Assistant Buyer

Cotswold Outdoor Group; England; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading outdoor equipment retailer in the United Kingdom is seeking an Assistant Buyer to help develop and manage product ranges. Successful candidates will support seasonal planning, analyze market trends, and negotiate with suppliers to deliver optimal outdoor products. The role requires retail buying experience, a passion for the outdoors, and strong analytical abilities. The position offers a starting salary of £26,000 - £28,000, hybrid working options, and various employee benefits including generous holiday and discounts.

Benefits

Starting salary of £26,000 - £28,000

Yearly bonus of up to £1,500

Hybrid working options

33 days holiday

Staff discounts of 40-60%

Savings on everyday essentials through perks hub

Qualifications

• Experience as an Assistant Buyer in retail is essential.
• Ability to analyze data and market trends effectively.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across teams.

Responsibilities

• Support the Buyer in seasonal range planning.
• Analyze performance and market trends.
• Assist with supplier negotiations to ensure value and quality.
• Help prepare seasonal presentations and product selections.
• Manage samples and support photoshoots.

Skills

Retail buying experience

Commercially minded

Data-driven

Strong negotiation skills

Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint

Ability to thrive in fast-paced environment

Job description

At Cotswold Outdoor Group, the outdoors isn't just where we work, it's who we are. Every day, our head office teams play a vital role in helping people get outside, explore more, and experience the world around them.

We're looking for an Assistant Buyer (Outdoor Equipment) to join our journey. From tents and sleeping bags to waterbottles and camping stoves, you'll help shape the ranges that empower our customers to adventure with confidence. This role goes beyond the numbers — it's about understanding outdoor enthusiasts, anticipating trends, and bringing the best equipment to market.

We're currently based in Kemble but will be moving to central Swindon in Spring 2026 - just a short walk from the train station and the new bus boulevard. It's an exciting next step in our adventure, and a chance for you to be part of it from the very start. You can take a look at our new location here: 1 Newbridge Square, Swindon.

About Us

We believe life's better when it's lived outdoors. From hiking and wild swimming to simply stepping away from the screen, nature helps us feel alive.

At our head office, every role helps make those adventures possible. Whether it's shaping our systems, supporting our teams or driving key initiatives, you'll play a vital part in helping people get outside and explore more.

We're part of the Cotswold Outdoor Group, including Runners Need and Snow + Rock, offering trusted brands, expert advice, and a commitment to protecting the planet.

Whether it's your first step or your next move, you'll find opportunities to learn, grow, and be part of something bigger.

How will you make an impact?

• Supporting the Buyer in seasonal range planning, from concept to sign-off, ensuring we meet customer needs and commercial goals
• Analysing performance, monitoring sales and market trends, and making data-led recommendations for future seasons
• Assisting with supplier negotiations, ensuring the best mix of value, quality, and innovation across our outdoor equipment ranges
• Helping to prepare and deliver seasonal presentations, line reviews, and product selections
• Managing samples, organising range reviews and supporting photoshoots to bring our products to life
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams including Merchandising, Marketing, and Retail Operations to deliver a seamless customer experience
• Representing the Buyer when required, attending store visits, trade fairs, and supplier meetings across the UK and Europe

You’ll fit right in if…

• You have experience as an Assistant Buyer in retail
• You're commercially minded, data-driven, and stay ahead of market trends
• You're confident communicating and collaborating across teamsYou have strong negotiation skills and a sharp analytical eye
• You're highly organised and thrive in a fast-paced environment
• You're proficient in Excel and PowerPoint, and comfortable presenting ideas clearly
• You share our passion for the outdoors and believe in its power to inspire and connect people

What’s in it for you?

Joining our team means more than just getting paid a salary, it's about being part of a workplace that values you, your growth and your wellbeing.

You’ll Enjoy

• Starting salary of £26,000 - £28,000 with a yearly bonus of up to £1,500
• Hybrid working options to support your work-life balance
• 33 days holiday allowing you to recharge and explore the outdoors
• Staff discounts of 40-60% across our full range of outdoor brands
• Savings on everyday essentials including groceries, travel, fitness, and entertainment through our perks hub

Applications from all genders and backgrounds encouraged

We welcome applications from all genders, backgrounds, and experiences. Diverse teams make us stronger, helping us learn, grow, and create a place where everyone belongs.

We want to hear your voice so encourage you to write your own application and use AI tools sparingly. We're looking for honesty, authenticity, and a real sense of who you are. Applications that feel generic or AI-generated may not stand out.

This advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications, so don't wait too long to apply.