Assistant Retail Buyer

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

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an organized and commercially aware Assistant Retail Buyer to join their dynamic team. This role involves sourcing and managing a diverse range of products, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and optimizing stock levels. You will play a crucial role in enhancing the retail experience for guests by developing innovative collections and maintaining supplier relationships. With a focus on maximizing profitability, this position offers a unique opportunity to work in a vibrant environment surrounded by wildlife and historic landscapes. Join a passionate team dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for visitors.

Benefits

29 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays

Unlimited free entry to Longleat

Complimentary tickets to Longleat and Cheddar Gorge

50% off Annual passes for Friends and Family

Discounts on food and beverages

20% off VIP Experiences

Discretionary bonus scheme

Employee Assistant Programme

Employer contributory pension scheme

Flexible working schemes

Qualifications

• 18 months purchasing experience in a retail business.
• Understanding of sales environment and guest satisfaction drivers.

Responsibilities

• Identify and source products to maximize sales and profitability.
• Manage supplier relationships and report on department performance.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Negotiation Skills

Communication Skills

Product Development

Stock Management

Education

GCSE English & Maths

Degree Level Education

Job description

Longleat is seeking an organised and commercially aware Assistant Retail Buyer to support in maximising the profitability of Retail at Longleat.

We have an extensive array of retail outlets with products tailored to every guest's preferences, from irresistibly cuddly renditions of our beloved critters to quirky homewares, captivating historical books, and even retro sweets sure to delight the sweetest tooth. As well as maintaining stock levels, we continue to develop product ranges and implement inspiring collections for our guests at Longleat and Cheddar Gorge.

Key duties will include:

Product:

• Responsible for identifying & sourcing an optimum range of products for selected categories in line with the retail strategy, budgets, quality & price requirements.
• Assist in managing established ranges and developing new collections to maximise sales and profitability.
• Report department performance and deliver analytical information on sales to the buyer and Head of Retail identifying key sales drivers and slow movers and present action plans to maximise sales or clear slow sellers whist achieving overall budgeted cost of sales.
• Place orders to maintain optimum stock levels of established ranges including stock forecasting.
• Maintain the integrity of EPOS data – inventory management.
• Understand quality and safety standards to ensure all products are compliant.
• Attend trade shows and collaborate with the buyer on new product ideas and ranges.

Job vacancies:

• Negotiate and agree terms and conditions with new and existing suppliers to continuously improve cost price, lead times and quality and achieve margin targets.
• Maintain relationships with existing suppliers and help to source new suppliers for future products.
• Report any significant supply problems to ensure the Buyer & Head of Dept are kept aware of any potential difficulties.

General:

• Act as a brand ambassador for Longleat ensuring that all work adheres to our brand guidelines/proposition and our vision of a Picture-Perfect site whilst performing the function required.
• To provide a guest focused service at all times ensuring that all work is completed to the highest standards of the brand.
• Represent the Company at all times by being smart in appearance and presentable whilst behaving in an appropriate manner in line with our cultural values.
• Be accountable for own development seeking out opportunities to learn new skills to continuously improve.
• Work in a responsible and safe manner at all times adhering to Health & Safety, safe working practices and Company Policies and Procedures.

About you:

• Min GCSE English & Maths grade C. Ideally educated to degree level or equivalent.
• At least 18 months purchasing / product development experience within a retail business in a fast-paced environment.
• Some commercial experience in relatable categories such as toys, fashion, gift and souvenir ranges.
• Must demonstrate a good understanding of the sales environment and appropriate gift ranges for a seasonal, brand specific leisure attraction.
• Experience of range building, product and supplier management and an understanding of the drivers for guest satisfaction.
• Some experience of price negotiation.
• Experience managing stock levels.

You will bring:

• A passion for product balanced with commercial acumen.
• A clear understanding & experience of sales & profit variables with excellent numerical and analysis capability.
• An understanding for innovation and creativity.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

A little about us:

At Longleat we offer a day out like no other, our guests are invited to step into the Thynn family home where they will find the finest example of Elizabethan Architecture. They are also immersed into the wild side, where they can visit over 120 species of animals by car, foot, train, bus, and boat.

With a core business of around 1 million guests every year, we are passionate about providing unforgettable experiences that bring family and friends together to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Our values:

At Longleat, we believe in engaging and inspiring our employees, putting people first, taking accountability, continuously improving, and acting with integrity. We invite everyone who works with us to subscribe to these values, as they truly set us apart as a place to work.

Why join the Longleat team?

In this unique work environment, you will be surrounded by historic landscapes and listed buildings, all whilst listening to our lions roar and wolves howl. You will even have the opportunity to visit our adorable Koalas and cheeky meerkats during your lunch break.

You will receive a rate of £30,000 per annum, in addition to a range of attractive benefits that include:

• 29 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays.
• Unlimited free entry to Longleat for our employees.
• Complimentary tickets to Longleat and Cheddar Gorge and Caves, 18 per annum pro rata.
• 50% off Annual passes for Friends and Family.
• Discounts on food and beverages and retail merchandise.
• 20% off VIP Experiences, 10% off Accommodation.
• Discretionary bonus scheme.
• Employee Assistant Programme.
• Employer contributory pension scheme.
• Perks at work.
• Range of flexible working schemes.

Your contract:

You will be on a 37.5 hour contract. Working days will be predominantly Monday – Friday, but with flexibility to work weekends, evenings and bank holidays as required.

Please note that if you are NOT a passport holder of the country for the vacancy you might need a work permit. Check our Blog for more information.