Buyer (ASOS Design Womenswear, Edition) - Fixed Term Contract

We’re ASOS, the online retailer for fashion lovers all around the world. 

We exist to give our customers the confidence to be whoever they want to be, and that goes for our people too. At ASOS, you’re free to be your true self without judgement, and channel your creativity into a platform used by millions. 

But how are we showing up? We’re proud members of Inclusive Companies, are Disability Confident Committed and have signed the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter and we placed 8th in the Inclusive Top 50 Companies Employer list.  

Everyone needs some help showing up as their best self. Let our Talent team know if you need any adjustments throughout the process in whatever way works best for you. 

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 20-something customer.  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-loving 20-something customers 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 Details

• 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 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 

About You

• 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
   

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 

Why take our word for it? Search #InsideASOS on our socials to see what life at ASOS is like.