Buying Assistant

Michael Page UK; Chesterfield; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading home décor business is seeking a Buying and Merchandising Assistant to manage product launches and supplier communications. The role requires strong analytical skills, experience in merchandising, and proficiency in critical path management tools. The successful candidate will enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for progression.

Benefits

Close to transport links

Free parking

Progression opportunities

Early finish on Fridays

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in merchandising and buying.
• Strong knowledge of critical path management tools.
• Passion for market research and trend analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the critical path for product launches.
• Track product progress across supply chain stages.
• Conduct range analysis based on sales data.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Detail-oriented

Organizational skills

Tools

Excel

PLM systems

Project management tools

Job description

About Our Client

An excellent opportunity for a Buying and Merchandising Assistant to work for a leading home décor business. They have been trading for over 40 years, offering products such as beds, chairs, cushions, throws, and more. Due to growth, they are seeking a Buying and Merchandising Assistant.

Job Description

1. Develop and manage the critical path for all product launches, including own label, ensuring timelines from concept to delivery are met.
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, passing them to the QC team and integrating into the critical path.
6. Manage photography samples and track them according to the studio timeline.
7. Support with costing sheets and creating quote sheets with photographs for the sales team.
8. Assist the buyer with supplier communication to gather pricing, lead times, MOQs, while maintaining quality and margin goals.
9. Build and maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers through daily communication.
10. 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.
11. Collaborate with the merchandising team to deliver accurate forecasting and replenishment plans.
12. Manage clearance and discontinued lines, preparing costings and photos for the sales team.
13. Prepare detailed PowerPoint presentations on market trends, seasonal promotional lines, and trade fair insights.
14. Organize trade fair preparations, including samples, ticketing, and pricing for events like Spring Fair and in-house events.
15. Prepare samples for customer meetings and create PowerPoint presentations.
16. Gather competitive shop and market trend data.

The Successful Applicant

1. Demonstrable experience in merchandising and buying.
2. Strong knowledge of critical path management tools and methodologies.
3. Analytical mindset with a passion for market research and trend analysis.
4. Excellent communication and negotiation skills with a proven track record in supplier management.
5. Proficiency in software such as Excel, PLM systems, and project management tools.
6. Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills.
7. Passion for products 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
• Early finish on Fridays