Assistant Buyer - Gifting & Accessories

FASHION PERSONNEL; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A creative organisation in London is seeking a freelance assistant/junior buyer for a temporary position. The role involves product development across gifting and homeware, managing the product lifecycle, and collaborating with teams to ensure product quality and alignment. Candidates should have buying experience, strong organisational skills, and an eye for detail. This role offers competitive hourly pay and holiday entitlement.

Benefits

Competitive hourly rate

Paid holiday entitlement

Pension scheme opportunity

Qualifications

• Prior experience in a buying/product development role, ideally in gifts or stationery.
• Strong knowledge of sourcing and production processes.
• Confident managing timelines and multiple product categories.
• A strong eye for product aesthetics and attention to detail.
• Commercially minded with creativity and margin considerations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver seasonal product ranges.
• Manage the product lifecycle from concept to delivery.
• Collaborate with internal teams for product alignment.
• Support packaging development and ensure accuracy.
• Research trends and inform product direction.

Skills

Buying experience

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Problem-solving skills

Commercial awareness

Tools

Microsoft Office

Microsoft NAV

Job description

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.

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.

The role:

• 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.

The candidate:

• 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.

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

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