Assistant Buyer

12-month fixed-term maternity cover - 37.5 hours per week | Hybrid working | Lewes, East Sussex Smallworld Accessories is a fast-growing fashion accessories concessionaire. We design, ethically source and supply products to more than 1,500 stores nationwide, working with leading retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, John Lewis and Next.Our ranges include sunglasses, belts, jewellery, hair accessories and back-to-school kits and we continue to expand into new product categories. Ethical sourcing informs our approach to product development and the relationships we build with our suppliers.We’re looking for an experienced Assistant Buyer with a genuine passion for fashion and accessories to join our close-knit Buying team. The current postholder is due to begin maternity leave in December, so we’re recruiting now to allow the successful candidate to join us beforehand. This will provide time for a thorough handover and the opportunity to become familiar with our products, suppliers, retail partners and wider team.Make a visible impactWorking closely with the Buyer, you’ll combine a strong product eye with commercial awareness to help shape customer-relevant ranges and bring fresh ideas to market.Your impact will be visible—from the recommendations you make and the products you help select to seeing those products reach customers in stores nationwide.You will:Support product selection, range building and development.Use sales, stock and margin data, alongside competitor and trend insights, to identify opportunities and make recommendations.Work directly with suppliers on samples, costings, orders and delivery schedules.Manage purchase orders and critical-path activity to keep products and launches on track.Bring ideas and a clear point of view to range, creative and trading meetings.About youYou’ll already be working as an Assistant Buyer or have previous experience operating at an equivalent level within a fashion buying environment.You’ll bring a genuine passion for fashion and accessories, a strong product eye and an active awareness of emerging trends. You’ll understand the buying cycle, be confident working with suppliers and know how to balance creativity with commercial insight.You’ll also be highly organised, comfortable managing competing deadlines and confident contributing ideas and commercially informed recommendations.What you can expectBroad exposure to different product categories, leading UK retailers and teams across the business.A supportive and collaborative environment where ideas are welcomed and people work closely together.Hybrid working, with the team typically based in our Lewes office from Tuesday to Thursday. This pattern may occasionally vary according to business needs.A day off for your birthday.Access to our healthcare plan, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria.Access to our lifestyle and savings platform, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria.Company events and activities organised by our dedicated social committee.If you’re an experienced fashion Assistant Buyer looking for variety, meaningful responsibility and the opportunity to make a visible impact, we’d love to hear from you.Smallworld Accessories is an equal opportunities employer, committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. Applications are encouraged from suitably qualified people of all backgrounds. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.Apply now with your CV.