Junior Buyer

Reed; Norwich; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Career progression

Training & development

Leading brands

Collaborative environment

Category Buyer path

Job summary

Reed in Norwich is seeking an Assistant Buyer to join a leading specialist retail business operating across the UK and European markets. The role is hybrid, offering 40 hours per week with a competitive DOE salary.

Working within a commercial buying team, you will support category management, stock optimisation and supplier negotiations. You will analyse sales and data, help launches, and contribute to commercial insights for informed decision-making.

Qualifications

• Experience in buying, merchandising, retail, supply chain or commercial support.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the wider Microsoft Office suite.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of category sales, margin and stock performance targets.
• Maintain accurate product, supplier and pricing data across business systems.
• Analyse sales trends, stock levels, margins and competitor activity.
• Assist with new product launches and range review projects.
• Develop and maintain positive supplier and brand relationships.
• Support pricing reviews, promotional activity and supplier negotiations.
• Raise and manage purchase orders and seasonal buying plans.
• Work alongside inventory and supply chain teams to maximise stock availability.
• Support promotional campaigns with marketing, ecommerce and retail stakeholders.
• Produce reports and commercial insights using a range of business systems.
• Assist with supplier queries, warranty claims and commercial projects.
• Attend supplier meetings, trade exhibitions and industry events when required.

Skills

Buying experience

Analytical skills

Organisational skills

Prioritisation

Communication

Excel proficiency

Tools

Power BI

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Location: Hybrid working available, Norwich
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week
Salary: Competitive DOE

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Buyer to join a leading specialist retail business operating across the UK and European markets.

Working within a commercial buying team, you will support the management and development of product categories across several category disciplines. This role would suit an organised, analytical and commercially minded individual looking to build a long-term career within buying, merchandising or category management.

Working closely with senior buying professionals, you will contribute to category growth, stock optimisation, supplier management, product launches, and commercial analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Support delivery of category sales, margin and stock performance targets.

• Maintain accurate product, supplier and pricing data across business systems.

• Analyse sales trends, stock levels, margins and competitor activity.

• Assist with new product launches and range review projects.

• Develop and maintain positive supplier and brand relationships.

• Support pricing reviews, promotional activity and supplier negotiations.

• Raise and manage purchase orders and seasonal buying plans.

• Work alongside inventory and supply chain teams to maximise stock availability.

• Support promotional campaigns with marketing, ecommerce and retail stakeholders.

• Produce reports and commercial insights using a range of business systems.

• Assist with supplier queries, warranty claims and commercial projects.

• Attend supplier meetings, trade exhibitions and industry events when required.

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Previous experience in buying, merchandising, retail, supply chain or commercial support.

• Strong analytical and numerical skills.

• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and the wider Microsoft Office suite.

Desirable

• Experience using reporting and ERP systems such as Power BI, SAP, Oracle or similar.

• Knowledge of category management, merchandising or inventory planning.

• Experience within retail, FMCG, leisure, sporting goods or outdoor product sectors.

What's On Offer

• Hybrid working arrangement.

• Excellent career progression opportunities.

• Ongoing training and professional development.

• Opportunity to work with leading brands within a specialist retail sector.

• Supportive and collaborative working environment.

• Clear pathway towards a Category Buyer position.