Assistant Buyer

The Company

Aspiga is a Bcorp certified responsible fashion brand leading the way in sustainable fashion from 13 stores across the South of England. Established in 2005 they are a responsible fashion brand who continue to lead the way in sustainable and ethical fashion - putting people and our planet first.

We partner with artisans and suppliers, primarily in Kenya and India, to create contemporary and stylish clothing collections for women and men using natural, organic and sustainable materials.

Aspiga is a multi-channel retailer with a successful online channel, wholesale including marketplaces and retail shops in UK and Barbados. They focus on selling ethically sourced and sustainable beachwear, clothing and accessories.

About the Job

You will join the Buying and Design team to support the Brand’s sustainable mission to develop and select product ranges, liaising with suppliers, ensuring the development process is smooth to maintain key deadlines.

• Work closely and maintain strong relationships with Senior Buyer and Product Developer to develop a trend led product range overseen by the Founder MD.
• Maintain all aspects of the critical path with the team to ensure deadlines for key dates and events are achieved.
• Managing suppliers’ production schedule and getting product cut authorisation.
• Champion the business ethics to produce and develop a range that delivers a sustainable impact.
• Ensure relevant trends are translated into product range at speed to reflect the brand and customer.
• Provide administrative support to the team including new product listings, maintenance of all internal systems with accurate information updates.
• Manage samples for all products including timely receipt for range meetings, samples checked for accuracy and stored correctly and managing all sample requests from the business.
• Support buying team in the range planning and range selection.
• Responsible managing the approval of lab dips and filing artworks, components and bulk approvals on the system.
• Work closely with Garment Tech to produce products that fit well and fulfil the brief, liaising with the suppliers and fabric manufacturers to ensure deadline are met and communications are accurate and efficient.
• Accurately create and share internal communication documents with the full information required for the wider business.
• Manage day to day supplier relationships: chasing fabrics, pricing, lab dips, components and artworks.
• Identifying opportunities for pricing, range width, competitors and product gaps, to ensure we stay ahead of our competitors within the market.
• Review market trends and analyse data to assist with the creation of the product briefs.
• Liaise with Marketing and assist in setting up relevant briefs and POS.

Candidate Requirements

• Must have experience working for a similar fashion brand, like working in a fast paced, dynamic team with strong communication skills.
• Good analytical skills
• Creativity
• Must understand full Critical Path Management
• Experience within an Assistant Buyer role
• Interest in sustainability and knowledge of best fabrics/ working practices
• The ability to recognise future trends
• Excellent commercial awareness
• Confidence and presentation skills
• Negotiation skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate at all levels
• Ability to influence effectively within the business and put across views appropriately
• Demonstrates ability to plan and implement business objectives
• Organised and the ability to work to deadlines
• Self-motivated and committed to developing your skills
• A strong team player who is a true brand and business ambassador
• Resourceful/ reactive/ and flexible; thrives on positive change
• A keen eye for detail and appreciation of great design

This employer is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within the company. They are committed to not discriminating on the basis of sex, race, marital status, disability, age, sexual orientation or religion.

Benefits

• 30 days holiday inc Bank holidays
• For each year you’re with us, you have an extra day’s holiday (up to 3 additional days)
• For your Birthday an Aspiga voucher
• Contributory pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Supporting our communities – Beach cleans & volunteer days
• Discounts on Aspiga products for you to enjoy
• Exclusive B Corp Brand discounts thru the Bhive