Buying Assistant

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

Job summary

A leading business in home décor is seeking a Buying Assistant to manage product launches, track supply chain progress, and support buyer communications. The role requires strong analytical skills and proficiency in critical path management, ensuring timely delivery of products. Ideal candidates will have demonstrable buying experience and excellent communication skills.

Benefits

Free Parking

Close to transport links

Progression Opportunities

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in buying.
• Strong knowledge of critical path management tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the critical path for product launches.
• Track product progress across supply chain stages.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Excellent communication

Negotiation skills

Detail-oriented

Tools

Excel

PLM systems

Project management tools

Job description

• Free Parking ; Close to transport links
• Progression Opportunities

About Our Client

An excellent opportunity for a Buying Assistant to work for a leading business in home décor. They have been trading for over 40 years and sell everything from Beds, Chairs, cushions/ throws etc. Due to growth they are seeking a Buying Assistant

Job Description

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

• Identify and resolve delays proactively with the team to keep projects on schedule.
• Creation and completion of spec files for all products ready to pass on to QC team and ensure they are updated into the critical path.
• Management of photography samples and tracking inline with the studio time line.
• Support with costing sheets for customers creating quote sheets with photographs ready for the sales team.
• Support the buyer with supplier communication to gathering pricing, lead times, and MOQs while maintaining quality and margin goals.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers through daily communication.
• Range analysis based on sales data and create meaningful reports based on sell thru, profitability, product category % mix and sku counts to identify buying opportunities and avoid overstock or understock situations across the range as well as Own label.

• Work with the merchandising team to deliver accurate forecasting and replenishment plans.
• Management of the clearance and Discontinued lines on a regular basis with costings and photos prepared for the sales team.

• Prepare detailed Power point presentations based on market trends, in season promotional lines, trend photographs from trade Fairs etc
• Trade Fair preparations of samples and ticketing/ pricing at Spring Fair and also in House Events.
• Preparation of samples for customer meetings in house and externally as well as preparation of powerpoint presentations.
• Collation of comp shops and market trends.

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 track record of successful supplier management.
• Proficiency in relevant software, such as Excel, PLM systems, and project management tools.
• Detail-oriented with exceptional organisational skills.
• Passion for product and keen to work in fast paced, hands on role within buying and Merchandising.

What's on Offer

Close to transport links

Free Parking

Progression Opportunities