About this role
The Role
Buyers play a critical role at ASOS, working closely with Merchandising, Design and Technical teams to build a commercial and trend-led product range for the department that is loved by the ASOS fashion lovers! They are collaborative, organised, and strategic with their finger on the pulse of fashion - always looking to push the range for our global markets forward. In partnership with Merchandising, and with the support of relevant customer and market insights, Senior Buyers are responsible for the delivery of sales and profit targets through a cohesive product strategy.
The Team
The Buying team is instrumental in making ASOS the leading destination for fashion-lovers across womenswear and menswear.
Within our Own Buy function, which includes ASOS Design, AsYou and Collusion, our teams focus on developing and delivering a range that pushes the boundaries and meets the needs of our customer. Working collaboratively with several teams including Design, Merchandising, Marketing and Garment Technology, and with a wide global supplier base, our Buyers ensure that the product we deliver is the best it can be.
The Branded Buying teams are responsible for creating and sourcing the brand mix for their department, covering big commercial brands through to high-end designers and emerging brands, to offer our customer the most exciting fashion trends and create a point of difference in the global market.
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 customer, using sales and trend data to deliver commercial product ranges that account for global factors
Trading effectively by identifying gaps in ranges and potentializing 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
Branded Only:
Developing Brands portfolio, considering desirability and relevance by segment. Identifying Brand churn/mapping Using the global market to source the most contemporary and trend-led brand mix, ensuring commerciality and profit is delivered. Utilising shows, Instagram and street trends to drive newness and relevant Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with key brand partners, acting as the primary point of contact to drive collaboration, secure exclusive opportunities, and ensure alignment with ASOS commercial objectives.Leverage a highly analytical and commercially focused approach to trading branded ranges, using data-led insights to inform range planning, optimise performance, and maximise profitability
We’d love to meet someone who…
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
What's in it for you?
Competitive salary, pension, and private medical care schemePerformance related bonusFlex benefits allowance - which you can chose to take as extra cash, or use towards other benefits25 days paid annual leave + an extra day for your birthdayEmployee discount (hello ASOS discount!)