Buying Assistant

Michael Page (UK); Chesterfield; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a proactive Buying Assistant to manage product launches and supplier relationships. In this dynamic role, you'll track product progress, resolve delays, and support the buyer in communication and costing. Your analytical mindset will help identify buying opportunities while collaborating with the merchandising team to ensure accurate forecasting. This position offers ample progression opportunities in a fast-paced environment, making it ideal for someone passionate about product development and market trends.

Benefits

Close to transport links

Free parking

Progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in buying and supplier management.
• Strong knowledge of critical path management tools.

Responsibilities

• Manage product launches from concept to delivery.
• Build relationships with suppliers and conduct range analysis.

Skills

Buying experience

Critical path management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Market research

Trend analysis

Tools

Excel

PLM systems

Project management tools

Job description

Job Description

• The Buying Assistant will develop and manage the critical path for all product launches, including own label products, ensuring timelines are met from concept to delivery.
• Track product progress across supply chain stages, maintaining smooth communication between suppliers and customers.
• This includes tracking gold seal, packing approval, customer range review samples, etc.

• Identify and resolve delays proactively to keep projects on schedule.
• Create and update spec files for all products, passing them to the QC team and ensuring they are integrated into the critical path.
• Manage photography samples and track them in line with the studio timeline.
• Support with costing sheets for customers, creating quote sheets with photographs for the sales team.
• Assist the buyer with supplier communication to gather pricing, lead times, and MOQs, while maintaining quality and margin goals.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers through daily communication.
• Conduct range analysis based on sales data and generate reports on sell-through, profitability, product category mix, and SKU counts to identify buying opportunities and prevent overstock or understock situations for both range and own label.

• Collaborate with the merchandising team to deliver accurate forecasting and replenishment plans.
• Manage clearance and discontinued lines regularly, preparing costings and photos for the sales team.

• Prepare detailed PowerPoint presentations on market trends, in-season promotional lines, and trade fair photographs.
• Coordinate trade fair preparations, including samples, ticketing, and pricing for events like Spring Fair and in-house events.
• Prepare samples for customer meetings and create PowerPoint presentations.
• Gather competitive shop data and market trend information.

The Successful Applicant

• Demonstrable 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 track record in supplier management.
• Proficiency in software such as Excel, PLM systems, and project management tools.
• Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational skills.
• Passion for product development and eagerness to work in a fast-paced, hands-on buying and merchandising role.

What's on Offer

• Close to transport links
• Free parking
• Progression opportunities