Register Your Interest – Trainee Assistant Buyer Assessment Centre

Matalan; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking passionate individuals for the Trainee Assistant Buyer role. This exciting opportunity allows you to support buying teams in selecting and managing products while honing your skills in a dynamic environment. You'll engage in supplier communication, trend analysis, and product administration, ensuring that offerings resonate with customers. Join a team that champions equality and fosters an inclusive culture, where your contributions matter. If you're eager to kickstart your career in retail and buying, don't miss this chance to make a meaningful impact!

Benefits

20% Staff Discount

Thrive Recognition Scheme

Wellbeing Support

Life Assurance

Retail Rewards Platform

Pension Scheme

Career Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• A fashion or textile related qualification is essential.
• Retail and/or buying experience is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support Buying Teams in planning and managing products.
• Conduct competitor benchmarking to stay ahead of trends.
• Raise and track purchase orders and manage supplier accounts.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Commercial Awareness

Independent Work

Education

Fashion or Textile Related Qualification

Job description

Are you passionate about products, trends, and the fast-paced world of buying? We’re looking for our next Trainee Assistant Buyers, and this is your chance to join our team!

Join us at our Assessment Centre, where you'll have the opportunity to showcase your skills and learn more about the role.

What to Expect at the Assessment Centre

The session will last approximately 3–4 hours and will include:

• A Group Activity
• A 1-on-1 Interview
• A Presentation based on a pre-set brief

As a Trainee Assistant Buyer, you'll support our Buying Teams in planning, selecting, and managing products to help achieve department objectives. You'll be involved in everything from supplier communication and trend analysis to product admin and ensuring our ranges hit the mark with customers.

Your Responsibilities

• Setting up new supplier accounts and ensuring compliance with Matalan’s requirements
• Chasing samples and managing deliveries in line with the critical path
• Conducting competitor benchmarking to keep us ahead of the latest trends
• Raising and tracking purchase orders
• Preparing product rooms for meetings and maintaining an organized sample space
• Supporting the team with general administration tasks

Minimum Requirements

• A fashion or textile related qualification (A level equivalent or above)
• Retail and/or Buying experience would be advantageous
• Commercially focused
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate at all levels
• Ability to work independently

We know as a team, we are stronger together – we champion equality for all and make lasting connections that go beyond work. We thrive off our inclusive culture, encouraging our colleagues to bring their true selves to work and contributing to collective creativity, open-mindedness and growth.

In the event that a high volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.

In addition to competitive salaries, we also offer the below core benefits:

• 20% staff discount, which increases with length of service
• Thrive Recognition Scheme
• Wellbeing support provided by the Retail Trust
• Life Assurance
• Retail Rewards platform offering discounts for other retailers
• Pension Scheme
• Access to a wide range of career development
• Additional benefits may apply depending on your role and area of the business