At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Horticultural Director in sourcing seeds and managing procurement tasks.
- Company: Join Kings Seeds, a passionate team with over 130 years of experience in horticulture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 22 days holiday, pension scheme, and fun work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and hands-on experience in a dynamic office setting.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the gardening world while learning from industry experts.
- Qualifications: Strong administrative skills, attention to detail, and a passion for horticulture.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Kings Seeds has been trading since 1888 and sells seeds to hobby gardeners, garden centre retailers and commercial growers. Kings Seeds is known for offering high quality seed, all tested for germination in its own seed laboratory by its own qualified seed analyst. King’s Seeds main priorities have always been quality seed, quality customer service and excellent value products, resulting in a high percentage of customer loyalty.
We are a small but passionate team with a strong can-do attitude. We show respect to one another and are keen to work together on our respective areas of expertise while being willing to help each other. We work hard but we don’t forget to have fun.
As an Assistant Buyer at Kings Seeds, you will support the Horticultural Director with administrative tasks relating to sourcing seeds and other horticultural products from various suppliers all over the world.
Core Responsibilities
- Assist in the procurement of seed and other horticultural related products.
- Prepare reports that aid the purchasing team in their forecasts and negotiations with suppliers.
- Place and track purchase orders to ensure products arrive on time.
- Track shipments and provide information for APHA if required.
- Arrange collection of shipments, dealing directly with carriers, customs agents, and track and chase each shipment from pick up to destination arrival ensuring all paperwork is correct.
- Plan, monitor and assist with maintaining accurate stock levels.
- Work with the Horticultural Director to assist in the planning of seasonal demand, choosing new season ranges and volume requirements.
- Assist with collation of product information needed for catalogue and website copywriting, including product features and benefits, technical information and images.
- Attend appropriate flower and vegetable trials with the Horticultural Director to grow your product and supplier knowledge base within the UK and Europe to support new product development and innovation.
- Other ad hoc duties related to the role, depending on the business needs.
We are looking for someone who has accurate, efficient administrative skills and who is practiced in working with and compiling data sheets. You will demonstrate practical knowledge of procurement and demonstrate:
Essential
- Excellent attention to detail and organisation skills.
- Effective communication skills.
- Methodical and structured approach to work.
- Effective IT skills including Excel and Access database.
- Ability to work under pressure and react to changing demands, prioritising workload and tasks to best achieve the overall plan and meet deadlines.
Additional requirements for role
- A good horticultural knowledge and a passion for gardening.
- A good telephone manner, as you will be expected to speak to customers and take orders over the phone.
- Ability to help and give advice to customers on the phone and assist the customer service team with sound and reliable gardening advice.
- A willingness to learn from the Horticultural Director and retain as much information of his 40 plus years in horticulture to help you within your role.
- To assist the Seed Laboratory team with germination queries and contacting suppliers if purchases do not meet our quality standards to gain replacements or credits from suppliers.
Desirable
- To have good writing skills to assist with copywriting for seed catalogue and packet copy.
- Ability to work on your own if required.
- Clean driving licence.
- Willingness to stay away on business trips as and when required.
Will be office based in Essex, offering a competitive salary, we offer death in service of 2.5 x annual salary, 22 days holiday plus BHPension scheme. Closing date 30 June 2026.
Assistant Buyer employer: E W King & Co Ltd
At Kings Seeds, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and dynamic employer, where our small but passionate team thrives on collaboration and mutual respect. Located in Essex, we offer a vibrant work culture that balances hard work with enjoyment, alongside competitive benefits such as a generous holiday allowance, a pension scheme, and opportunities for personal growth within the horticultural industry. Join us to be part of a legacy that values quality, customer service, and employee development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the horticultural industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Kings Seeds and understanding their values. Show us your passion for gardening and how you can contribute to our team. We love candidates who can demonstrate their knowledge and enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As an Assistant Buyer, you'll need to interact with suppliers and customers. We recommend role-playing common scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Horticulture:When writing your application, let your love for gardening and horticulture shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about the industry and have a good understanding of it.
Be Detail-Oriented:Since attention to detail is key for this role, make sure your application is free from typos and errors. We appreciate a methodical approach, so take your time to proofread everything before hitting send!
Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure to showcase your administrative skills and any experience with procurement or data management. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so don’t be shy about your relevant expertise!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly 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 to join our team at Kings Seeds!
How to prepare for a job interview at E W King & Co Ltd
✨Know Your Seeds
Before the interview, brush up on your horticultural knowledge. Familiarise yourself with different types of seeds and their characteristics, as well as current trends in gardening. This will show your passion for the industry and help you engage in meaningful conversations with the interviewers.
✨Master the Admin Skills
Since the role requires strong administrative skills, be prepared to discuss your experience with data management and procurement processes. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed similar tasks in the past, especially using tools like Excel or Access.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Kings Seeds values teamwork and a can-do attitude. Be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Highlight your willingness to support colleagues and contribute to a positive work environment.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers. This could be about their sourcing strategies, how they maintain quality standards, or what a typical day looks like for an Assistant Buyer. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the company.
