Register Your Interest – Trainee Product Purchaser

Matalan; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in retail is seeking a Trainee Product Purchaser to support sourcing and procurement operations. This role involves collaborating with suppliers, managing data, and contributing to product development processes while ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness. Ideal candidates will possess strong Excel skills and effective communication abilities.

Benefits

20% staff discount, increasing with service

Wellbeing support provided by the Retail Trust

Life Assurance

Pension Scheme

Access to career development opportunities

Thrive Recognition Scheme

Retail Rewards platform

Additional benefits depending on role

Qualifications

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commercially focused with a proactive approach.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing key line processes and supplier relationships.
• Create data summary sheets for decision-making.
• Support product sourcing and procurement strategies.

Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Strong communication skills

Job description

In line with Matalan’s strategy of putting customers at the heart of everything we do and our ambition to be the first choice for value for Matalan families, the Trainee Product Purchaser plays a pivotal role in sourcing and procuring key lines and core products across designated ranges. This role focuses on delivering the best price, quality, and consistency, ensuring our product offerings meet customer expectations and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Product & Procurement Support

• Assist the Product Purchaser in managing the key line process, including the utilization of e-auction technology.
• Demonstrate strong sample and data management skills to support product development and procurement activities.
• Foster strong relationships across the trading floor to facilitate effective communication and collaboration.
• Develop and maintain robust supplier relationships to ensure reliable and quality product sourcing.

Data Management

• Create data summary sheets with a high level of accuracy to support decision-making processes.
• Manage the sending out of tech packs and samples to all suppliers, working closely with Assistant Product Purchasers/Assistants.
• Assist in the preparation of business e-auctions alongside Product Purchasers/Assistants.
• Participate in supplier face-to-face meetings and auctions to support procurement strategies.
• Support the Product Purchaser in drafting letters of intent and email confirmations to suppliers.

Commercial Activities

• Engage in benchmarking activities focused on quality and country of manufacture to inform sourcing decisions.
• Support ad hoc projects as required by Product Purchasers to drive business initiatives.
• Acquire fabric and sustainability knowledge through training courses and collaboration with buying and fabric teams.
• Develop packaging knowledge for all product areas by working with packaging teams.
• Gain understanding of freight rates and duties by country of manufacture through collaboration with imports teams and utilization of range plans.
• Manage sample procurement for key lines, ensuring samples are obtained from all negotiating suppliers.

Supplier Management

• Support the setup of supplier meetings and handle any necessary follow-up actions.
• Provide administrative support to the wider team as needed to facilitate smooth operations.

Team Collaboration

• Assist the Product Purchaser in delivering key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Collaborate with Product Purchasers and Assistant Product Purchasers on relevant tasks and projects.
• Attend all scheduled meetings to stay informed and contribute to team objectives.

To find the best people for our team, you should have the following....

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Commercially focused with the ability to work independently.
• Strong communication skills, capable of interacting at all organisational levels.
• Ability to work independently

From humble beginnings to disruptive innovations in the retail industry, find out about how Matalan is ever-evolving here.

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.

We want give every candidate the opportunity to perform at their best throughout the application and interview process and then ultimately in their role. If you require any adjustments during our recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

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