Assistant Buyer

About the Role and Company

Debenhams.com is evolving into a cutting-edge digital platform, transforming from a traditional high street brand into a modern online destination that offers style, beauty, and inspiration to millions of customers across the UK and beyond. This Assistant Buyer position is a vital part of this transformation, focusing on occasion wear within the London-based team.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Buyer in sourcing and developing product ranges aligned with brand strategy.
• Contribute to weekly trade packs by analyzing department performance, identifying best and worst sellers, and proposing product moves for new reactions.
• Respond promptly to daily trading reports and communicate new trends or reactions to the Buyer.
• Achieve cost price reductions on first-time reorders.
• Conduct weekly comparative shopping; assist the Buying Assistant Administrator (BAA) with the report compilation.
• Collaborate closely with the Buyer and garment technicians to address issues with high-return lines.
• Identify and report on any Open Purchase Order (OPO) issues to the Buyer; take part in weekly OPO meetings with Assistant Merchandiser (AM), BAA, and Merchandiser Assistant Administrator (MAA).
• Oversee BAA management regarding critical paths and OPO administration to ensure department targets are met, and deliveries are punctual.
• Coach and develop the Buying Assistant Administrator, supporting their training and skill growth.
• Engage with product development activities by maintaining awareness of top and underperforming departmental products.
• Brainstorm and suggest ideas to enhance department strategy through product, studio displays, and visual merchandising.
• Regularly review department galleries to ensure products are correctly photographed.
• Utilize Sage software for pricing, supplier information, and make necessary updates to prices, descriptions, dates, and supplier data.
• Assist Junior Buyer (JB) and Buyer in product development tasks and manage own briefs.
• Demonstrate knowledge of category fabrics, their composition, weights, and cost.
• Take responsibility for chasing and managing development samples efficiently.
• Approve all fit samples and manage samples being forwarded to studios for photo shoots.
• Lead fit sessions in conjunction with Quality Control, ensuring fit feedback is recorded and communicated.
• Handle OPO and critical path management to guarantee timely product intake.
• Participate in weekly supplier meetings to maintain productive relationships.

Candidate Profile

• Previous experience in a buying role, preferably within the fashion industry.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-moving work environment.
• Excellent teamwork skills with a willingness to support colleagues, particularly during busy periods.
• Highly adaptable with the flexibility to adjust to changing business needs.
• Strong delegation skills with awareness of team members’ workloads and capabilities.
• Proactive in recognizing emerging trends and profitable opportunities for the business.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, especially Microsoft Excel.