Assistant Buyer

Love fashion. Know product. Think commercially.

If spotting the next trend comes naturally to you, you have a strong instinct for what customers will want next and enjoy turning that instinct into ranges that perform, this could be one to explore.

We’re Small world Accessories, a market-leading fashion accessories concession partner working with some of the UK’s best-known retailers, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons and Next. Our products reach customers across more than 1,500 stores throughout the UK and, as our business continues to grow, we’re expanding our Buying team.

Jewellery, hair accessories, sunglasses, belts, children’s accessories, Back to School, licensed products and seasonal collections – the list goes on. Behind it all is a talented team working together to get the right products into stores nationwide.

Working closely with Buying, Design and Merchandising, this is a hands-on role with ownership within your category and involvement across the product lifecycle – from range planning through to launch and trade.

• Build strong ranges informed by fashion, customer insight and performance
• Work directly with suppliers across samples, costings, negotiation and delivery
• Use sales, stock, margin and competitor insight to spot opportunities and support trading decisions
• Manage purchase orders and critical paths, keeping activity moving to plan
• Bring fresh thinking to creative and trading meetings, while supporting the development of a Buyer’s Admin Assistant

We’re looking for an established Assistant Buyer
, or someone ready to operate at Senior Assistant Buyer level
, with strong experience within fashion Buying and a proven track record of building and trading successful ranges. Someone who lives and breathes fashion, stays tuned into what’s happening in the market and understands the numbers behind great Buying. Confidence with suppliers, strong organisation and the ability to juggle priorities in a busy environment will all matter here.

We’re serious about quality and responsible sourcing, alongside creating a supportive and collaborative workplace where people are encouraged to take ownership and keep developing.

You can also expect:

• A day off for your birthday
• Health insurance – subject to eligibility criteria
• Employee Assistance Programme – confidential support for your health and wellbeing
• Learning & development platform – build your own learning journey with access to online training
• Lifestyle and savings discounts

Our modern Head Office is based in Lewes
, a beautiful Sussex town with great connections to Brighton and beyond, around a 10-minute walk from Lewes station, with some on-site parking available
.