Assistant Buyer

MCI Concrete; Manchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a proactive Assistant Buyer in a growing online retailer specializing in home furnishings and pet accessories. This role offers a chance to step up from a Buying Admin Assistant position, where you will manage supplier relationships, oversee product delivery, and collaborate with internal teams. With a focus on creativity and organization, you will play a crucial role in product development and market research, making this a perfect fit for someone eager to grow in a dynamic environment. Join a fun and friendly team and contribute to the success of a rapidly expanding business!

Benefits

Flexible Hours

Free Parking

Extensive Career Progression

Fun, Friendly Environment

Growth Opportunity

Qualifications

• 2+ years experience in a buying or product-focused role.
• Strong understanding of buying processes and sample management.

Responsibilities

• Manage the critical path and ensure deadlines are met.
• Liaise with suppliers and coordinate samples and approvals.

Skills

Supplier Relationship Management

Excel Skills

Communication Skills

Trend Spotting

Organizational Skills

Job description

Join to apply for the Assistant Buyer role at MCI Concrete

This growing online retailer, specializing in home furnishings, textiles, clothing, and pet accessories, is seeking an Assistant Buyer. Reporting into a Senior Buyer, this is an exciting opportunity for a proactive and detail-oriented individual ready to step up from a Buying Admin Assistant position. You will work across a diverse product range in clothing and pet accessories, playing a key role in product delivery, development, and supplier relationships.

Your responsibilities will include managing the critical path, coordinating samples, liaising with Far East suppliers, supporting product development, and collaborating with internal teams to ensure product readiness.

Key Responsibilities

1. Oversee and maintain the critical path, ensuring all deadlines are met.
2. Liaise with Far East suppliers, managing samples and approvals.
3. Coordinate and approve supplier submissions including fabrics, lab dips, prints, trims, and proto samples.
4. Track deliveries and samples, ensuring timely communication.
5. Support product development with trend insights and market research.
6. Collaborate with Ecommerce, Studio, and Marketing teams.
7. Conduct competitor analysis and compile reports.
8. Attend meetings and follow up on actions.
9. Ensure administrative and pre-shipment requirements are completed accurately and on time.

Skills & Experience Required

• Minimum 2 years experience in a buying or product-focused role.
• Experience managing supplier relationships, especially with Far East manufacturers.
• Strong understanding of buying processes, including sample management.
• Excellent Excel and IT skills.
• Highly organized with attention to detail.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Creative with trend-spotting abilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities.

What’s On Offer

• Flexible hours.
• Free parking.
• Extensive career progression.
• Fun, friendly environment.
• Growth opportunity in a rapidly expanding business.