TOPSHOP/TOPMAN - Assistant Buyer

Job Description

Company Description

TOPSHOP and TOPMAN are iconic British fashion brands with 60 years of heritage. Headquartered in London, the Brands have over 2 million customers across the globe through the ASOS platform and generate brand sales of c£200m. Our mission is to unlock the best of fashion for everyone, with creativity and innovation at our core.

Following the formation of a Joint Venture between ASOS and HEARTLAND in October 2024, ASOS is creating a standalone cross-functional team within ASOS which is dedicated to unlocking the huge growth potential of the TOPSHOP and TOPMAN brands. The brands will now benefit from ASOS infrastructure and resources while enjoying the creative freedom and agility of standalone brands.

The next 12 months for TOPSHOP and TOPMAN will see the expansion of the brands’ offline and online retail presence with the launch of Topshop.com and new wholesale partnerships.

Job Description

THE ROLE
The Assistant Buyer plays a key role within the Buying Team. The role of the Assistant Buyer is all about developing amazing product and building fashion-forward, commercial ranges that deliver against sales and margin targets. You will be the pivotal member of the Buying team, working closely with your Buyer, as well as Design, Technical and Merchandising teams, Suppliers or Brands, to develop and buy a range that is loved by our fashion-forward 20-something customer.

What you'll be doing

• Supporting the Buyer in sourcing and developing products
• Overseeing the fitting and sealing of samples
• Helping to build a commercial and fashion-forward relevant range with constant newness that our 20-something customer will love
• Building excellent relationships with your suppliers - this is key especially when negotiating cost prices and delivery dates
• Working with your buyer to trade within the season to potentialise sales and profits - we work at a fast pace and are incredibly reactive
• Actively contributing to the department strategy, by identifying risks and opportunities for the department that are supported by data and presenting these to the Buyer & Merchandiser
• Influencing the department or brand, using company levers to optimise sales performance
• Working closely with Design and Merchandising teams to build the range, analyse sales data and agree actions. Leading the range build selection process, justifying decisions by referencing relevant trend and trade elements.
• Maintaining up to date knowledge of global competitors, considering pricing, product and current affairs in analysis of their product ranges and presenting findings to the team
• Presenting CUM BTA in the Buyer's absence, identifying clear trading actions relevant for the audience
• Managing the critical path, highlighting to the Buyer any risks of not meeting contracted dates
• Working with Sourcing and Technical teams on relevant sourcing, ethical, garment tech and fabric considerations and initiatives related to Fashion with Integrity
• Overseeing the training and development of Buyers Administrators within the team

Qualifications

We'd love to meet someone who

• Has previous Fashion Buying experience as an Assistant Buyer within Menswear in a fast-paced, global Retailer or Brand
• Lives and breathes fashion and is passionate about the product
• Has a strong understanding of 20-something culture and the ASOS customer, and is able to spot the latest trends relevant for them
• Is super organised, able to use their initiative and to work in a high-pressured environment
• Has great attention to detail to ensure that all the important details such as selling price, shipment dates and product attributes are correct
• Has the ability to build strong relationships with other Retail teams and suppliers alike
• Effectively demonstrates the ASOS values - Authentic, Brave, Creative and Disciplined
• Is able to communicate and present clearly and effectively to all levels
• Has experience of using relevant trading systems and MS Office

Additional Information

BeneFITS’

• Employee discount (hello ASOS discount!)
• ASOS Develops (personal development opportunities across the business)
• Employee sample sales
• Access to a huge range of LinkedIn learning materials
• 25 days paid annual leave + an extra celebration day for a special moment
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Private medical care scheme
• Flexible benefits allowance - which you can choose to take as extra cash, or use towards other benefits

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