Assistant Buyer - Menswear

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:To support buying execution for categories through product development, supplier coordination,range planning, order management, and trade analysis. The role focuses on ensuring timelyproduct execution, commercial alignment, data accuracy, and seamless coordination acrossbuying, planning, sourcing, quality, and logistics functions to deliver the right product at the rightprice, quality, and timeline.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:Research & Seasonal StrategyConduct market, competitor, trend, and product research across categories, fabrics, technologies, and customer trends.Analyse historical performance, best sellers, product gaps, and seasonal learnings to support category strategy.Support seasonal planning through competitor benchmarking, pricing analysis, and category growth recommendations.Identify new product opportunities, supplier capabilities, and innovation trends aligned to business needs.Product Development & Range PlanningCollaborate with Design teams on collection planning, range development, colour direction, and product concepts. Coordinate sample development with suppliers based on approved tech packs and category requirements.Support range planning through inputs on styles, colour rankings, RSP, FOB, and category performance trends.Ensure assortments align with commercial objectives, trend direction, and seasonal strategy.Supplier Coordination & CostingCoordinate with suppliers on sample development, costing discussions, product changes, and delivery timelines.Work with Sourcing teams on open costing, negotiations, margin alignment, and supplier onboarding.Support supplier coordination for categories and external brands, including authorisation and compliance requirements.Track supplier development status and production readiness to ensure timely execution.Order Management & PLM GovernanceCoordinate product creation, supplier allocation, costing inputs, and product attribute updates in PLM systems.Validate data accuracy, pricing updates, and product information before order finalisation.Coordinate with Planning teams on quantity alignment, territory allocation, and order execution.Track order status, PI confirmations, delivery timelines, and shipment readiness.Product Quality & Launch ReadinessCoordinate with Quality teams on fit sessions, fabric approvals, sample feedback, and product corrections.Track inspection status, shipment approvals, ASN updates, shortages, and delivery escalations.Coordinate with Logistics teams to ensure on-time product availability and shipment execution.Support VM and Creative teams with VM packs, product launches, and promotional communication.Sales Monitoring & Trade AnalysisMonitor weekly trade performance, sell-through, stock movement, and collection performance across categories.Analyse DSRs, product performance reports, and category trends to identify best sellers and slow movers.Support trade reviews through analysis of pricing, inventory movement, product performance, and timing effectiveness. Document seasonal learnings and product performance insights for future buying decisions.JOB SCOPE:Support seasonal buying strategy through market research, trend analysis, competitor benchmarking, and category insights.Coordinate product development, sample execution, range planning, and supplier follow-ups across categories.Support costing alignment, supplier negotiations, PLM governance, and order execution processes.Coordinate with Planning teams on quantity alignment, territory allocation, delivery timelines, and inventory readiness.Monitor trade performance, sell-through, product movement, and category performance to support business reviews and corrective actions.Collaborate with Design, Planning, Sourcing, Quality, Logistics, VM, and Creative teams to ensure smooth execution across buying cycles and overlapping product seasons.QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:Essential:Bachelor’s degree in Fashion, Fashion Technology, Garment Manufacturing, Merchandising, Retail, or related field.2–5 years of experience in Buying, Product Development, Merchandising, or Category retail environments.Strong understanding of product development, garment construction, fabrics, costing, and buying processes.Preferred/ Advantageous:Experience in Category, Athleisure, Performance Wear, or Lifestyle retail categories.Exposure to supplier management, sourcing processes, and open costing discussions.Working knowledge of PLM systems, retail dashboards, and Power BI tools.