Buying & Merchandising Admin Assistant (Fixed Term Contract)

Zoological Society of London; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension up to 12%

Flexible working options

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Family-friendly policies

Life assurance from day one

Employee Assistance Programme

Staff Equality Networks

Zoo tickets + discounts

Cycle2Work scheme

Job summary

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is hiring a Buying & Merchandising Admin Assistant to support the day-to-day operations of the Buying & Merchandising team at our London offices. This full-time, fixed-term role runs until December 2027, with a hybrid work model requiring at least two days on-site per week.

You will maintain product data, help coordinate launches, assist with reporting, and liaise with suppliers to keep processes running smoothly.

Qualifications

• Previous administrative experience working with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail and experience maintaining accurate records and reporting systems.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel, PowerPoint and Teams.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate product information, pricing, imagery and specifications across internal systems and online platforms.
• Coordinate delivery schedules, product samples and supplier communications to support timely product launches.
• Support store visits and competitor reviews to identify customer trends and sales opportunities.
• Prepare reports, trading updates and trackers to support business decisions and monitor product performance.
• Coordinate meetings, manage communications, process invoices and expenses, and provide general support to the Buying & Merchandising team.

Skills

Administrative experience

Strong organisational skills

Attention to detail

Supplier liaison

Microsoft Office

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Teams

Job description

Purpose of the role

As a Buying & Merchandising Admin Assistant, you’ll play a key role in supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the Buying & Merchandising team. You’ll help maintain accurate product information, coordinate product launches, prepare reports and liaise with suppliers to ensure key processes run efficiently and to schedule. Through your strong organisational skills and attention to detail, you’ll help keep product information up to date, support the product lifecycle and contribute to the overall success of the team.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position until December 2027, working 37.5 hours per week. The role offers a hybrid working arrangement, with a minimum of two days per week on-site at our London Zoo Head Office.

Key responsibilities:

• Product Data: Maintain accurate product information, pricing, imagery and specifications across internal systems and online platforms.
• Product Launches: Coordinate delivery schedules, product samples and supplier communications to support timely product launches.
• Product Research: Support store visits and competitor reviews to identify customer trends and sales opportunities.
• Reporting: Prepare reports, trading updates and trackers to support business decisions and monitor product performance.
• Team Administration: Coordinate meetings, manage communications, process invoices and expenses, and provide general support to the Buying & Merchandising team.

About You

• Previous administrative experience, including working with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail and experience maintaining accurate records and reporting systems.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel, PowerPoint and Teams.
• Proactive approach with strong communication and problem‑solving skills, aligned with ZSL’s values.

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of underrepresented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage.

About Us

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.

What We Offer?

Alongside the opportunity to do purpose-driven work that helps create a world where wildlife thrives, you'll enjoy a range of benefits, including:

• Up to 12% contributory pension
• Flexible working options
• 25 days' annual leave plus UK bank holidays, increasing with service
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Life assurance from day one (for eligible employees)
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
• Access to our staff Equality Networks
• Complimentary London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo tickets, plus retail discounts
• Cycle2Work scheme and interest-free season ticket loans (for eligible London-based employees)

You can find the full details of our benefits in the attached Benefits Guide.

We anonymise applications until interview stage to ensure a fair hiring process. It’s important to highlight your unique skills, experience, and knowledge. Over reliance on AI-generated content may miss key criteria outlined in the job description and reduce the effectiveness of your application.