Assistant Buyer

At Debenhams.com, we're transforming a high street legacy into one of the most forward thinking and creative online destinations in the industry. We're not standing still. We’re evolving into a modern, digital-first destination that brings style, beauty, and inspiration to millions of customers across the UK and beyond. With bold ideas, fresh thinking, and big ambitions, we're redefining what a department store can be in the online world.

This is your opportunity to join us at a pivotal moment. Whether you're driven by creativity, innovation, or customer obsession, you’ll be part of a team shaping the future of one of the UK’s most iconic brands.

THE ROLE

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.

This role is London based and will have a specific focus on occasion wear.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:

Trade:

- 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 chieved 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.

- Generate 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 organise 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'RE LOOKING FOR

- Experience within a previous buying role. Preferably within a fashion business.

- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

- A team player. Someone who enjoys going above and beyond to support others in the team where needed, especially during peak times.

- Super adaptable and find 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.

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