Assistant Buyer

Lakeland; Windermere; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Lakeland is seeking an Assistant Buyer for their Windermere head office. This fixed-term role until March 2026 involves managing product setups, negotiations, and supporting various teams to ensure operational excellence in a fast-paced environment. Ideal candidates should possess strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and retail experience.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Discretionary bonus

Pension scheme

29 days’ holiday

Employee discounts

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Experience in buying offices or retail environments.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative.
• Understanding of prioritizing workload and meeting deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage new products through setup and compliance.
• Negotiate with suppliers for the best outcomes.
• Support multiple teams with product-related queries.

Skills

Effective communication

Planning and organizational skills

Strong numerical skills

Problem-solving skills

Negotiation skills

Ability to multitask

Education

GCSE English & Maths Grade 4/C

Educational qualification at ‘A’ level or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

Job description

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Fixed Term until March 2026 - 39 hours per week

Job Overview

We're looking for an Assistant Buyer to work in our Buying department at our head office in Windermere. You will:

• Be responsible for the setup and progression of all new/updated products into the business, including testing, legal compliance, Lakeland quality standards, instructions, packaging design, price negotiation, payment terms, MOQs, and delivery requirements. Negotiate as necessary to achieve the best outcomes for Lakeland.
• Support new suppliers to understand Lakeland's high standards and customer expectations.
• Assist the marketing team by ensuring copy notes and samples are prepared on time. Present new and updated products at Product Awareness Meetings with relevant teams.
• Support retail and contact centre teams with product-related queries.
• Respond promptly to customer queries and issues regarding products.
• Ensure all new lines have the correct testing certificates and compliance documentation, as advised by a technologist.
• Assist with New Product Development (NPD) by collating suggestions and coordinating innovations, providing administrative and communication support.
• Brief packaging requirements to meet design briefs and guidelines, ensuring they are informative, supportive, and visually appealing.

Job Purpose

As an Assistant Buyer, you will work closely with the Buyer to manage new products through setup and compliance until they arrive at our Distribution Centre in Kendal. You will exemplify Lakeland's values and behaviors, ensuring excellent service and operational standards.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Essential – the ‘must haves’

• Effective communication skills, able to deal diplomatically at all levels internally and externally.
• Experience or knowledge of buying offices or retail environments.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills to meet deadlines.
• Strong numerical skills with accuracy in data handling.
• Understanding of the importance of deadlines and ability to prioritize workload.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-interruption environment.
• Creative and innovative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative.
• Proven negotiation skills.
• Proficiency with Outlook and Microsoft Excel.
• GCSE English & Maths Grade 4/C or equivalent.
• Ability to multitask.

Desirable – the ‘nice to haves’

• Knowledge of Lakeland products.
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Understanding of multi-channel retail business and an interest in products.
• Educational qualification at ‘A’ level or equivalent.

Additional Information

This is a fixed-term role until March 2026, working 39 hours per week, hybrid (minimum 3 days at Windermere head office).

About Lakeland: Founded in the 1960s in Windermere, we now operate nationwide with over 4,000 products, and our own stores and distribution centers.

Benefits include a competitive salary, discretionary bonus, pension scheme, 29 days’ holiday, discounts, and a supportive team environment.