Assistant Buyer (Retail)

TL;DR

Assistant Buyer (Retail): Managing the product lifecycle for Women's Socks & Hosiery ranges with an accent on range building and supplier management. Focus on identifying product opportunities, optimizing costing and margins, and coordinating cross-functional delivery to stores.

Location: Hybrid: Must spend 60% of the week collaborating at office locations in Welwyn Garden City

Company

One of the world's largest retail and technology companies focused on improving daily life for customers and communities.

What you will do

• Manage a portion of the product category independently under the guidance of the Buying Manager.
• Identify new product opportunities from concept to production, ensuring alignment with trend direction and brand identity.
• Liaise directly with factories regarding costing, lead times, sample revisions, and product specifications.
• Analyse costing options, propose margin improvements, and track cost changes during development.
• Monitor weekly trading performance to identify best/worst sellers and recommend product repeats.
• Coordinate with marketing, online, and packaging teams for product briefs and launch priorities.

Requirements

• Experience in clothing retail.
• Proven track record in product development and sourcing.
• Strong range building and data analysis skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office.
• Must be based in or able to work from the Welwyn Garden City office (60% attendance).
• Ideally, experience with line management responsibility.

Culture & Benefits

• Annual bonus scheme of up to 10% of base salary.
• Holiday package starting at 25 days plus a personal day.
• Comprehensive parental leave: 26 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption and 6 weeks for paternity.
• Free 24/7 virtual GP service and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Support for flexible working arrangements.