Company: Join Smallworld Accessories, a diverse and inclusive team passionate about retail and trends.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like extra annual leave, workplace pension, and tailored training support.
- Other info: This is a full-time, permanent role based in Lewes with a salary of £27,000 - £29,000.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting retail journey with opportunities for growth and skill development.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and previous buying team experience required.
The predicted salary is between 22700 - 29100 £ per year.
12-month fixed-term maternity cover – 37.5 hours per week | Hybrid working | Lewes, East Sussex
Smallworld Accessories is a fast-growing fashion accessories concessionaire. We design, ethically source and supply trend-led products to more than 1,500 stores nationwide, partnering with major UK retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, John Lewis and Next. Our product portfolio is anything but predictable. We create everything from sunglasses, belts and jewellery to hair accessories, children’s ranges and complete back-to-school kits, while continuing to explore new categories and opportunities.
We’re looking for an experienced Assistant Buyer with a genuine passion for fashion and accessories to join our close-knit Buying team and work collaboratively with colleagues across the wider business. The current postholder is due to begin maternity leave in December, so we’re recruiting now to allow time for a thorough handover and introduction to our products, suppliers and ways of working.
Make a visible impact
Working closely with the Buyer, you’ll combine product judgement with commercial awareness to help shape customer-relevant ranges. From identifying opportunities and recommending products to seeing those products reach stores nationwide, your contribution will be clear and tangible.
You will:
- Support product selection, range building and development.
- Use sales, stock, margin, competitor and trend insights to identify opportunities and make recommendations.
- Work directly with suppliers on samples, costings, orders and delivery schedules.
- Manage purchase orders and critical-path activity to keep products and launches on track.
- Bring ideas and a clear point of view to range, creative and trading meetings.
- Line manage and coach the Buyer’s Admin Assistant.
About you
You’ll already be working as an Assistant Buyer or have previous experience operating at an equivalent level within a fashion buying environment.
You will also bring:
- A degree in fashion, fashion buying, fashion management or another relevant fashion-related subject.
- Experience across range building, product development and in-season trading.
- A strong product eye, genuine passion for fashion and accessories, and an active awareness of emerging trends.
- Confidence working with suppliers and interpreting sales, stock and margin information.
- Strong organisation and the ability to manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
What you can expect
- Broad exposure to different product categories and major UK retailers.
- A supportive and collaborative environment where ideas are welcomed.
- Hybrid working, with the team typically based in our Lewes office from Tuesday to Thursday. This may occasionally vary according to business needs.
- A day off for your birthday.
- Access to our healthcare plan and lifestyle and savings platform, subject to meeting the relevant eligibility criteria.
- Company events and activities organised by our dedicated social committee.
If you’re an experienced fashion Assistant Buyer looking for variety, meaningful responsibility and broad exposure across the business, we’d love to hear from you.
Smallworld Accessories is an equal opportunities employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Apply now with your CV.
Assistant Buyer in Brighton employer: Smallworld Accessories Limited
Smallworld Accessories Limited is an excellent employer for those passionate about fashion merchandising, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, allowing for career progression from Senior MAA roles into more advanced trading positions. Located in a vibrant area, the company promotes a supportive environment where analytical skills are valued and rewarded.
Contact Details:
Smallworld Accessories Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer in Brighton
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in retail and accessories. Follow industry news, blogs, and social media accounts that focus on product development and buying strategies. This knowledge will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the buying and retail sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with others who can provide insights or even refer you to opportunities. Building relationships can often lead to job openings that aren't publicly advertised.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your organisational skills and how you've managed multiple tasks in previous roles. Think of specific examples where you successfully juggled responsibilities, as this will show your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, which is crucial for the Assistant Buyer position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Smallworld Accessories thoroughly before your interview. Understand their product lines, values, and recent developments. Being able to speak knowledgeably about the company will demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to becoming part of their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in buying or retail. Emphasise your organisational skills, attention to detail, and any previous roles that demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for retail and product development. Mention specific examples of how you've contributed to buying processes or managed multiple tasks effectively in previous roles.
Showcase Your Skills:Highlight your proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel. If you have experience with trend research or competitor analysis, be sure to include that as well, as it aligns with the key responsibilities of the role.
Demonstrate Cultural Fit:Smallworld Accessories values diversity and inclusion. In your application, reflect on how your background and experiences align with their commitment to creating an inclusive team environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Smallworld Accessories Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Retail
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for retail and product development during the interview. Share specific examples of trends you follow or products you love, as this will demonstrate your genuine interest in the industry.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
Given the role's emphasis on managing multiple tasks, be prepared to discuss how you stay organised. Share techniques or tools you use to keep track of projects and deadlines, showcasing your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Prepare to provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams or resolved issues in previous positions. This will illustrate your proactive problem-solving mindset.
✨Research the Company and Competitors
Before the interview, take time to research Smallworld Accessories and its competitors. Understanding their product lines and market position will allow you to ask insightful questions and show that you're serious about contributing to their success.
