Buying Assistant - Footwear - NEXT Wholly Owned Brands

Next Wholly Owned Brands is looking for a passionate Buying Assistant to join the team in London.

As part of the fast-growing group, the BA will be responsible for supporting and assisting the buying and merchandise teams with efficient administrative support, and play a supportive role in delivering an inspirational, authoritative and profitable assortment.

This is a fantastic opportunity to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to develop your career in buying.

What the Buying Assistant will be doing:

• Managing the Critical Path, liaising with the Buying and Merchandising team to ensure a smooth product journey from start to finish. You will be responsible for keeping on top of key dates, whilst working collaboratively with your team and other key stakeholders in the business.
• Responsible for managing all samples for your department, including Shoots, Marketing and Fits
• Conducting regular competitor shopping reports, presenting back to the Buying & Design Team to gain insight into current retail activity and fashion trends
• Accurately and efficiently updating information into our buying system
• Supporting the Buying team with Monday trade meetings, demonstrating knowledge of the best and worst sellers, thereby understanding how to potentialise and reduce sales risks

What Next is looking for:

• Buying Admin Assistant experience in fashion or retail – so you know the ropes
• As well as working in a team, you’re self-motivated, passionate and driven when it comes to working solo too
• Excellent planning and organisational skills to confidently manage the Critical Path.
• Demonstrate a good knowledge of current seasons’ bestsellers and competitor key trends along with an awareness of trends on social media and a strong eye for product
• If there’s a problem, you're the first to find a creative solution
• Helpful and approachable with a positive outlook no matter what
• We’re all about working as a team; we need collaborators who discuss, listen and agree together
• When the pressure’s turned up, you’re resilient and can figure out the best course of action
• You share our passion for fashion
• More than happy presenting your ideas to a group confidently and clearly

Benefits:

• 25% off most NEXT, MADE*, Lipsy*, Gap* and Victoria's Secret* products (*when purchased through NEXT)
• 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty
• Hot deals and exclusive offers from over 3,500 retailers through our online benefits platform
• Company performance based bonus
• Early VIP access to sale stock via Direct to Desk
• Life assurance
• Sharesave scheme
• Annual Travel Card Loan
• Sample Sales
• Fantastic L&D opportunities
• Flexi-Hour Scheme
• Direct to Work - Discount online and instore, collect your items the next day for free from your place of work or local store
• Support Networks - Access to Network Groups to empower and celebrate each other
• Wellhub - Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships, with apps, PT sessions and more