T

Assistant Category Buyer - Own Brand

THE ICONIC
Full-time
On-site
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
🎨 Brand & Creative Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Assistant Category Buyer - Own Brand

πŸ”Ή Company: THE ICONIC

πŸ”Ή Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid

πŸ”Ή Category: Retail, Fashion, E-commerce

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: April 30, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 2-5 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site with hybrid options

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Supporting the purchasing and procurement of goods
  • Assisting in achieving sales growth and managing inventory levels
  • Evaluating vendor performance and collaborating across departments
  • Negotiating favorable terms and conditions for contracts
  • Identifying vendor supply chain challenges and resolving issues

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the retail industry, vendor management, and data analysis to drive sales growth and ensure efficient operations.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Supporting the Category Buyer in strategic planning and budget management

βœ… Assisting in the procurement of goods and managing inventory levels

βœ… Evaluating vendor performance and assisting in the selection and deactivation process

βœ… Negotiating favorable terms and conditions for contracts

βœ… Identifying vendor supply chain challenges and resolving issues

βœ… Collaborating across departments to ensure timely deliveries

βœ… Resolving any issues or discrepancies with orders, invoices, or deliveries

βœ… Supporting the Category Buyer in product and design development

βœ… Managing the critical path from product conception to delivery to the fulfillment center

βœ… Supporting the Category Buyer in cost price negotiations and margin management

βœ… Sample tracking and management, including pre-shoot sample and styling notes handover

βœ… Supporting the Category Buyer in the selection, development, and sourcing of fabrications, colors, trims, etc.

βœ… Attending fitting sessions to support the Buyer and GT

βœ… Assisting the Category Buyer with Monday morning trade analysis and commentary

βœ… Confirming and securing late fee payment processes with vendors

βœ… Reviewing best and worst product reports and providing key findings to the Category Buyer

βœ… Running performance reports for internal meetings

βœ… Assisting the Category Buyer with SWOT analysis

βœ… Building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers

βœ… Ranging product for certain categories to present back to the Buyer for development

βœ… Managing and populating weekly marketing SKU lists

βœ… Assisting in completing the marketing monthly priorities alongside the Buyer

βœ… Monitoring product going live, suggesting reshoots and changes where required

βœ… Conducting comp shops/store visits and sharing key products/trends/execution with the team

βœ… Maintaining e-comm styling brand briefing and customer profile brand doc

βœ… Populating re-shoot doc based on informed metrics

βœ… Assisting the Category Buyer with range monthly range presentations and marketing previews

βœ… Ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures and industry regulations

βœ… Managing the vendor admin to ensure accuracy

βœ… Using clear customer focus to identify opportunities for improvements for the customer onsite experience

βœ… Analyzing data, interpreting trends, and proposing informed decisions based on data

βœ… Identifying cost savings opportunities

βœ… Building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, working collaboratively to achieve mutual goals and foster partnerships

βœ… Developing relationships with internal key stakeholders such as Marketing, Vendor Management, Operations, and Finance

βœ… Communicating effectively and concisely

βœ… Adapting to changes in the market and industry, being open to learning new skills and approaches

βœ… Undertaking any other duties as reasonably required by management

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of multitasking, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills to manage various responsibilities and deadlines effectively.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Fashion, Retail, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience in product development or as an assistant buyer

Required Skills:

  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
  • Ability to manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment
  • Proficient in Jira, Excel, BI, and BC, with knowledge of API integrations and platform software preferred
  • Knowledge of industry regulations and compliance requirements

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with fashion or retail-specific software tools
  • Fluency in additional languages

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with relevant industry experience and a proven track record of driving sales growth and managing inventory levels will be prioritized.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000 AUD per year (based on experience level and industry standards for the role)

Benefits:

  • Hybrid working options
  • Learning and development opportunities
  • Parental leave and extra day off for child's first day at school
  • Birthday bliss with paid day off and ICONIC voucher
  • Staff discounts and exclusive ICONITE sample sales
  • Discounted gym memberships and wellbeing programs
  • Employee assistance program
  • Volunteer days with charity partner, Thread Together
  • Referral program with rewards

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal compensation structure.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Retail, Fashion, E-commerce

Company Size: Medium (501-1,000 employees)

Founded: 2011, Sydney, NSW

Company Description:

  • THE ICONIC has redefined the future of retail in Australia and New Zealand
  • Leading fashion, sports, and lifestyle e-commerce destination
  • Committed to providing a seamless and inspiring customer experience

Company Specialties:

  • Online Retail
  • Fashion
  • E-commerce
  • Start-up
  • Innovation
  • Technology
  • Engineering
  • Digital
  • Apparel & Accessories
  • Retail
  • Online
  • Internet
  • Customer Service
  • Creative & Production
  • and Marketing

