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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support product range development and collaborate with various teams to enhance offerings.
- Company: Join IronmongeryDirect, the UK's leading supplier of architectural ironmongery with over 50 years of trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, training opportunities, private healthcare, and generous staff discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, gain exposure across the business, and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, organisation, and a willingness to learn; retail experience is a plus.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for career progression and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
About Us
At IronmongeryDirect, we have been a trusted name in architectural ironmongery for over 50 years. What started as a traditional ironmongery shop has since grown into the UK's leading direct supplier, delivering thousands of parcels each week. With a vast range of over 18,000 high-quality products available for next-day delivery, we are the reliable choice for tradespeople who value efficiency, expert advice, and top-tier service. If you are looking to be part of a dynamic, growing company that is built on a foundation of trust and excellence, we would love to hear from you.
About the Role
We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Category Assistant to join our dynamic Category team. In this role, you will support the development and execution of product ranges that resonate with our target customers. You will collaborate with multiple internal teams - Merchandising, E-commerce, Marketing, Customer Services, Photography, and IT - to help deliver compelling, competitive, and well-communicated product offerings. This is a varied role with great exposure across the business, ideal for someone with strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and a genuine interest in product and market dynamics.
About the Accountabilities
- Support Category Managers with mailers and web proofing to ensure accuracy and reduce customer queries.
- Conduct market, customer, and competitor research to inform decision-making and maintain a competitive edge.
- Coordinate new product communication, ensuring teams are informed and confident about upcoming launches.
- Organise supplier product days and assist in identifying and filling key product gaps.
- Respond to customer feedback and queries from Customer Services and Bazaarvoice, meeting SLA requirements.
- Assist in the upload of new products, including sourcing and collating product data and content.
- Manage image assets including samples, photos, and in-situ images.
- Support the Category team with price analysis and trend reporting.
- Collaborate with the Merchandising team to compile relevant product content.
- Coordinate data uploads with the IT team.
- Generate reports as required to support category decisions.
About You
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills.
- Highly organised with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (especially Excel); experience with product data management is a plus.
- Enthusiastic, self-motivated, and willing to learn.
- Prior experience in a similar retail or product-focused role is desirable but not essential.
About the Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus public Bank Holidays.
- Annual investment of 40 hours development & training per employee and opportunities for career progression.
- Subsidised Private Healthcare for employees and their families.
- Fully funded Wellbeing offering operated by Health Shield with the ability to claim back medical costs, access to an EAP service including counselling sessions, a GP Anytime service and access to the NHS-approved Thrive wellbeing app.
- Discretionary annual company performance bonus.
- Bi-Monthly WOW awards for those that go above and beyond.
- Generous staff discount on our products.
- Long service awards.
- Two paid volunteer days per year.
- £500 refer a friend incentive scheme.
- Free onsite parking in Head Office.
Please note this job description does not claim to be exhaustive in the duties it defines, and it may to some extent change from time to time. This document will be reviewed during the annual appraisal process and any changes where appropriate will be made formally via the HR Department.
Buying Administrator employer: Ironmongery Direct
Contact Detail:
Ironmongery Direct Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Administrator
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with IronmongeryDirect's product range and their market position. Understanding their offerings will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to the Category team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with data management and analysis, especially in relation to product offerings. Highlight any relevant tools or software you've used that align with the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully collaborated with different teams in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to work effectively within a dynamic environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Administrator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Buying Administrator position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your excellent written and verbal communication skills, organisational abilities, and proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. Provide specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these skills.
Show Enthusiasm: Convey your enthusiasm for the role and the company in your cover letter. Mention your genuine interest in product and market dynamics, and how you can contribute to the team’s success.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ironmongery Direct
✨Show Your Communication Skills
As the role requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, be prepared to demonstrate these during the interview. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, and consider sharing examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles.
✨Research the Company and Market
Familiarise yourself with IronmongeryDirect's product range and their position in the market. Understanding their competitors and current trends will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
The job requires strong organisational abilities and multitasking. Be ready to discuss how you manage your time and prioritise tasks, perhaps by sharing specific examples from previous experiences where you successfully juggled multiple responsibilities.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Collaboration
Since the role involves working with various internal teams, emphasise your teamwork skills. Share instances where you've collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, showcasing your ability to work well in a team environment.
