Role Overview
The Junior Buyer is responsible for supporting the delivery of a commercial, trend-focused product range that aligns with Frolic's brand strategy. This role manages key elements of the buying process, including costing, range planning, supplier communication, fit sessions, and cross-functional collaboration. The Junior Buyer will work closely with the Design, Merchandising, and Production teams, while engaging directly with suppliers to ensure high-quality, on-brand product.
Key Responsibilities
Costing & Supplier Management
· Negotiate all product costings across the department, covering approximately:
100 styles per month × 10 months + 6 × 50 swim and beachwear styles
· Work closely with the China team and directly with selected global suppliers to manage development, pricing, and production.
· Ensure competitive margins and timely decision-making throughout the product lifecycle.
Range Building & Pricing
· Propose RRPs using Frolic's established pricing architecture.
· Maintain and update the range plan tool, ensuring accuracy and alignment with commercial targets.
· Provide clear, actionable range feedback to Designers to support development and trend direction.
· Manage direction and alignment for the ASOS range, ensuring suitability and commerciality for the account.
Product Development & Process Management
· Attend weekly fit sessions (approx. 6 hours per week) to support product quality, fit consistency, and on-brand execution.
· Ensure full adherence to the critical path, escalating risks or delays as needed.
· Support fabric approvals in partnership with Design and Technical teams, ensuring suitability for end use.
· Resolve and support critical path queries with China and Turkey, maintaining smooth development flow.
· Prepare for and participate in Customer product calls for every collection, aligning product with market needs.
Trading & Reporting
· Contribute to seasonal and in-season range analysis, identifying opportunities based on performance and trend for the customer.
· Support preparation for key meetings, sharing data, insights, and recommendations.
Travel
· Attend buying trips as required, supporting supplier meetings, sourcing, and product development.
Requirements
· Experience as an Assistant Buyer or established Junior Buyer within fashion; multi-product experience advantageous.
· Strong negotiation skills with experience costing across multiple suppliers or regions.
· Solid understanding of product development, garment construction, and fit.
· Highly organised with resilience in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
· Excellent communication skills and confidence engaging with suppliers and internal teams.
· Commercial mindset with the ability to interpret performance and identify opportunities.
Benefits
* Birthday day off
* 25-day holiday
* Flexible hours
* Vibrant team
* 40% off staff discount
* Team socials
* Competitions
* Hybrid working - 4 days in the Altrincham office