Assistant Buyer - Brands - Fixed Term Contract

Job ID
Job ID 77713
Team
Team Product
Location
Location Leicester
Contract Type
Contract Type Fixed Term Contract
Job Schedule
Job Schedule Full time
Salary
Salary competitive
Posting Date
Posting Date 09/10/2026
Apply Before
Apply Before 23/10/2026
Woman pointing to mounted sock samples on a white grid wall next to hanging children's clothing items.

Summary

Working Pattern: Typically 5 days in the office, with core hours flexible between 8am-6pm.

The Role
Working across a very successful and growing department, you’ll support brand management, range selection, and trading activity across Brands. It’s a varied, fast-moving role and an exciting team to be a part of!

What You’ll Take On

You’ll be joining the Brands buying team on a maternity cover basis, offering them key support for the buying, developing and reviewing of the brand mix and ranges in the department. You’ll have key responsibilities at every stage of the process, from account management and product selection to trading the ranges in season to maximise sales opportunities – considering everything from market shifts to new and emerging fashion trends. You will be working closely and collaboratively with your merchandising team, whilst managing a Trainee Buyer to ensure the smooth running of the division.

You’ll also have the opportunity to suggest new brands to bring to the mix and put these forward to launch on the NEXT website. You’ll be responsible for accurately maintaining product systems and ensuring critical dates and deadlines are met. You’ll also build productive and strong relationships with the brands and supply base as well as provide support and development opportunities across the department.

What You’ll Bring

You’ll be established in your current role and confident to take on a new challenge. You’ll need to be commercially aware, thrive under pressure, and be confident juggling multiple priorities. A genuine interest in lingerie and a keen eye for product is a must. Experience with brands is a bonus, but we’re open to strong product-focused candidates from other areas too.

We’re a relationship-led business, so being a great communicator and team player is key. If you show potential, there’s even scope to represent the team at UK and international trade shows.

Someone with experience of managing or mentoring would be ideal, as part of this role will be managing the workload and training of the Trainee Buyer in the department.

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.

We encourage early applications for our roles, as our recruitment process begins as soon as the role is advertised. If we successfully fill the position, this advert may close earlier than planned.

At NEXT, we believe the best work happens when there are no barriers to collaboration. That’s why we are a Google-powered workspace. From your very first day, you’ll be using the full Google Workspace suite; Docs, Drive, and Meet, to stay connected and move fast.

If your previous experience is rooted in other software suites, don’t worry! We’ll point you to a digital Google toolkit the moment you join, packed with handy guides and insider tips to help you transition smoothly and hit the ground running.

#LI-Onsite

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.

What's Next?

Team Overview

This is where ideas become incredible collections. Designers, Buyers, Merchandisers, and Technologists collaborate to create products our customers love. You'll spot global trends, strategically balance our range plans and meticulously test quality so every season feels fresh, inspiring and exceptional.

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Our brands

You’ve probably heard of NEXT, but did you know about our portfolio? Every brand in our offering brings a distinct story, attitude and community. Spanning contemporary lifestyle brands, established high street names and timeless collections, together they showcase the vibrancy of today’s retail world.

About NEXT

You know Next, but did you know we're a FTSE-100 retail company employing over 44,000 people across the Next group. We're the UK's 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we're the market leader. At the last count we have over 450 stores, plus the Next Online and it's now possible to buy on-line from over 80 countries around the world! So we've gone global!

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Are you ready to take it on?

Challenges. Opportunities. The future. Let’s take it on at NEXT. 

Bring your energy

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Three colleagues smiling and working together at a table, looking at laptops, with visible NEXT branded lanyards and a modern office setting.
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