Buying Assistant - Levy Merchandising

Levy UK; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading merchandising company is seeking a Buying Assistant in Manchester. This role involves supporting product selection, range planning, and managing supplier relationships in a dynamic environment. Candidates should have prior experience in buying or merchandising, strong analytical and numerical skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel. You will play a key role in ensuring the smooth execution of buying processes, all while enjoying a hybrid work model and excellent benefits including a competitive salary and generous leave.

Benefits

31 days holiday including bank holidays

Pension scheme

Employee assistance programme

Colleague health cash plan

Discounts on products

Qualifications

• Previous experience in buying, merchandising, or a similar role.
• Understanding of the sports/events business and buying seasons.
• Strong numerical skills and analytical mindset.

Responsibilities

• Support the Buying Manager with product selection and range planning.
• Manage sampling processes and product approvals.
• Conduct competitor and market research.

Skills

Buying administration

Negotiation skills

Analytical mindset

Microsoft Excel

Verbal communication

Written communication

Job description

Buying Assistant

Salary: £25,000 - £30,000 depending on experience, plus benefits

Hours per week: 37.5

Location: Manchester city centre - hybrid working (typical pattern: 4 days in office, 1 day from home). Check out our Manchester office - Fourways | Manchester (fourwaysmcr.co.uk)

We’re looking for a proactive and detail‑oriented Buying Assistant to join our growing team and help support our Buying team in the day‑to‑day management of product ranges. You’ll play a key role in ensuring the smooth execution of buying processes: supporting range planning, product sourcing, supplier communication, and administrative tasks to help deliver commercially successful product ranges for our partners. Our Buying team works across multiple partners, many of whom are huge brands in the sports and entertainment industry, so we’re looking for someone who is comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment. This role would be perfect for someone with a strong foundation in buying administration who is ready to take on more ownership of the buying process and supplier relationship management.

What you’ll do:

• Support the Buying Manager with product selection, range planning and seasonal buy preparation
• Support with sourcing product and placing any relevant buys and re‑buys
• Assist in the development and execution of the buying strategy
• Manage the sampling process, product approvals, and range reviews
• Assist with managing the stock position across various product lines
• Conduct competitor and market research to support buying decisions
• Assist with purchase order creation, tracking, and maintenance
• Liaise with suppliers regarding orders, deliveries, pricing, and product information
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers as well as internal stakeholders
• Maintain accurate product, pricing, and supplier data within internal systems
• Ensure suppliers deliver on time and resolve any supply issues
• Suggest re‑buys where appropriate or markdowns in the case of poorly performing products
• Manage size splits and delivery drops utilising available data and taking consideration of stock levels and cash flow
• Attend trade events, fairs and exhibitions to stay updated on market trends

Who you are:

• Previous experience in buying, merchandising, or a similar role
• Understanding of the sports/events business, buying seasons and product categories
• Commercially aware with a strong interest in retail
• Strong numerical skills and analytical mindset
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
• Strong negotiation and relationship management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• The ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment
• A proactive problem‑solver, who can remain flexible and agile when priorities shift
• A team player, supporting and collaborating with other team members
• Proactive and entrepreneurial in decision making
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills

Why Levy Merchandising?

Levy Merchandising is the merchandising arm of Levy UK & Ireland. Levy UK & Ireland are a market leader in the world of sports and entertainment experiences, boasting some of the biggest and best stadiums and leisure locations in Europe as its venue partners. These include Ajax’s Johan Cruyff Arena, the All‑England Lawn Tennis Club, The O2 Arena, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the National Theatre to name just a few. Levy is part of FTSE 100 company and global leader in food services, Compass Group PLC.

At Levy Merchandising, we design and manufacture a wide range of product direct from source. From technical products, fit for the highest level of performance, through to non‑technical fanwear, we produce apparel at all levels of the product pyramid. We also source a comprehensive range of non‑clothing products to complete the full range of categories available across the sales channels.

We’re proud to do things differently. We have an innovative commercial model which puts our partners first and makes decision making a joint responsibility. Building long‑lasting, sustainable relationships is central to our ethos and we want our partners to feel like they retain independence and control on key strategic direction whilst being able to leverage the benefit, scale, and expertise of our central teams across Buying, Licensing, E‑Commerce, and Retail Operations. Our partners include Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club, Team GB, Aston Martin and McLaren F1.

We’re also committed to supporting the local communities where our factories are based. We work with charities and local outreach programmes to have a positive impact in the cities and towns where we do business.

SUDU is our UK sportswear brand headquartered in Manchester. With aspirations to be a leading brand that not only equips individuals with the tools they need to excel in physical pursuits but also to empower mindsets with every motion. Our ‘Run’ collection features 17 products across footwear and apparel.

You’ll also get a package that includes:

• competitive salary
• 31 days holiday including bank holidays (pro rata, rising with service)
• pension scheme
• colleague health cash plan
• life assurance cover of 4 x annual salary
• employee assistance programme – 24/7 confidential access to expert services including counselling, wellbeing, and independent legal and financial advice
• discounts on SUDU and other Levy Merchandising products and services
• enhanced family leave and pay
• welcoming company culture and opportunities to develop as our business grows
• opportunities to be a part of and involved in our colleague networks

Building an inclusive work environment

We’re actively building diverse teams, and we welcome applications from everyone. We take pride in fostering a workplace culture that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusion. We believe that our differences are our greatest strength, and we’re committed to creating an environment where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered.

If we invite you to take part in the recruitment process for any of our jobs, we’ll ask you if you need any reasonable adjustments to enable you to participate.