Company Website: http://www.theiconic.com.au/opportunities/

ASSUMPTION: THE ICONIC is a fast-growing, innovative company with a strong focus on technology, customer experience, and data-driven decision-making.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level (2-5 years of experience)

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Category Buyer

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (on-site with flexible remote work options)

Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential progression to Category Buyer or similar roles
  • Broad exposure to various aspects of retail and e-commerce operations
  • Opportunities to develop skills in vendor management, data analysis, and strategic planning

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for candidates looking to advance their careers in retail, fashion, or e-commerce.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (on-site with flexible remote work options)

Office Location(s): Level 18, 338 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, AU

Geographic Context:

  • Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
  • Diverse and multicultural city
  • Vibrant fashion and retail scene

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexible remote work options

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing employees to optimize their work environment based on their preferences and needs.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application submission
  • Phone or video screen with the Talent Acquisition team
  • Behavioral and technical interviews with the hiring manager and team members
  • Final round with the Category Buyer or relevant stakeholder

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Problem-solving skills and analytical thinking
  • Communication and negotiation skills
  • Industry knowledge and passion for fashion and retail
  • Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced environment

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
  • Demonstrate your understanding of THE ICONIC's brand, values, and company culture
  • Prepare examples of your problem-solving skills, data analysis, and vendor management experiences
  • Showcase your passion for fashion, retail, and e-commerce

ATS Keywords: Assistant Category Buyer, Product Development, Vendor Management, Data Analysis, Retail, Fashion, E-commerce, Negotiation, Problem Solving, Hybrid Work

ASSUMPTION: THE ICONIC uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage and streamline the recruitment process. Including relevant keywords in your application materials can help ensure your resume is properly scanned and considered for the role.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Jira
  • Excel
  • BI
  • BC
  • API integrations
  • Platform software
  • Fashion or retail-specific software tools (if applicable)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with the listed tools and technologies is essential for success in this role. Candidates with experience using these tools in a retail or e-commerce context will be prioritized.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Customer-centric
  • Innovative
  • Collaborative
  • Data-driven
  • Agile

Work Style:

  • Fast-paced and dynamic
  • Team-oriented and collaborative
  • Adaptable and resilient
  • Data-driven and analytical
  • Customer-focused and passionate about fashion and retail

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and consumer behavior in the fashion and retail sectors?
  • Can you provide an example of a time when you had to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively in a fast-paced environment?
  • How do you approach building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, and working collaboratively to achieve mutual goals?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with THE ICONIC's values and work style, and can demonstrate a strong understanding of the fashion and retail industries, will be well-suited to this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing a high volume of tasks and responsibilities
  • Working with tight deadlines and competing priorities
  • Navigating a fast-paced and ever-changing retail environment
  • Dealing with vendor-related challenges and issues
  • Adapting to new tools, technologies, and processes

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who can thrive in a dynamic and challenging work environment, and have a proven track record of managing multiple priorities and deadlines effectively, will be best suited to this role.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • Assistant Category Buyer vs. Junior Category Buyer: Assistant Category Buyer focuses more on supporting the Category Buyer in day-to-day tasks and vendor management, while Junior Category Buyer may have more autonomy and responsibility for strategic planning and decision-making.
  • Assistant Category Buyer vs. Product Development Coordinator: Assistant Category Buyer has a broader scope of responsibilities, including vendor management and inventory control, while Product Development Coordinator focuses primarily on product design, sourcing, and sampling.
  • Assistant Category Buyer vs. Demand Planner: Assistant Category Buyer focuses on vendor management and inventory control, while Demand Planner is responsible for forecasting sales, managing inventory levels, and optimizing product assortment based on data analysis.

ASSUMPTION: Understanding the differences between similar roles in the retail and e-commerce industries can help candidates identify the best fit for their career goals and skill sets.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and implementing a new vendor onboarding process to streamline communication and reduce errors
  • Analyzing sales data to identify trends and optimize product assortment for a specific category
  • Collaborating with the marketing team to create targeted campaigns and promotions for key products
  • Negotiating favorable terms and conditions with vendors to improve profit margins and reduce costs
  • Managing the critical path for a new product launch, from conception to delivery to the fulfillment center

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who can provide concrete examples of their problem-solving skills, data analysis, and vendor management experiences will be well-positioned to succeed in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
  • How does this role fit into the broader category buying strategy and THE ICONIC's overall commercial strategy?
  • What are the most challenging aspects of working with vendors, and how can I best support the Category Buyer in managing these relationships?
  • How does THE ICONIC approach data-driven decision-making, and what tools and resources will I have access to for data analysis?
  • What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within THE ICONIC, and specifically within the category buying team?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to success.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
  • Prepare examples of your problem-solving skills, data analysis, and vendor management experiences
  • Showcase your passion for fashion, retail, and e-commerce
  • Follow up with the Talent Acquisition team one week after submission, if you haven't heard back

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.