Assistant Buyer

Smallworld Accessories Limited; Lewes; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A retail accessories company in Lewes is seeking an Assistant Buyer to support buying processes and manage supplier relations. Candidates should have strong organizational skills, a keen eye for trends, and proficiency in Excel. This full-time position offers a salary of £27,000 - £29,000 and includes various benefits like sick pay and a pension scheme. Join a dynamic team and grow your buying career with us!

Benefits

Company Sick Pay (after 6 months' service)

Workplace Pension

Extra day of annual leave for your birthday

Employee Assistance Program

Lifestyle discounts and wellbeing support

Training support and personalized training

Extra day of annual leave for your birthday

Qualifications

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills and a proactive mindset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.

Responsibilities

• Support the Buyer with day-to-day buying processes.
• Act as the go-to for Buying Admin Assistants.
• Manage the sampling process.
• Work closely with suppliers and internal teams.
• Help build seasonal ranges and support trade meetings.
• Contribute to product development and trend research.
• Get involved in exciting buying projects.

Skills

Strong organisational skills

Excellent communication skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment

Previous experience in a buying team

Keen eye for product and commercial awareness

Passion for retail and product development

Job description

Join our amazing team at Smallworld Accessories LTD

Are you passionate about product, trends, and trading? Do you thrive in a fast‑paced retail environment, love working with products, and have a keen eye for detail? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Buyer to join our team! We believe in the power of diversity and inclusion, and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Position: Assistant Buyer

Location: Lewes

Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £27,000 - £29,000 depending on experience

Why Join Us?

At Smallworld Accessories, we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive team environment where everyone can grow and develop within the business. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills, grow professionally, and make a meaningful impact. We also offer a range of exciting benefits:

• Company Sick Pay (after 6 months' service)
• Workplace Pension
• Extra day of annual leave for your birthday and service milestones
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to our benefits platform for lifestyle discounts and wellbeing support
• Training support and access to a 'tailored to you' training hub

What We're Looking For:

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple tasks
• Excellent communication skills and a proactive, problem‑solving mindset.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite especially Excel
• Previous experience in a buying team (e.g., BAA or similar).
• A keen eye for product and commercial awareness of trends and competitors.
• Passion for retail and product development, with a drive to grow in a buying career

Key Responsibilities:

• Supporting the Buyer with day‑to‑day buying processes, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
• Acting as the go‑to person for the Buying Admin Assistants (BAAs), offering guidance and escalating any key issues.
• Managing the sampling process, ensuring best practices are followed and samples are available for key teams.
• Working closely with suppliers, internal teams, and retail partners to ensure product development and orders meet critical deadlines.
• Helping to build seasonal ranges, supporting trade meetings, and conducting competitor research to drive commercial success.
• Contributing to product development, trend research, and packaging compliance to ensure we’re ahead of the game.
• Getting involved in exciting buying projects that will develop your skills in negotiation, range building, and product development.

How to Apply:

If you're ready to join a dynamic team and embark on a rewarding career journey, shaping the future of retail. We want to hear from you! Please send your CV and a cover letter.

Smallworld Accessories is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Come be a part of something special – apply today!