Assistant Buyer

Mountain Warehouse; London; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Mountain Warehouse, a leading outdoor retailer, is seeking an enthusiastic Assistant Buyer to join their London team. The ideal candidate will contribute to product selection and range planning while building relationships with suppliers. This role offers a competitive salary, hybrid working, and generous discounts, promoting a passion for outdoor adventure and teamwork.

Benefits

50% staff discount

Hybrid working arrangement

Qualifications

• Relevant experience at Assistant Buyer level within an own-brand retailer.
• Knowledge of competitors and ability to keep prices competitive.
• Strong skills in Excel or equivalent IT applications.

Responsibilities

• Assist in seasonal range planning and sales forecasting.
• Collaborate with Head of Buying to maximize profits.
• Manage relationships with suppliers and other departments.

Skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Market awareness

Customer focus

Time management

IT Proficiency

Job description

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Assistant Buyer

We are seeking an enthusiastic, resourceful, hardworking Assistant Buyer to grow with the company and add value to our team. Experience at an Assistant Buyer level is necessary, as is an exceptional eye for detail, the ability to develop and maintain effective relationships across all areas of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in seasonal range planning by analyzing customer buying patterns, forecasting sales, and predicting future trends. Present findings clearly in reports and presentations, including ratio calculations for size and colour.
• Buy for three key territories: UK, EU, and North America.
• Collaborate with the Head of Buying to maximize profits and offer a commercially viable merchandise range at competitive prices.
• Review stock, sales, and orders regularly, reacting promptly to meet sales, stock, and profit targets.
• Maintain relationships with suppliers.
• Coordinate with other departments to ensure project completion.
• Participate in promotional activities, identify slow-moving stock, suggest markdowns or promotions, and coordinate promotional events in-store.
• Create style books, update trim labels, fabrications, and packaging, and liaise with graphic designers to ensure brand consistency.
• Manage the critical path from product development to delivery, ensuring schedules and deadlines are met.
• Oversee sample processes, ensuring designs and fabrics meet brand standards.
• Handle lab dip and trim approvals, providing feedback to suppliers.
• Train and mentor the Buying Assistant (BAA) team member.
• Approve PTS for shipments.
• Attend fit meetings with QC, suggest improvements, and sign off samples.

Candidate Profile

• Relevant experience at Assistant Buyer level within an own-brand retailer.
• Experience managing the critical path for your department.
• Knowledge of competitors and ability to help keep MW the best value on the high street.
• Confident in suggesting product types and quantities within the budgeted OTB.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build and manage relationships with colleagues and suppliers.
• Proficient in IT, especially Excel or equivalents.
• Market-aware, understanding market trends and demand changes.
• Customer-focused, understanding needs related to price, quality, and availability.
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including hybrid working (3 days in London office and 2 days remote), 50% staff discount (25% for family and friends), and more.

At Mountain Warehouse, we’re passionate about helping customers enjoy the outdoors. We focus on sustainability and designing durable, high-quality products for adventure and exploration. We value individuality, teamwork, diversity, and inclusion, aiming to create an empowering workplace for everyone. If you’re passionate about retail, adventure, and making a difference, we’d love to hear from you!