Buying Assistant

Buying Assistant – Job Description

Role Purpose:

The Buying Assistant is an integral part of the Buying function at Keswick.  They facilitate and bring to life the Buying strategy through attention to detail, ensuring all systems and data references associated with product management are adhered to and maintain to a high standard.  Organisation, and high attention to detail are important combined with good interpersonal skills to build effective relationships with other functions within Keswick and our suppliers.

Reporting to: Buyer

Key Deliverables:   

• Support the Buying team to execute the Buying Strategy for each category and maintain the category range plan, ensuring all data is up to date and accurate.


• Working efficiently across brands - UKFD & Flooring Supplies.


• Own the new product set up process, working cross functionally to bring new lines to market.


• Managing samples, keeping sample area tidy.


• Ensure systems are kept up to date as needed, including changing prices in accordance with business strategy.


• Track competitor pricing on a weekly basis to ensure brands remain competitive in the market


• Work closely with our supplier base, building relationships accordingly.


• Support internal teams e.g. Trade and Marketing teams by providing them with up-to-date range information and pricing


• Support Sales team with product queries, price matching and quote enquiries.


• Work closely with our Customer Service team helping resolve customer queries and improve our customer journey.


• Ensure that you are maximising sales by having the correct product information and creative assets, managing them to market ensuring they are represented to true affect at any point of sale.


• Identify opportunities in the market and recognise gaps in the range, communicating proactively your thoughts and demonstrating your passion for product.


• Understand and partner our supply chain team to facilitate our range and logistics requirements.


• Working with the supply chain team ensure that “end product” meets quality standards and the customer requirements set out by Keswick to continue to take a leading position in the market.


• Support your colleagues to meet the departmental goals.


• Focus on effective KPI’s and monitor and evaluate these metrics to measure the efficiency of activity in relation to the business plan.


• Facilitate training sessions to support upskilling and enhancing product performance knowledge in our sales colleagues.


• Support Buying team with general admin e.g. updating supplier rebate file and day to day tasks.


• Recommend internal process improvements, be a voice for change and new ideas.

Key skills/attributes:

• Organisational Skills – Demonstrate that multi-tasking and delivering to deadlines is one or your strengths.

• Proactive Communication - Be confident in your communication, being clear and concise.

• Attention to detail - Be accurate! You need to be your biggest critic, always ensure that the data is correct.

Our Company Values:

• Communication – Honest, open & Professions


• Respect


• Enjoyment


• Support


• Teamwork

By living the Keswick family ethos and displaying the above values our company will grow and thrive through its people.