THE ROLE

Senior 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 our 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.

As a Senior Buyer for Face+Body, you’ll work closely with the Head of Buying and wider team to build and execute the Buying strategy for Beauty; a high-growth department and a key part of the ASOS 3-year plan.  

THE TEAM

The Buying team is instrumental in making ASOS the leading destination for fashion-loving 20-something customers across womenswear and menswear.

The Branded Buying teams are responsible for creating and sourcing the brand mix for their department, covering big commercial brands through to high-end designers and emerging brands, to offer our customer the most exciting product and create a point of difference in the global market.

What you’ll be doing…

• Building the Face+Body department strategy that is aligned to the wider business and division strategy

• Sourcing and negotiating the most relevant products and brands globally which will appeal to the ASOS customer, that is commercially thought through and in line with the department strategy, reacting with agility to global market trends and always staying one step ahead of the competition.

• Delivering department KPIs to drive margin and profit, identifying and addressing any risks, in partnership with Merchandising

• Anticipating the needs of the 20-something customer, using sales data, customer profile and trend research to deliver commercial product ranges

• Trading effectively by identifying gaps in ranges and potentializing opportunities, whilst effectively managing risk

• Strategically planning and driving cost saving initiatives or ideas to become more cost efficient

• Effectively range building, taking into account Options, strategy and global requirements, with the flexibility to pivot in season to potentialize or de-risk

• With the Head of Buying, coordinating Supplier/Brand roll ups and reviews, leading appropriate partnerships and supply base recommendations.

• Steering contractual negotiations, managing the full process of onboarding global suppliers.

• Building and leveraging relationships with a network of appropriate internal teams and external suppliers to grow new business opportunities and to raise the profile of the beauty category within the business and the wider industry.

• Working collaboratively with all business functions to prioritise key exciting and innovative marketing opportunities for new brands, products and promotions ensuring clear and consistent brand messaging across channels

• Building strong and competitive promotional and discounting calendars collaboratively with brands, keeping up to date on market discounting activity and taking steps to be competitive by actively looking for alternative opportunities such as first to market launches, added value and exclusives.

• Maintaining a clear understanding of brand purpose and Fashion with Integrity and ensuring these values are fully embedded within the team.

• Working closely with Sourcing to develop a sound supply base, striving for consistent best practice partnerships and highlighting any pinch points or saturation

• Contributing to cross-functional initiatives and projects, positively influencing and championing change

• Agreeing styling and visual merchandising guidelines with Studios and Global teams

• Managing and building a strong team of ABs and BAs, with a focus on growing future talent

• Providing clear direction and development to the team, identifying training needs and encouraging collaborative ways of working

• Motivating and engaging the team through recognition and regular feedback

We’d love to meet someone who…

• Has significant experience operating as a Buyer/Senior Buyer within a fast-paced and rapidly changing global Retailer within the beauty category.

• Has bult a strong and established network within the beauty industry.

• Ideally has experience within the fragrance category specifically.

• Has proven ability to drive the success of a department through creative and commercial thinking

• Has a creative eye with a strong awareness of current trends, Retail market conditions and competitor activity

• Has highly developed negotiation and influencing skills

• Can gain buy in from the team and management to potentialize opportunities

• Enjoys working in a very fast-paced environment and embraces and champions the benefits of change within the wider team

• Demonstrates a strategic mindset, using data and insights to leverage opportunities that successfully contribute to the department and wider Commercial strategy

• Uses relevant market insights to aid decision-making and achieve the best outcome for the business

• Shows strong awareness of current trends, Retail market conditions and opportunities within a Global context 

• Builds great relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers

• Demonstrates an effective and inclusive management style, role modelling positive behaviours and providing the team with clear direction and development

• Is a strong communicator, able to senior stakeholders internally and externally.

• Has strong prioritisation and systems skills, including relevant Trading systems and Microsoft Office

What's in it for you?

• Competitive salary, bonus and pension matching

• Life insurance, free private medical care, cycle to work scheme + more

• A bespoke flexible benefits scheme catered to you

• Best in class Learning & Development schemes and career development programmes

• 25 days holiday + never work on your birthday again!

• Free modern onsite gym, plus personal training and wellness rooms

• A dynamic social environment, from company-wide sports days, charity days, ‘Give A Week Away’ opportunities to visit our charity partners in India & company-wide celebrations to name just a few

• Huge staff discounts and sample sales