Buying Assistant

Location: Head Office - A CorunaAbout the BrandNew Spanish based brand within the global retail brand NEXT whose vision is to create a high-quality wardrobe for modern and anti-conformist women.Obsessed with contrasts, the brand will offer meticulously crafted collections, with a wide understanding of femininity allowing all women to build their own identity. Inspired by French codes mixed with a fresh mediterranean touch, our designs embody versatility and boldness, always with a guiding thread: styling and playing with garments to match everyday mood and empower women. Working alongside a newly created team in Northern Spain with strong links to the UK based NEXT head office, this is an exciting opportunity to be part of a new brand launch.Role PurposeTo support the Buying and Merchandising teams with strong commercial and operational support, playing a key role in delivering an inspirational and profitable product assortment. The Buying Assistant will take ownership of key processes, contribute commercial insight, and gain hands-on exposure to supplier relationships and trading decisions.Role ResponsibilitiesManaging the Critical Path, taking ownership of key milestones and liaising closely with Buying and Merchandising teams to ensure a smooth product journey from concept to delivery. Responsible for tracking key dates and working collaboratively with internal teams and stakeholders.Managing all samples for the department, ensuring accurate execution and timely decision-making across shoots, marketing and fit sessions.Developing a strong understanding of the product range by managing fabric approvals, fit samples and shoot samples, ensuring quality and consistency.Supporting the Senior Buyer in supplier negotiations, cost price discussions and margin optimisation, building confidence in commercial decision-making and supplier relationship management.Demonstrating a strong commercial eye by conducting regular competitor and market analysis, presenting clear insights and recommendations to the Buying and Design teams on trends, pricing and retail activity.Accurately and efficiently updating and maintaining information within buying systems, with strong Excel capability and attention to detail.Supporting the Buying team with Monday trade meetings by analysing performance, identifying risks and opportunities, and contributing to actions around best and worst sellers.Presenting new reactions, opportunities and best sellers to the wider business with confidence and clarity.Demonstrating excellent organisational skills, managing time effectively and working well under pressure to meet key deadlines in a fast-paced environment.Role RequirementsSelf-motivated, driven and commercially curiousProactive, taking initiative to find practical and creative solutionsProfessional, confident and approachable, with a solutions-focused mindsetStrong ability to build and maintain collaborative relationshipsA team player who actively listens, contributes ideas and works collectivelyResilient, with the ability to perform well under pressureStrong interest in fashion combined with commercial awarenessConfident communicator with strong presentation skillsInterest in negotiation, margins and supplier relationshipsBusiness related degree