Assistant Buyer - Gifting & Accessories

Fashion & Retail Personnel; City Of London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A cultural and creative organization in London seeks a freelance assistant/junior buyer. This role involves hands-on product development across gifting, homeware, and stationery. Candidates should have experience in buying, excellent communication skills, and a strong eye for quality. Competitive hourly rate and benefits are offered.

Benefits

Competitive hourly rate

Paid holiday entitlement

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• Prior experience in a buying/product development role within relevant industries.
• Strong knowledge of sourcing and production processes with suppliers.
• Ability to manage timelines and multiple product categories.

Responsibilities

• Develop product ranges across gifting, homeware, and stationery.
• Manage the full product lifecycle from concept to delivery.
• Collaborate with internal teams for alignment on strategies.

Skills

Product development

Sourcing

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Aesthetic judgment

Market awareness

Microsoft Office proficiency

Tools

Microsoft NAV

Job description

Job Overview

We’re looking for a freelance assistant/junior buyer to join the retail team of a cultural and creative organisation based in central London, working across a diverse range of gifts, design‑led homeware, and stationery. This is a temporary role for an initial 3 months. Suitable candidates must be immediately available and not on notice.

Role Overview

This is a hands‑on, end‑to‑end buying & product development role, working closely with cross‑functional teams and external suppliers to bring thoughtful, commercially‑minded products to life — all rooted in creativity, storytelling, and quality.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver seasonal and campaign‑based product ranges across gifting, homeware, and stationery.
• Manage the full product lifecycle — from concept and supplier briefing through to final delivery.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure product alignment with marketing, merchandising, and creative strategies.
• Support packaging development and ensure all specs, artwork, and product information are accurate and production‑ready.
• Maintain product trackers, timelines, and costings with close attention to detail and commercial awareness.
• Research trends and product innovations to inform development direction and suggest new ideas.
• Contribute to sustainability initiatives and supplier data collection where needed.

Candidate Requirements

• Prior experience in a buying/product development role, ideally within gift, stationery, accessories, and jewellery.
• Strong knowledge of sourcing and production processes, with experience working with UK and overseas suppliers.
• Confident managing timelines, critical paths, and multiple product categories simultaneously.
• Excellent communication, problem‑solving and organisational skills.
• A strong eye for product, with good aesthetic judgement and attention to quality and detail.
• Commercially minded, with the ability to balance creativity with margin and price considerations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; knowledge of Microsoft NAV is a bonus.

Compensation & Benefits

As a freelancer you will receive a competitive hourly rate, paid weekly, alongside paid holiday entitlement and the opportunity to join a pension scheme.

Apply Now

This is a temporary opportunity, likely to be filled quickly — so apply today to avoid missing out!