Buying & Merchandising Assistant - Cookshop & Utility

Dobbies Garden Centres Ltd; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Buying & Merchandising Assistant in a dynamic environment. This role focuses on supporting the Buying team with product data management, supplier liaison, and administrative tasks. You will oversee the critical path to ensure objectives are met, manage the sample library, and create purchase sheets. With a hybrid working model and a strong emphasis on teamwork and continuous improvement, this position offers an exciting opportunity to thrive in a supportive and collaborative setting. If you're passionate about organization and enjoy building relationships, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

33 days holiday (pro-rata for part-time)

Generous store and restaurant discounts

Hybrid working model

Enhanced Group Pension Plan

Interest-free season ticket loans

Access to Wagestream for financial wellbeing

Support from Retail Trust

Development opportunities via Dobbies Academy

Free tea, coffee, and milk

Invitations to company events and social gatherings

Qualifications

• Strong computer skills with a focus on Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills for effective teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Manage the sample library and ensure timely delivery of samples.
• Liaise with suppliers to resolve issues regarding purchase orders.
• Provide analytical reports and assist with seasonal product catalogues.

Skills

Computer Literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Organizational Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Attention to Detail

Communication Skills

Planning and Prioritization

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Buying & Merchandising Assistant to join our Cookshop & Utility team (Buying & Merchandising) based in our Central Support Office in Lasswade on a 12-month fixed-term basis. Your role will be to support the Buying team, working closely with stores and suppliers. The focus is on product data management, supplier liaison, sample management, maintaining the critical path for the Buying team, and general administrative tasks.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the critical path to ensure delivery of team objectives
• Manage and maintain the sample library, ensuring timely delivery and return of samples for sign-off and key events
• Ensure suppliers and products are accurately set up on systems
• Liaise with suppliers to resolve issues regarding purchase orders, samples, and delivery dates
• Input product information into the range plan and update back-office systems with short codes and attributes
• Create group purchase sheets and upload them for store use
• Create Dobbies barcodes for products as needed
• Resolve scanning queries from stores
• Set up promotions and assist with seasonal product catalogues
• Provide analytical reports as required

Who we are looking for

• High computer literacy, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail
• Strong team player and proactive attitude
• Focus on accuracy and quality
• Strong planning, prioritization, presentation, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with tight deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills for building relationships
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrate our values: teamwork, continuous improvement, positivity, and passion for gardens

What we offer

• 33 days holiday (pro-rata for part-time)
• Generous store and restaurant discounts
• Hybrid working model
• Enhanced Group Pension Plan
• Interest-free season ticket loans
• Access to Wagestream for financial wellbeing
• Support from Retail Trust, including confidential support and health services
• Development opportunities via Dobbies Academy and funded courses
• Free tea, coffee, and milk
• Collaborative office space with wellbeing resources
• Invitations to company events and social gatherings

About us

Founded in 1865 by James Dobbie, Dobbies is the only garden centre retailer with stores across every UK nation. We are passionate about gardens and plants, showcasing a wide range of products, services, and experiences that promote garden living year-round. Many stores feature cafes or restaurants, and we actively engage with communities through events and charity work. We are committed to being a great place to work, encouraging colleagues to thrive and celebrate success together.