Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Buyer in developing homeware ranges and achieving sales targets.
- Company: Join Cotton Traders, a passionate British retailer with a rich history since 1987.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25-30 days holiday, health cash plan, and employee rewards.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team culture focused on growth and career progression.
- Qualifications: 1-2 years as an Assistant Buyer; strong organisational and communication skills required.
- Other info: Training provided for SAP data input; a great opportunity for creative collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 21600 - 36000 £ per year.
Cotton Traders is a British clothing retailer established in 1987 by England rugby captain and legends Fran Cotton and Steve Smith. Supported by a growing online and offline (catalogue) presence, we have 85 stores nationwide in England, Scotland and Wales and employ 800 people across the country. We have an ambitious plan to grow the business across all touch points and we can only do this with the best people around us.
Our vision and our values are what make us unique, and they are deeply ingrained in everything we do here at Cotton Traders. Our people are part of the fabric that makes us what we are, and when you’re as passionate about your people as we are, job satisfaction and career progression come hand in hand.
What’s in the role and what are we looking for?
We are recruiting for an Assistant Buyer to join our Home Buying department. The successful candidate will work closely to support the Buyer and wider team to ensure that sales, stock and margin targets are achieved. You will have bundles of passion and energy to successfully drive and contribute to our ranges.
Some of the key responsibilities include:
- Assist the buyer to develop a range for our target customer, ensuring the best price and quality.
- Monitor competitor activity and demonstrate commercial awareness through regular comp shops and the maintenance of price baskets.
- Complete key administrative tasks, both day-to-day and ad-hoc including the management of the critical path, departmental diary and sample room
- Work to deadlines, creating and updating internal buying documentation to support the smooth running of the department and communicate completion to the wider teams.
- Work closely with the creative team to manage samples and hit all key dates for scheduled seasonal shoots
- Build strong external relationships with suppliers and manage the timely submission of all paperwork, samples & images.
- Build strong internal relationships with Merchandising, Technology and Marketing departments.
- Accurately input data for product into SAP systems
The Successful Candidate will have:
- 1 – 2 years’ experience at Assistant Buyer level.
- Good knowledge of the current market.
- Excellent organisational skills and a good eye for detail.
- Excellent communication skills and be able to build strong relationships both internally and externally
- Enjoy working as a team and demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in responding to ad hoc, one-off jobs.
- Display accuracy and be thorough when inputting data and checking information.
- Microsoft office skills, especially Excel
- SAP data input experience preferred, but not essential as training will be provided.
What’s on offer?
We are protective and proud in equal measure of our culture and suggest you take a look at our values on our website to gain a better understanding of life at CT. Once you are a part of the team, you’ll be rewarded with, alongside other things:
- Flexible working culture, adopting a hybrid working approach
- 25 days holiday rising to 30 days, plus bank holidays
- Your CT, benefits, rewards and recognition platform
- Employee Assistant Programme
- Health cash plan
- Long service awards
Next steps
If you are interested in the excellent opportunity on offer, we would love to hear more from you! Please click apply and send your CV through, along with a covering letter on why you would be a great fit for the role.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Homeware Assistant Buyer employer: Cotton Traders Limited
Contact Detail:
Cotton Traders Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Homeware Assistant Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Cotton Traders' product range and values. Understanding their brand ethos will help you align your passion for homeware with their vision, making you a more appealing candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current market trends in homeware. Being able to discuss recent developments or popular products during your interview will demonstrate your commercial awareness and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the retail and buying sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups to build connections that could provide insights or even referrals for the Assistant Buyer position.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your organisational skills. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully managed multiple tasks or projects, as this will be crucial for the role's responsibilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Homeware Assistant Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and skills required for the Homeware Assistant Buyer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to build relationships, as these are crucial for the position.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise any previous experience you have in buying or retail, particularly in homeware. Include examples of how you've contributed to sales targets or managed supplier relationships to show your commercial awareness.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to include your proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and any experience with SAP systems. If you lack SAP experience, express your willingness to learn and adapt, as training will be provided.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cotton Traders Limited
✨Research Cotton Traders
Before the interview, take some time to learn about Cotton Traders' history, values, and current market position. Understanding their vision will help you align your answers with what they stand for and show your genuine interest in the company.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As an Assistant Buyer, you'll need excellent organisational skills. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects, highlighting your attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Cotton Traders is looking for someone who can monitor competitor activity and demonstrate commercial awareness. Be ready to discuss recent trends in the homeware market and how you would approach competitor analysis to support the buying process.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Having thoughtful questions prepared shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you assess if Cotton Traders is the right fit for you. Consider asking about the team dynamics, the challenges faced by the buying department, or how success is measured in the role.
