Buying Assistant

TN United Kingdom; Chesterfield; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in home décor is seeking a Buying Assistant to join their dynamic team. This role involves managing product launches, maintaining supplier relationships, and conducting market analysis to drive buying decisions. The ideal candidate will possess proven buying experience, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in critical path management tools. If you are detail-oriented and passionate about products, this is an exciting opportunity to grow within a supportive environment that values progression and offers excellent transport links and free parking.

Benefits

Free parking

Close to transport links

Progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in buying with strong critical path management skills.
• Analytical mindset with excellent communication and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage product launches from concept to delivery, ensuring timelines are met.
• Conduct range analysis using sales data to identify buying opportunities.

Skills

Buying experience

Critical path management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Proficiency in Excel

Project management tools

Tools

Excel

PLM systems

Project management tools

Job description

Job Opportunity: Buying Assistant

An excellent opportunity for a Buying Assistant to work for a leading home décor business with over 40 years of experience, offering products such as beds, chairs, cushions, and throws. Due to growth, they are seeking a Buying Assistant.

Job Description

1. Develop and manage the critical path for all product launches, including own label, ensuring timelines are met from concept to delivery.
2. Track product progress across supply chain stages, maintaining communication between suppliers and customers.
3. Manage progress of gold seal tracking, packing approval, customer range review samples, etc.
4. Identify and resolve delays proactively to keep projects on schedule.
5. Create and update spec files for all products for the QC team and critical path management.
6. Manage photography samples and track them according to the studio timeline.
7. Support with costing sheets for quotes, including photographs for the sales team.
8. Assist the buyer with supplier communication regarding pricing, lead times, MOQs, while maintaining quality and margin goals.
9. Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers through daily communication.
10. Conduct range analysis using sales data; create reports on sell-through, profitability, product category mix, and SKU counts to identify buying opportunities and prevent overstock or understock issues.
11. Collaborate with the merchandising team for accurate forecasting and replenishment planning.
12. Manage clearance and discontinued lines with costings and photos for the sales team.
13. Prepare detailed PowerPoint presentations on market trends, promotional lines, and trade fair insights.
14. Coordinate trade fair samples, ticketing, and pricing for events like Spring Fair and in-house events.
15. Prepare samples for customer meetings and develop presentation materials.
16. Gather market intelligence through competitor shop visits and trend analysis.

The Successful Candidate

• Proven experience in buying.
• Strong knowledge of critical path management tools and methodologies.
• Analytical mindset with a passion for market research and trend analysis.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with a successful supplier management track record.
• Proficiency in software such as Excel, PLM systems, and project management tools.
• Highly detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills.
• Passion for products and eagerness to work in a fast-paced buying and merchandising environment.

What We Offer

Close to transport links, free parking, and progression opportunities.