At a Glance
- Tasks: Support product data management and supplier communication in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join CSG, the UK's largest local authority-owned trading company.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to social impact and growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in buying and merchandising with real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience with Microsoft Dynamics and strong Excel skills required.
Location: Hybrid/Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Salary/package: £25,948.96 to £27,000 per annum DOE
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week
This role is an initial 12-month fixed term contract.
Commercial Services Group (CSG) are looking for a trusted Buying Assistant to join their Global Education Supplies (GES) division and play a key role in ensuring accurate product data, smooth supplier communication and effective operational support. This role would suit someone early in their buying, merchandising or supply chain career, offering the chance to develop strong commercial skills, gain exposure to product lifecycle management and work closely with experienced Category Buyers and Product Managers.
Who we are
Global Education Supplies (GES) is part of the Children & Education portfolio at Commercial Services Group (CSG), comprising seven complementary brands that serve the global education sector. These include KCS Education, CES, Landscapes for Learning, Maudesport, Gresswell, Timstar and Technology Supplies. With a customer base spanning more than 90 countries, GES is entering a transformational phase focused on international growth, new product development, marketing investment and operational excellence.
Why this role matters
The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining accurate product and supplier information, ensuring smooth communication across internal teams and supporting efficient supplier management. This is a role where organisation, accuracy and collaboration are essential with responsibility for supporting product onboarding, data updates and supplier queries.
What you’ll be doing
- Managing supplier and internal queries to ensure timely responses and effective issue resolution.
- Supporting the collection, verification and updating of product and supplier information.
- Maintaining accurate data within the Product Information Management system and Microsoft Dynamics.
- Supporting the onboarding of new products, ensuring correct specifications, pricing, imagery and compliance documentation.
- Working closely with Buyers, Product Managers, Inventory and Customer Services to support smooth operations.
- Preparing reports, analysis and documentation to support decision making.
- Supporting supplier performance tracking, product lifecycle updates and data cleansing activities.
What we’re looking for
- Proven experience using Microsoft Dynamics in a product, buying or supply chain environment.
- Strong Excel skills, including data manipulation and lookups.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy when handling data.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
- Confident communication and relationship-building skills.
- An analytical mindset with the ability to interpret and present data clearly.
- A proactive and solutions-focused approach.
What you’ll get in return
- Salary of £25,948.96 to £27,000 per annum.
- 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 after four years.
- Birthday Day Off.
- One concessionary day during the Christmas period.
- Pension scheme with 4% employer contribution.
- Life assurance cover.
- Hybrid working.
Why CSG?
Commercial Services Group (CSG) is the UK’s largest local authority-owned trading company (LATCO), generating over £800 million in revenue and supporting 16,000 education and public sector customers worldwide. With more than 1,800 employees across the UK, France, Dubai and Bangkok, we are working towards becoming the global leader in education and public sector solutions. We are expanding rapidly, with annual growth of around 25 percent, supported by a blend of organic development, acquisitions and strategic partnerships. Our 33 trading businesses deliver a wide range of services including education management, IT, HR, legal, energy, procurement and supplies. CSG is wholly owned by local authorities, and a significant proportion of our profits is reinvested into frontline public services. Over £77 million has already been returned, reflecting our commitment to combining commercial performance with meaningful social impact.
Inclusion & Accessibility
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage applications from suitably qualified people of all backgrounds. As a member of Inclusive Employers and a Working Families Employer, we are actively building an environment that supports inclusion, flexibility and belonging for all colleagues.
Buying Assistant employer: Commercial Services
Commercial Services Group (CSG) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Shrewsbury that fosters professional growth and development for Buying Assistants. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, CSG provides competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and hybrid working options, all while promoting a culture of inclusion and collaboration. Join a rapidly expanding organisation dedicated to making a meaningful social impact within the education sector, where your contributions will be valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and services, especially in the education sector. This will help you tailor your answers and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions with a friend or in front of a mirror. Focus on showcasing your organisational skills and attention to detail, as these are key for the Buying Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at CSG.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buying Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience with Microsoft Dynamics, Excel skills, and your attention to detail. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention your organisational skills and proactive approach, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves managing supplier queries and internal communication, make sure to demonstrate your confident communication skills in your application. We love candidates who can build relationships and resolve issues effectively!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at CSG!
How to prepare for a job interview at Commercial Services
✨Know Your Numbers
Since the role requires strong Excel skills, brush up on your data manipulation and lookups. Be ready to discuss how you've used these skills in past experiences or projects, as this will show your analytical mindset and attention to detail.
✨Master Microsoft Dynamics
Familiarise yourself with Microsoft Dynamics, as it's crucial for managing product information. If you have any specific examples of how you've used it in a buying or supply chain context, be sure to highlight those during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare to discuss how you manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively. Think of specific instances where your organisational skills made a difference, especially in a fast-paced environment like buying or merchandising.
✨Build Rapport
Since the role involves communication with suppliers and internal teams, practice your relationship-building skills. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully navigated supplier queries or collaborated with colleagues to resolve issues.
