Assistant Buyer in Colchester

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 the 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:

• 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.