Buying Assistant

BUYING ASSISTANT

***Graduate / Entry Level candidates also considered***

ABOUT THE ROLE

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Buying Assistant to join a growing Product team within a business going through a significant period of transformation and growth.

We’re open to candidates at different stages of their early Buying career. You might already have some experience within a Buying, Buying Admin, Product Development or Merchandising role, or you could be a recent graduate looking to secure your first opportunity within Buying.

Either way, we’re looking for someone who is ambitious, product-focused and genuinely hungry to build a career in Buying.

Working closely with the Buyer and wider Buying & Merchandising team, you’ll gain exposure across the full product lifecycle, from initial brief through to launch.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the critical path from initial product brief through to launch, highlighting updates, deadlines and potential risks.
• Coordinating product samples, approvals and technical assessments.
• Liaising with suppliers to gather product data, specifications and other required information.
• Supporting the smooth running of orders, including product set-up, order placement, supplier assets and inspection reports.
• Maintaining accurate product, pricing and supplier information across internal systems.
• Supporting the Buyer with accurate and commercially focused website product listings.
• Completing competitor and market benchmarking to support range building and Buying decisions.
• Developing an understanding of product and range performance.
• Providing support across both the Buying and Merchandising functions.
• Building strong product knowledge and taking on increasing responsibility as your experience develops.

For someone at graduate level, this is an excellent opportunity to learn the fundamentals of Buying within a hands-on commercial environment. For someone already working within Buying or Product, there is plenty of opportunity to build on your existing experience and progress as the team grows.

ABOUT THE CANDIDATE

We’re looking for someone who is commercially curious, organised and passionate about product.

You could be:

• A recent graduate with a relevant degree such as Buying & Merchandising, Business, Product Development or a related discipline. A placement year would be advantageous but isn't essential.

OR

• An existing Buying Admin Assistant, Buying Assistant, Product Development Assistant, Purchasing Assistant or similar, looking for your next opportunity and further career progression.

Whichever route you are coming from, you'll ideally demonstrate:

• A genuine interest in non-fashion / General Merchandise products and the wider retail market.
• A strong desire to build a long-term career within Buying.
• Excellent attention to detail and a “right first time” approach.
• Strong organisation and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Confidence using Excel and learning new systems.
• Strong communication skills and confidence liaising with different teams and suppliers.
• A proactive, enthusiastic and resilient approach.
• Curiosity about products, customers, competitors and what makes a commercially successful range.

Previous Buying experience is not essential for graduate applicants – we're much more interested in your potential, attitude and genuine enthusiasm for product.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Our client is an established UK business operating within the non-fashion / General Merchandise sector and is currently going through an exciting period of significant transformation and growth.

With ambitious plans for the future, this is a great time to join the business and become part of a growing Product team.

You'll be joining an environment where you'll get genuine exposure to the Buying process, work closely with experienced team members and have the opportunity to learn, develop and progress as the business grows.

Working pattern: Full-time, office-based

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