Buying Talent Pool

This is an expression of interest for future opportunities, not an immediate hiring vacancy. By applying, you are joining our candidate pool and not applying for a live vacancy.

We are continually seeking passionate Buying talent across all levels, from ambitious Trainee Buyers and Assistant Buyers to experienced Buyers, to join our talent pool for future opportunities across multiple product divisions.

Our Buying teams live and breathe product! Made up of industry experts with a wealth of knowledge across Fashion, Home, and Branded partner categories, joining us means collaborating with passionate people who foster positivity and support each other to succeed.

Playing a central role in range creation, you’ll collaborate with Designers, Merchandisers, Product Technologists, and Sourcing teams to develop stylish, profitable collections for every season that closely align with the brand’s DNA.

Whether you are starting on our structured training scheme learning the end-to-end product development process, supporting key categories as an Assistant Buyer, or driving strategic range development as a Buyer to grow market share, NEXT provides a platform to embrace high energy challenges in a fast paced environment.

What You’ll Take On
Depending on your level and category focus, your day-to-day will involve a combination of:

• Commercial Range Building: Developing, planning, and buying attractive, balanced product ranges across all categories to deliver agreed KPIs for sales, markdown, and profit.
• Trend & Competitor Analysis: Identifying key market trends, styles, fabrics, and colours using global influences, street culture, and competitor shop analysis to uncover new product initiatives.
• Supplier & Sourcing Management: Building strong relationships with European and Far East suppliers, negotiating costs, sourcing raw materials, and managing sample tracking.
• Critical Path Leadership: Streamlining and owning the end-to-end critical path for product selection, fitting, approvals, online photoshoots, and campaign execution.
• Digital & E-Commerce Optimisation: Partnering with E-Commerce and Marketing teams to optimise online sales through appropriate tone of voice, image curation, and digital presentation.
• Travel & Sourcing: Travelling nationally and internationally to trade shows, sourcing trips, and range sign-offs to secure the best products and prices.
• Team Leadership & Motivation: Managing, mentoring, and developing junior buyers, delegating workload effectively, and providing clear strategic direction for the department.

What You’ll Bring

• Relevant Background & Experience: A degree or academic background in Fashion/Buying (or equivalent hands-on buying experience in a fast-paced head office environment).
• Commercial Acumen & Trend Flair: An innate understanding of what sells, backed by strong analytical skills, sound knowledge of market trends, and a passion for product development.
• Bravery & Tenacity: An entrepreneurial spirit with the confidence to voice new ideas, take intelligent risks, and see initiatives through.
• Clear & Engaging Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams, present ranges confidently, and build trust with suppliers.
• Agility & Resiliency: Exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple ranges simultaneously, streamline processes, and maintain focus in a fast-paced setting.

Sponsorship
Candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship for this role will be required to meet the Home Office sponsorship requirements. For further information please see: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

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Benefits

• 25% off most NEXT, MADE*, Lipsy*, Gap* and Victoria's Secret* products (*when purchased through NEXT)
• Company performance based bonus
• Sharesave scheme
• On-site Nursery available; OFSTED outstanding in all areas
• 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty
• Early VIP access to sale stock
• Access to fantastic discounts at our Staff Shops
• Restaurants with great food at amazing prices
• Access a digital GP and other free health and wellbeing services
• Free on-site parking
• Financial Wellbeing - Save, track and enhance your financial wellbeing
• Apprenticeship - Grow and develop on the job whilst gaining a qualification
• Direct to Work - Discount online and instore, collect your items the next day for free from your place of work or local store
• Support Networks - Access to Network Groups to empower and celebrate each other
• Wellhub - Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships, with apps, PT sessions and more

Conditions apply to all benefits. These benefits are discretionary and subject to change.
We aim to support all candidates during the application process and are happy to provide workplace adjustments when necessary. Should you need support with your application due to a disability or long-term condition, feel free to get in touch with us by email [email protected] (please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call us on 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.