Junior Buyer

dSb Recruitment Consultancy Ltd.; Manchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client, a growing UK product business, seeks a commercially minded Junior Buyer in Manchester to own defined product categories and drive performance from sourcing through to launch.

You will work closely with the Buying team and Heads of Department, using data, market insight and customer requirements to shape ranges and opportunities. Far East experience is advantageous and there is strong potential for progression.

Qualifications

• Experience owning designated product categories and driving commercial performance.
• Proven ability to source, negotiate and build strong supplier relationships.
• Strong data analysis skills to inform buying and ranging decisions.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage designated product categories, driving sales, margin and profitability.
• Build and develop commercially strong ranges from concept to launch.
• Manage the Critical Path to ensure milestones and launches are on time.
• Research market trends, competitor activity and customer requirements for new opportunities.
• Source and negotiate with suppliers across countries of origin, with Far East experience advantageous.
• Analyse sales and product data to inform buying decisions.
• Collaborate with Product, Merchandising, Marketing, Sales and Technical teams on launches.
• Attend trade shows and contribute to product strategy.

Skills

Category management

Sourcing

Supplier negotiation

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Product lifecycle

Launch experience

Tools

ERP system

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Junior Buyer to join a growing Buying team, with responsibility for a defined portfolio of product categories and ownership of their performance.

Working closely with the Buyer and Head of Buying, you will play an important role in shaping and developing commercially successful product ranges, from initial concept and sourcing through to launch. This is a hands-on buying position where you will be expected to take ownership of your categories, using data, market insight and customer requirements to make informed product and sourcing decisions.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Own and manage designated product categories, driving sales, margin and profitability performance.
• Build and develop commercially strong ranges, from initial concept and sourcing through to launch.
• Manage the Critical Path, ensuring key milestones and product launches are delivered on time.
• Research market trends, competitor activity and customer requirements to identify new product opportunities.
• Source, negotiate and build strong relationships with suppliers, including those across different countries of origin. Far East experience is advantageous.
• Analyse sales, margin and product performance data to inform buying and ranging decisions.
• Work closely with Product, Merchandising, Marketing, Sales and Technical teams to deliver successful product launches.
• Attend trade shows, identify new commercial opportunities and contribute to product strategy.
• Monitor supplier performance, pricing and supply risks, ensuring products meet relevant standards and company requirements.
• Support and coach more junior members of the Buying team, while contributing to process improvements and wider business projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for an Assistant Buyer ready to take the next step into a Junior Buyer position, or an existing Junior Buyer looking for greater category ownership and exposure within a growing business.

ABOUT THE CANDIDATE

We're looking for a commercially minded Buyer who is passionate about product and thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

You will ideally:

• Be an experienced Assistant Buyer ready to step up, or already operating at Junior Buyer level.
• Have experience owning your own product categories and managing commercial performance.
• Have strong experience across range building, product sourcing, pricing and supplier negotiation.
• Ideally have experience working with Far East suppliers and different countries of origin.
• Be confident using sales and commercial data to inform buying and ranging decisions.
• Understand the Critical Path and experience taking products from concept through to launch.
• Have strong commercial awareness, including cost price, margin and profitability.
• Ideally have experience within electrical, lighting, home, DIY, consumer products or another non-fashion product environment.
• Be confident communicating with suppliers and cross-functional teams and have the ability to influence at all levels.
• Be proactive, organised and comfortable working in a fast-paced, changing business.
• Ideally have some experience supporting or coaching more junior team members.

Importantly, we're looking for strong transferable buying experience. The ability to understand product, sourcing, pricing, range building and supplier management within a product-led environment is key to success in this role.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Our client is a growing UK product business currently going through an exciting period of transformation and growth, with sales up significantly and investment underway across the business, including a new Shopify website and ERP system.

You'll join a close-knit Buying team with plenty of opportunity to take ownership, influence product strategy and play a key role in the continued growth of the business. Located just outside the city centre - office-based