TOPSHOP/TOPMAN - 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

What you’ll be doing…

• Develop a cohesive range for the department, ensuring that product reflects the Brand strategy, the range is without gaps or duplication, and that the season is logically and commercially thought through
• Working with Design to shape the product direction for the department, ensuring that it is aligned to the brand and divisional strategy
• Delivering department KPIs to drive margin and profit, identifying and addressing any risks, in partnership with Merchandising
• Anticipating the needs of the 20-something customer, using sales and trend data to deliver commercial product ranges that account for global factors
• Trading effectively by identifying gaps in ranges and potentialising opportunities that will have the biggest impact on dept performance, whilst effectively managing risk
• Maintaining in-depth knowledge of planning and trading documents, using them to shape category analysis and evolution of the buy
• Driving cost saving initiatives or ideas to become more cost efficient
• Effectively range building, taking into account Options, ALB strategy and global requirements, with the flexibility to pivot in season to potentialize or de-risk
• Working closely with Merchandising to build cohesive lessons learnt and ensuring buying is within OTB, influencing trend and performance
• Building and leveraging relationships with a network of appropriate internal teams and external suppliers
• Keeping up to date with global trends and competitor activity, reviewing product strategy considering competitor activity and initiatives
• Maintaining a clear understanding of brand purpose and Fashion with Integrity and ensuring these principles are fully embedded within the team. Looking for opportunities to use sustainable materials wherever possible
• Working closely with Marketing to identify promotional and marketing opportunities for brand and ensure clear and consistent brand messaging
• Setting up a trialling calendar, engaging with key stakeholders to build program frameworks
• Working closely with Sourcing to develop a sound supply base, striving for consistent best practice partnerships and highlighting any pinch points or saturation
• Actively contributing to cross-functional initiatives and projects, welcoming and championing change
• Leading and building a strong team of ABs and BAs, with a focus on growing future talent
• Providing clear direction and development to the team, identifying individual training needs and encouraging collaborative ways of working
• Motivating and engaging the team through recognition and regular feedback

Qualifications

We’d love to meet someone who…

• If you are interested in permanent & fixed term
• Has significant experience operating as a Junior Buyer/Buyer within a fast-paced and rapidly changing global Retailer
• Has proven ability to drive the success of a department through creative and commercial thinking
• Has a creative eye with a strong awareness of current trends, Retail market conditions and competitor activity
• Has highly developed negotiation and influencing skills
• Can gain buy in from the team and management to potentialize opportunities
• Demonstrates a commercial mindset, using data and insights to leverage opportunities that successfully contribute to the department and wider Retail strategy
• Has in-depth knowledge of planning and trading documents, with the ability to challenge figures and plans, where necessary
• Uses relevant market insights to aid decision making and achieve the best outcome for the business
• Shows strong awareness of current trends, Retail market conditions and opportunities within a Global context, including global competitors’ product offer, pricing strategy and trading activity.
• Builds great relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers
• Demonstrates an effective and inclusive leadership style, role modelling positive behaviours and providing the team with clear direction and development
• Has strong prioritisation and systems skills, including 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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