Assistant Buyer

AO RETAIL LIMITED; Bolton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A retail company in Bolton is looking for an Assistant Buyer to support product range development in the cooking category. You will work with global brands, track competitor activity, and assist in negotiations with suppliers. This role offers a chance to learn in a collaborative team environment with a range of benefits, including generous holiday entitlement and health perks.

Benefits

25 days’ holidays plus bank holidays

Health & wellbeing support

Exclusive discounts

On-site perks like free parking

Qualifications

• Strong experience with Excel and analytical skills.
• Experience in a buying/trading/supply chain role is an advantage.
• Ability to work well under pressure, prioritise, and meet tight time-scales.
• Passionate and confident in standing up for what is right for AO and our customers.
• A drive and desire to pursue a career in a fast-paced retail environment.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all products have correct details, specifications, images, and videos.
• Track competitor activity and suggest improvements.
• Support buyer in creating an inspiring product range.
• Update promotional plans in collaboration with marketing and supply chain.
• Keep systems updated with correct prices.
• Build relationships internally and externally for commercial opportunities.
• Assist Buyer in negotiating with suppliers.
• Attend range reviews with brands.

Skills

Analytical skills

Excel proficiency

Ability to work under pressure

Interpersonal skills

Job description

Role Overview

Kick Start Your Career as an Assistant Buyer at AO! As an Assistant Buyer in our Cooking category, you'll help shape a product range packed with the latest must‑have items that customers will love. This isn't just a job – it's your chance to learn the ropes of buying, work with leading global brands, and develop the skills that will set you up for a future as a Buyer. You'll be part of a supportive, encouraging, and fun team in our Bolton office, where collaboration and growth go hand in hand. If you're ambitious, curious, and ready to make an impact, this is the perfect opportunity to start your journey in the world of buying! Closing date Monday 1st December. If shortlisted, interviews are scheduled for 9th and 10th December. We celebrate diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, races, genders, ages, religions, abilities, and sexual orientations.

Responsibilities

• Take pride in ensuring all products are set up with the correct details, specifications, images and videos to offer the best journey for our customers.
• Track competitor activity and offer suggestions to improve category performance.
• Use sales and market information to support the buyer in creating an inspiring product range that is relevant to the market and achieves department goals.
• Update and implement the promotional plan, collaborating with marketing and supply chain on successful launches.
• Keep all systems up to date with correct prices and investigate any discrepancies with urgency.
• Establish and build strong relationships internally and externally to deliver the best commercial opportunities.
• Assist the Buyer in negotiating with suppliers.
• Attend range reviews with brands to discuss strategy and interact with products.

Qualifications

• Strong experience with Excel and analytical skills.
• Experience in a buying/trading/supply chain role is an advantage.
• Ability to work well under pressure, prioritise, and meet tight time‑scales.
• Passionate and confident in standing up for what is right for AO and our customers.
• A drive and desire to pursue a career in a fast‑paced retail environment.

Benefits

• 25 days’ holidays plus bank holidays (increasing to 27 days after 2 years with us).
• Pension: Contribute 5% of your annual salary and we’ll match it.
• VIP at the AO Arena – opportunities to win free tickets and pre‑sale access.
• Health & wellbeing: discounted gym membership, onsite spa, and our Help @ Hand scheme providing virtual GP’s, mental health support and more.
• Exclusive discounts across our product range.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
• 2 fully paid days a year to donate your time to any charity of your choice.
• On‑site perks: free parking, complimentary breakfast and a coffee at a subsidised Starbucks.