The Account Handler is responsible for managing relationships with designated schools, ensuring strong and professional partnerships are maintained and developed. Acting as the key liaison for allocated schools, the role oversees stock management, pricing strategy, supplier coordination, and both internal and external communications to ensure smooth operational delivery and commercial success.
Key Responsibilities
Stock Management
- Review daily stock levels and sales performance to ensure optimal availability.
- Plan and place top‑up and forward orders with suppliers, raising purchase orders (POs) accordingly.
- Receive goods and check deliveries against purchase orders and delivery notes.
- Promptly investigate and resolve any delivery discrepancies with suppliers.
- Verify invoices against delivery notes and agreed pricing prior to Director approval via Xero/Eskimo.
- Maintain accurate stock records and ensure effective stock control processes are followed.
- Review and agree retail pricing in collaboration with the Buying Manager / Director on a regular basis.
- Assess and review price points by individual item and at company level, considering spend, year‑on‑year growth and margin performance.
Internal Communication
- Organise and lead monthly buying meetings with the Buying Team and Store Manager to ensure alignment on school requirements, priorities, and upcoming developments.
- Liaise daily with the Fulfilment Team and Store Team to ensure stock availability meets demand and operational requirements.
- Proactively communicate stock levels, incoming deliveries, and potential shortages to relevant departments to minimise disruption.
- Monitor website stock availability to ensure accurate representation of live inventory and coordinate updates where required.
- Collaborate across departments to resolve stock‑related queries efficiently while maintaining high service standards.
External Communication
- Attend meetings with Schools’ Senior Leadership Teams to discuss uniform developments, new designs, fabric compositions, and suitability for purpose.
- Represent the company at management level as the primary contact for designated schools.
- Visit key suppliers annually to review performance, product development, compliance standards, and to strengthen strategic partnerships.
- Attend relevant industry trade shows (e.g. The Schoolwear Show) to source new products, monitor trends, and maintain market awareness.
- Participate in industry forums to stay informed of sector developments, legislation, and best practice.
- Maintain an active professional presence by following schools and suppliers on LinkedIn to monitor updates, announcements, and industry activity.
- Collate and review supplier sustainability, environmental, and ethical policies.
- Prepare and coordinate marketing and informational materials tailored to schools.
- Liaise closely with the School Liaison Administrator regarding updates, changes, and communications from schools.
- Maintain and continuously develop strong, professional supplier relationships.
Skills & Experience
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong numeracy and literacy skills.
- High attention to detail with strong listening skills.
- Collaborative, proactive, and solutions‑focused approach.
- Highly organised team player with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Self‑motivated with a commitment to continuous improvement of systems and processes.
- Good design skills and strong knowledge of office programs.
Working Hours
Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m – on‑site at our Hersham office
