Assistant Buyer
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Job Summary
Location
London UK
Type
Full-Time Permanent
Welcome to Motel
Our story began during a road trip in the 1990s where our founders Will and Andy travelled across America collecting vintage items while living out of motels. They started purchasing vintage clothing in the USA and selling it wholesale which eventually led to the creation of stores. From there they began designing reworked vintage pieces and thus Motel was born.
Over 30 years and a team of 200 people later every piece of clothing we make is created with the same spirit of fun freedom and adventure as the road trip that first defined the brand. Were still ambitious and independent but now were a global team - we work from an operational base in Worcester a design studio in London and a creative studio in Bali.
The role
As Motels Assistant Buyer youll support the delivery of a commercially strong on-brand and cohesive product range working closely with the Buy and wider product teams to ensure ranges launch on time and to a high standard. This role contributes directly to our commercial performance through accurate data management supplier coordination trading insight and margin support.
Main tasks & responsibilities
Range Development & Trading Insight
Conduct monthly deep-dive reviews on each range analysing top performers underperformers and key trading insights
Maintain and update the visual range plan reflecting movements cancellations and late changes
Assist with all pricing-related tasks and provide support with margin calculations to ensure products meet financial targets
Sample & critical path management
Manage all samples including tracking organisation movement and communication to suppliers
Prepare samples for fittings meetings shoots and seasonal sign-offs in line with development timelines
Maintain smooth critical path operations and assist buyers during key milestones and launches
Track the buy plan providing weekly updates on progress
Coordinate sending and returning samples for e-commerce shoots and content creation
Denim support
Maintain and update the denim development tracker to monitor samples production timelines and fabric details
Prepare the denim development slide for internal range reviews and seasonal meetings
Participate in denim fit sessions to assess garment fit comfort and proportion providing movement and fit feedback
Provide administrative support to the denim team including scheduling meeting preparation and ad-hoc tasks
Supplier & cross-functional coordination
Support onboarding of new suppliers and categories ensuring all product information documentation and processes are completed accurately
Confidently communicate daily with suppliers to chase samples clarify queries and resolve issues
Help support the Wholesale team by suggesting move-on product based on best sellers
Operational excellence
Carry out styling checks on all new-in shoot imagery
Assist with tracking key commercial moments ensuring the range remains cohesive and fully mapped from concept through to launch
About you
Wed love to hear from you if you have:
12 years experience in a BA or Junior AB role within a fast-paced fashion environment
Strong product eye with genuine interest in youth culture trends and commercial buying
Confident communicator with strong supplier management skills
Good Excel skills strong administrative accuracy and comfort interpreting trading data
Demonstrated experience working to tight deadlines within an agile trading environment
Highly organised proactive and adaptable to change
Strong attention to detail with a rigorous methodical approach
Whats in it for you
Competitive salary in line with industry benchmarking
3% employer pension contribution 5% employee contribution as standard
33 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays with additional days for long service
Birthday day off
Team socials and meetups
Monthly well-being activities to support
Tailored progression pathways
A thorough EAP scheme offering financial legal and health support
Access to professional support & mentoring
Bonus Scheme for all employees paid out twice a year
Motel 50% discount
Motel is a growth mentality company
Motel Rocks Group Ltd is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Key Skills
- Microsoft Office
- Purchasing
- Organizational skills
- AS400
- Math
- Pricing
- Analysis Skills
- Merchandising
- Microsoft Excel
- Retail Math
- Administrative Experience
- negotiation
