Assistant Buyer (Retail Product)

About The Role

We are looking for a highly organised Assistant Buyer to support the Head of Product across our group of brands, principally Garden Trading, Weetons & Cotswold Teak. You will be based at our head office at Weetons Leeds Road but some travel to other sites will be required at times.

The role is responsible for supporting the Head of Product in driving overall performance across all channels, with involvement in all tasks to ensure the products trade in line with the business revenue, profit and margin expectations.

The role includes working closely with the merchandising team to ensure continuous data analysis, forecasting and channel management of all Home and Garden products. The role will also liaise with other teams across the business, including Marketing, E-commerce, Trade, Customer Service and Warehouse team to ensure all product and operational requirements are met and in line with brand guidelines.

You must have a minimum of 2 years buying experience, be competent at organising people and processes, and have strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Range

· Deliver the product range through tracking performance of existing styles and reviewing relevant trends to deliver a compelling customer offer

· Ensure all product records accurately maintained in line with current company processes legal guidelines

· Continuous competitor analysis

· Manage supplier relationships

Product Development

· Support seasonal range build and product & brand launch's

· Ensure all New Product Development is on brand, commercial and meets the business SKU count and launch plan

· Negotiate with a global supply base to source products from reliable suppliers

· Adhere to all buying milestones as detailed in the critical path to ensure ranges launch on time

· Prepare all product and SKU information for sign-off accurately, including raising orders and repeats

· Manage samples

Channel Management

· Engage with colleagues across the business to ensure ranges are delivered on time and in line with the business launch plan

· Support the development of all customer facing product content across digital, catalogues and trade shows

· Work with E-Commerce to ensure product information is optimised and accurate

Commercial Trading

· Demonstrate a commercial understanding of our product ranges, customers, and key competitors

· Weekly trade analysis to ensure continuous and current understanding of product sales and profit at category, channel and sku level

· Monitor and react to any specific sales trends

· Track any key trading and marketing activity

· Ensure activities are carried out ethically and legally at all times

Product Quality

· Ensure new products are tested in line with the critical path

· Ensure all product test certificates are requested, kept on file and updated when necessary

· Ensure all relevant internal teams are kept updated with product specs and compliance

· Constant supplier audit management to ensure regular and satisfactory audits are taken place

· Work with cross-functional teams to identify any QC issues, including pre-shipment inspection/warehouse and customer feedback

Skills & Experience:

· Buying experience (ideally in Home & Garden)

· Experience of multi-channel operational models, including retail, digital & wholesale

· Strong attention to detail

· Experience of using multiple ERP systems & competent at using EXCEL

· Critical path management and range building experience

· Ability to manage competing and challenging demands and prioritise

· Strong analytical and numerical skills

· Degree in any discipline (desirable)

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £23,000.00-£30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Store discount

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (required)

Work Location: In person