Assistant Buyer

About the role

As an Assistant Buyer at Debenhams.com you will work in the London office supporting the Buyer for the occasion‑wear category. You will help shape the product range, ensure timely deliveries and contribute to the department’s commercial performance as the brand moves to a digital‑first model.

Key responsibilities

• Support the Buyer in sourcing, developing and reviewing occasion‑wear product ranges.
• Prepare and analyse weekly trade packs, monitor best‑ and worst‑selling items and provide feedback to the Buyer.
• React to daily trading reports, identify new reactions and drive cost‑price reductions on re‑buys.
• Conduct weekly comp‑shop analysis and assist the BAA in reporting.
• Manage OPO (Open Purchase Order) issues, lead weekly OPO meetings and ensure supplier performance.
• Coach and develop the BAA, overseeing critical path and delivery timelines.
• Contribute to product development, generate ideas for studio and visual merchandising, and review department galleries.
• Use Sage to retrieve and update pricing, supplier information and product data.
• Approve fit samples, coordinate studio shoots and lead fit sessions with quality control.

Required profile

• Experience in buying or merchandising within a retail or e‑commerce environment.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret trade data and act on daily reports.
• Proven ability to manage supplier relationships and resolve OPO issues.
• Leadership potential to coach junior team members and manage critical‑path activities.
• Good understanding of fabrics, product specifications and category frameworks.

Required skills

• Sage (ERP) for pricing and supplier data management.