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 to learn from industry experts and grow your horticultural knowledge.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in procurement while working with a dedicated team in a vibrant industry.
- Qualifications: Strong administrative skills, attention to detail, and a passion for gardening.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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 in Coggeshall employer: E W King & Co Ltd
Kings Seeds is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where teamwork and respect are at the forefront. As an Assistant Buyer, you will benefit from a supportive environment that encourages personal growth and development, alongside competitive perks such as a generous holiday allowance and a pension scheme. Located in Essex, you will be part of a passionate team dedicated to quality and customer service, making your role both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer in Coggeshall
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of digging into Kings Seeds. Understand their values, products, and what makes them tick. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their passionate team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to procurement and customer service. Think about how your skills align with the role of Assistant Buyer and be ready to share examples from your past experiences that highlight your attention to detail and organisational skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your horticultural knowledge! Brush up on your gardening facts and be ready to discuss your passion for horticulture. This will not only impress the Horticultural Director but also demonstrate that you’re keen to learn and grow within the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer in Coggeshall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Horticulture:When you're writing your application, let your love for gardening and horticulture shine through. Mention any relevant experiences or knowledge you have that align with our values at Kings Seeds.
Be Detail-Oriented:Since attention to detail is key for the Assistant Buyer role, make sure your application is free from typos and errors. Double-check your documents before hitting send – we appreciate a methodical approach!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight how your skills match the specific requirements of the Assistant Buyer position. We want to see how you can contribute to our team.
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 to join our passionate team!
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. This will not only show your passion for gardening but also demonstrate that you understand the core products Kings Seeds offers.
✨Master the Art of Communication
Since you'll be dealing with customers and suppliers, practice your communication skills. Prepare to discuss how you would handle customer inquiries or issues over the phone. Clear and effective communication is key in this role, so think of examples where you've successfully resolved problems.
✨Show Your Organisational Skills
As an Assistant Buyer, organisation is crucial. Bring examples of how you've managed data or tracked orders in previous roles. You might even want to prepare a mock report to showcase your attention to detail and methodical approach to work.
✨Be Ready to Learn
Express your willingness to learn from the Horticultural Director. Share any experiences where you've successfully absorbed new information and applied it. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in growing within the company.
