Assistant Buyer

Glu Recruit LTD; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK-based value retailer is looking for an Assistant Buyer/Buyer Assistant to support the buying team. The ideal candidate will have strong negotiation and analytical skills, experience in procurement, and a good understanding of retail systems. Responsibilities include sourcing products, managing supplier accounts, and collaborating with supply chain teams. The position offers a competitive salary and numerous benefits including free onsite parking and regular social events.

Benefits

Free Onsite Parking

Regular Social Events

20 days holiday plus bank holidays

Qualifications

• Proven ability to drive cost efficiencies.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Prior experience in a buying, procurement, or similar commercial role is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct strategic cost price negotiations with suppliers.
• Identify and source high-value clearance products.
• Manage smaller supplier accounts and foster strong relationships.
• Stay informed about industry trends and market dynamics.
• Collaborate with merchandising and supply chain teams.
• Monitor sales performance and evaluate product profitability.
• Develop and maintain effective supplier relationships.
• Assist with preparation of purchase orders and compliance.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical abilities

Commercial awareness

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Proficiency in Excel

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Role: Assistant Buyer/Buyer Assistant

Salary: Up To GBP32,000

Location: Barnsley

Working Pattern: Monday - Friday

Benefits:

• Free Onsite Parking
• Regular Social Events
• 20 days holiday bank holidays

Our client are one of the UK's fastest growing value retailers. As an Assistant Buyer/Buyer Assistant, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the buying team to drive sales and profitability. This position is an excellent opportunity for a motivated and detail-oriented individual with a passion for sourcing products, negotiating costs, and delivering exceptional value to the business.

You will be part of a thriving buying team in a multi-channel business as we embark on our next stage of growth and to also adapt to an challenging market.

Duties

• Cost Price Negotiations: Conduct intense and strategic cost price negotiations with suppliers to secure the best possible deals while maintaining product quality.
• Product Sourcing: Identify and source high-value clearance products from UK and European traders, wholesalers, and other suppliers to meet business requirements.
• Account Management: Take ownership of smaller supplier accounts, fostering strong relationships and driving sales through proactive engagement and management.
• Market Awareness: Stay informed about industry trends, competitor activity/pricing, and market dynamics to identify opportunities for new product lines and value-driven sourcing strategies.
• Stock Management: Collaborate with the merchandising and supply chain teams to ensure timely stock delivery, appropriate inventory levels, and alignment with business needs.
• Data Analysis: Monitor sales performance, evaluate the profitability of products, and use insights to inform future buying decisions.
• Supplier Relationships: Develop and maintain effective relationships with suppliers, ensuring that they meet the company's standards for quality, delivery, and pricing.
• Administrative Support: Assist with the preparation of purchase orders, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with procurement processes.

Successful candidate

• Strong negotiation skills with a proven ability to drive cost efficiencies.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Commercial awareness with a good understanding of trading environments in the UK.
• Proactive and self-motivated with the ability to take initiative.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Knowledge of purchasing or retail systems is desirable.
• Prior experience in a buying, procurement, or similar commercial role is preferred.
• Familiarity with sourcing clearance products or working with UK and European suppliers is advantageous.

Glu Recruit LTD are an equal opportunities employer and are acting as a recruitment agent in the hiring of this role.

Glu Recruit LTD ensure that all qualified applicants are considered for employment in the role that they have applied for, and any other suitable opportunity that we advertise without regard to age, belief, colour, ethnic/national origin, gender identity, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or based on disability. If you require any additional support to apply for this role, or any other role that we advertise please contact us directly for assistance.