Assistant Buyer -Sportswear

N Brown – who we are and why work for us?  

N Brown is a leading UK digital retail platform for clothing, footwear, home and technology, headquartered in Manchester and employing over 1,200 people nationwide. Through our strategic retail brands JD Williams, Jacamo and Simply Be and our unique payments offering, we exist to champion inclusivity and serve the underserved. Our customers are our passion, and we take great pride in delivering products that ensure they can look and feel amazing, without compromising on choice, value and accessibility. 

We’re committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment that values equality for all. Our vision is that by ‘championing inclusion, we’ll become the most loved and trusted fashion retailer’. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging are, therefore, at the heart of our culture.

In May 2024 we were delighted to be named one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024. We work hard to create a happy and inclusive culture for everyone and we’re so proud to have made this list - as voted for by our very own colleagues!

As an Assistant Buyer on Sportswear you will be working alongside the Buyer and liaising with global Sportswear brands, working across both Mens & Ladies apparel & Footwear.

What you’ll be responsible for as an Assistant Buyer:

• Taking responsibility for a small area under the guidance of the Buyer or Senior and developing a customer centric range with the right price architecture and quality standards
• Responsible for Supplier liaison/ building relationships to ensure that all information & samples required are available in a timely manner.
• Responsibility for end-to-end buying process, including having ownership for buying administration.
• Responsible for keeping information up to date and correct in all relevant systems and database’s.
• Working closely with the merch team to ensure that product goes live as quickly as possible and working through any delivery changes.
• Day to day development and motivation of BAA’s under the guidance of the Buyer/Senior
• Supporting the delivery of margin targets
• Fashion range planning and building for their ranges, supporting Buyers/Seniors
• Reviewing weekly sales, with a focus on the best and worst sellers and trade actions
• Monitoring the retail market and customer activity through competitive shops, sales and trend analysis.
• Attend and contribute to buying meeting.
• Reviewing the previous week's sales, best and worst sellers for the buying department
• Regular website checks for product set up issues and fixing (where necessary)

What you will need to succeed as an Assistant Buyer:

• Relevant degree in fashion or the ability to demonstrate the required level of skills through work-experience
• Excellent administrative, communication and organisation skills
• A keen interest in fashion and customer first
• Driven & motivated
• Retail experience essential

What’s in it for you?

• Hybrid working  (2-3 days in the office at a minimum)
• 24 days holiday (+ 8 bank holidays)
• Annual bonus scheme 
• Enhanced maternity and adoption leave 
• Company pension with up to 8% N Brown contribution 
• Mental Health support both internally and externally, including access to our wellbeing champions and counselling services  
• A range of financial wellbeing support  
• Stream - a financial wellbeing tool that helps you track your pay, access earnings early and manage your money with confidence
• Colleague discount across all N Brown brands 
• Onsite café with subsidised rates and local restaurant discounts! 
• Life Assurance and Private Medical Insurance 
• Paid volunteer time – all our colleagues can take a full day paid to volunteer for a charity of their choice  

Ways of Working

We offer hybrid working which varies across the business depending on the role you’re in. Our Head Office is located in the Northern Quarter in Manchester City Centre. So if you are travelling by train, tram or bus we’re perfectly located, plus we’re surrounded by cool cafes, trendy bars and the best places to eat!