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- Tasks: Support the buying team in sourcing and negotiating innovative product ranges.
- Company: Join a dynamic retail company focused on delivering quality home products.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that shapes exciting product offerings and drives sales success.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or assistant buying, with strong negotiation and analytical skills.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid / Lancashire
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Our client is looking for a driven and commercially minded Assistant Buyer / Junior Buyer to support a busy department in delivering ambitious sales and margin targets through strategic product sourcing, supplier negotiation, and category management.
About the Role
As Assistant Buyer / Junior Buyer, you will play a key role in delivering a differentiated, profitable, and innovative product range. You will support the Buyer in executing the buying and category strategy, ensuring it aligns with merchandising, commercial, and brand goals. You will take ownership of specific product categories, managing everything from supplier relationships and cost negotiations to product development, pricing, and promotion planning.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Buyer in building and delivering the department's buying and category strategy, identifying opportunities for Lakeland to differentiate and win commercially.
- Source, design, and negotiate product ranges that deliver on sales, margin, and customer appeal.
- Monitor market trends and competitor activity, ensuring Lakeland remains competitive and distinctive.
- Manage supplier relationships, negotiating terms, funding, and promotional opportunities.
- Own the product critical path, ensuring products are delivered on time, within budget, and to Lakeland's high quality standards.
- Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to meet UK and EU compliance, ensuring every product is fit for purpose and sustainable.
- Analyse performance data, using insight to drive profitable decision-making and continuous improvement.
What You'll Bring
Experience:
- Proven experience in a buying or assistant buying role, ideally within non-food or hard goods retail.
- Experience in own-brand product development and managing the end-to-end critical path.
- Experience working with Far East suppliers and understanding of import processes.
- A multi-channel mindset with awareness of retail and online trading impacts.
- Strong IT skills, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Capabilities:
- Commercially astute, with excellent numerical and analytical skills.
- A strategic thinker who can turn insight into action.
- Strong negotiation, influencing, and relationship management skills.
- Organised and proactive, able to manage multiple projects and priorities.
- A collaborative team player with confidence, tact, and diplomacy.
- Customer-focused, with a passion for delivering outstanding value and innovation.
Junior Buyer - Home - Lancashire employer: CVUK
Contact Detail:
CVUK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Buyer - Home - Lancashire
✨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 products. Understand their buying strategy and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Junior Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate terms and build relationships. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Buyer - Home - Lancashire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Junior Buyer role. Highlight any relevant buying experience, especially in non-food or hard goods retail, and don’t forget to mention your strong IT skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our goals at Lakeland. Show us your enthusiasm for product sourcing and supplier negotiation.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong numerical and analytical skills, be sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can turn insight into action!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CVUK
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you research the company's product range thoroughly. Understand their unique selling points and how they differentiate themselves in the market. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you discuss how you can contribute to their buying strategy.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully negotiated with suppliers or managed relationships. Be ready to discuss your approach to securing the best terms and how you handle challenges during negotiations. This is crucial for a Junior Buyer role!
✨Stay Updated on Market Trends
Familiarise yourself with current market trends and competitor activities in the home goods sector. Bring insights to the interview about what’s trending and how it could impact the company’s product offerings. This demonstrates your proactive mindset and strategic thinking.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you analyse performance data to drive decisions. Share specific examples of how you've used data to improve product selection or sales outcomes in previous roles. Highlighting your numerical skills will resonate well with the hiring team.
