Job Description
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 Details
1. 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
2. Working with Design to shape the product direction for the department, ensuring that it is aligned to the brand and divisional strategy
3. Delivering department KPIs to drive margin and profit, identifying and addressing any risks, in partnership with Merchandising
4. Anticipating the needs of the 20-something customer, using sales and trend data to deliver commercial product ranges that account for global factors
5. Trading effectively by identifying gaps in ranges and potentializing opportunities that will have the biggest impact on dept performance, whilst effectively managing risk
6. Maintaining in-depth knowledge of planning and trading documents, using them to shape category analysis and evolution of the buy
7. Driving cost saving initiatives or ideas to become more cost efficient
8. Effectively range building, taking into account Options, ALB strategy and global requirements, with the flexibility to pivot in season to potentialize or de-risk
9. Working closely with Merchandising to build cohesive lessons learnt and ensuring buying is within OTB, influencing trend and performance
10. Building and leveraging relationships with a network of appropriate internal teams and external suppliers
11. Keeping up to date with global trends and competitor activity, reviewing product strategy considering competitor activity and initiatives
12. 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
13. Working closely with Marketing to identify promotional and marketing opportunities for brand and ensure clear and consistent brand messaging
14. Setting up a trialling calendar, engaging with key stakeholders to build program frameworks
15. Working closely with Sourcing to develop a sound supply base, striving for consistent best practice partnerships and highlighting any pinch points or saturation
16. Actively contributing to cross-functional initiatives and projects, welcoming and championing change
17. Leading and building a strong team of ABs and BAs, with a focus on growing future talent
18. Providing clear direction and development to the team, identifying individual training needs and encouraging collaborative ways of working
19. Motivating and engaging the team through recognition and regular feedback
Qualifications
About You
20. Has significant experience operating as a Buyer within a fast-paced and rapidly changing global Retailer
21. Has proven ability to drive the success of a department through creative and commercial thinking
22. Has a creative eye with a strong awareness of current trends, Retail market conditions and competitor activity
23. Has highly developed negotiation and influencing skills
24. Can gain buy in from the team and management to potentialize opportunities
25. Demonstrates a commercial mindset, using data and insights to leverage opportunities that successfully contribute to the department and wider Retail strategy
26. Has in-depth knowledge of planning and trading documents, with the ability to challenge figures and plans, where necessary
27. Uses relevant market insights to aid decision making and achieve the best outcome for the business
28. 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.
29. Builds great relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers
30. Demonstrates an effective and inclusive leadership style, role modelling positive behaviours and providing the team with clear direction and development
31. Has strong prioritisation and systems skills, including relevant Trading systems and MS Office
Additional Information
BeneFITS’
32. Employee discount (hello ASOS discount!)
33. ASOS Develops (personal development opportunities across the business)
34. Employee sample sales
35. Access to a huge range of LinkedIn learning materials
36. 25 days paid annual leave + an extra celebration day for a special moment
37. Discretionary bonus scheme
38. Private medical care scheme
39. 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.