Assistant Buyer - Confectionary

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the UK is seeking an Assistant Buyer to support the Buyer in category management and product launches. This role involves managing multiple tasks, communicating across teams, and contributing to a dynamic environment. The ideal candidate will be organized, adaptable, and a strong communicator, ready to take on challenges in product development and market analysis.

Benefits

Up to 40% store and restaurant discount

25 days holiday plus your birthday off

Subsidised staff restaurant

Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Qualifications

• Experience in a dynamic environment.
• Detail-oriented with a passion for quality.

Responsibilities

• Support new product development from conception to launch.
• Analyse sales performance and product costs.
• Develop effective cross-functional relationships.

Skills

Planning

Communication

Adaptability

Organisational Skills

Teamwork

Problem Solving

Job description

The Assistant Buyer is responsible for supporting the Buyer in all areas of category management.

This role plays a vital part in supporting the end-to-end process of developing and launching new products.

Your key objective is to support the buyer in delivering the department strategy, exceeding all financial targets, and managing the day-to-day tasks of trading the category. You will provide essential administrative support and contribute to a dynamic and creative category environment.

Key Skills and Attributes:

• Ability to look ahead and plan
• Clear and effective communicator
• Adaptable and flexible to changing priorities
• Ability to focus and make progress with multiple deadlines
• Organised and able to prioritise and manage own and others' time
• Proven ability to persuade, influence, and develop successful relationships; a natural team player

Reporting Lines:

Reports to: Confectionery Buyer

Direct Reports: Confectionery Buying Assistant

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the new product development process from idea conception to launch, managing and updating the critical path to ensure timely launches.
• Communicate progress on new launches across teams and conduct product training in-store when new products are launched.
• Focus on owning and delivering launches for seasonal campaigns, identifying trends, building product ranges, and collaborating with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure accuracy in data management and entry across systems and range plans.
• Analyse sales performance, product costs, retail pricing, and margins; run weekly trade reports for analysis with the buyer.
• Carry out market reviews, share ideas for new products, and demonstrate a passion for food, innovation, and understanding of the market and competitors.
• Develop and maintain effective cross-functional relationships within Fortnum’s and with the supply base.
• Support the management and development of the confectionery assistant buyer.

Management Areas:

• NPD
• Margin/ROI
• Ranging
• Negotiation
• Product Knowledge
• Problem Solving

Experience and Behaviours:

• Experience working in a dynamic, changing environment
• Organised, forward-thinking, resilient, adaptable
• Team player capable of managing own and others' time
• Excellent communicator, confident influencer
• Detail-oriented
• Problem solver with systematic and creative approaches
• Quick learner with a passion for quality and branding
• Capable of managing multiple tasks with a positive, proactive attitude
• Balance between organisation and creativity

We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that supports career development for all, regardless of background or identity. Our team has been recognized for outstanding contributions across various sectors.

In return, we offer:

• Up to 40% store and restaurant discount
• 25 days holiday plus your birthday off
• Subsidised staff restaurant using Fortnum’s ingredients
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth