Assistant Buyer - Home Gifting & Marketplaces

Job Description

ABOUT US

My 1st Years is the UK’s leading provider of high-quality personalised gifts for baby and children, as worn by the likes of Prince George, Luna Legend and Blue Ivy. Since its inception over 13 years ago the business has grown to over 100 team members and, just like our revenue, is growing fast! Despite our dizzying growth, we've remained true to our core values of top quality, excellent value, and second-to-none customer service. We want to offer products and experiences that create lasting memories and can be treasured for years to come.

ABOUT YOU

As the Assistant Buyer for our Home Gifting & Marketplaces, you will assist the buyers in expanding our range by taking ownership of your own range and contributing to the department's strategy. You will be personable, proactive and a team player who is able to form strong relationships across departments to ensure efficiency in getting ranges launched on time. You will ideally already have experience as an Assistant Buyer or an Admin ready to take the next step in your career.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Accountable for critical path management across Home & Gifting and Marketplaces.
Ownership of an own bought range, sourcing, negotiating prices in line with dept BIM targets and trading under supervision of Buyer
Takes additional responsibility to plan own department with the support of Buyer/Merchandiser and presents at sign-off
Actively contribute to the department strategy, by identifying risks and opportunities for the department supported by data, presenting these to the Buyer & Merchandiser with a plan of action
Build relationships with our Marketplace partners and support growth by identifying new opportunities for product ranges whilst optimising the current offering
Oversee the fitting and sealing of samples through fit sessions, supporting the tech team with product information where required
Support with range plan management and upkeep, handing over information to the relevant teams in line with the critical path for Launch
Work with Photography to manage schedule and handing over of new product samples in line with Launch dates
Build excellent relationships with your suppliers
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of global competitors, considering pricing, product and current affairs in the analysis of their product ranges and presenting findings to the team with suggestions on pricing architecture, product development and marketing opportunities
Present/deputise in Buyer’s absence in meetings such as Monday Trade
Partner with the eCommerce team to optimise merchandising on-site, ensuring all information is accurate to provide a smooth shopping experience for our customers
Liaise with all B&M teams to select marketplace ranges and ensure all products launch in line with the critical path
Develop and maintain a sound understanding of the wider Business Strategy and how that impacts your Department in the short and long term.
Support Buyer with briefing new season design briefs and chasing through samples for sign-offs as required

Skills & Knowledge
Minimum 2 years+ of buying experience, ideally within a home gifting environment
Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-channel environment and perform effectively under pressure
A passion for retail and a desire to work and develop within a buying role
Good time management skills with the ability to plan, organise and prioritise tasks under pressure to meet deadlines
Critical Path management experience
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships at all levels of the business
Exceptional attention to detail and organisational skills
Commercially-minded, focused and proactive

Benefits
Salary of £26,000pa
25 days holiday (increasing to 28 with service) + bank holidays
EAP
Enhance Maternity & Paternity Pay
Birthday Day Off
Summer Hours
Volunteering Days
Early finish on payday
Staff discount
Free onsite parking