At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Horticultural Director with sourcing seeds and managing shipments.
- Company: Kings Seeds, a trusted name in horticulture since 1888.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 22 days holiday, pension scheme, and death in service benefit.
- Other info: Office-based role in Essex with opportunities for learning and development.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and grow your horticultural knowledge while making an impact.
- Qualifications: Horticultural knowledge, effective IT skills, and a good telephone manner.
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.
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. Your responsibilities will include:
- Assisting in the procurement of seed and other horticultural related products.
- Preparing reports that aid the purchasing team in their forecasts and negotiations with suppliers.
- Arranging collection of shipments, dealing directly with carriers and customs agents, and tracking each shipment from pick up to destination arrival ensuring all paperwork is correct.
- Working with the Horticultural Director to assist in the planning of seasonal demand, choosing new season ranges and volume requirements.
- Assisting with collation of product information needed for catalogue and website copywriting, including product features and benefits, technical information, and images.
- Attending 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.
You will demonstrate practical knowledge of procurement and effective IT skills including Excel and Access database. You should have the 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 include:
- 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.
- The 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 from his 40 plus years in horticulture.
- Assisting 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.
- A clean driving licence.
This position will be office-based in Essex, offering a competitive salary, death in service of 2.5 x annual salary, 22 days holiday plus bank holidays, and a pension scheme.
Locations
Buyers Assistant Buyers Assistant in Essex, Kelvedon employer: E W King & Co Ltd
Kings Seeds is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment where passion for horticulture meets professional growth. With a commitment to quality and customer service, employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a pension scheme, all while working alongside experienced professionals in the heart of Essex. The company fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, making it an ideal place for those looking to develop their skills in the gardening industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyers Assistant Buyers Assistant in Essex, Kelvedon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Kings Seeds, their products, and their values. This way, when you get that interview, you can show off your knowledge and passion for horticulture, making you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with people in the industry on LinkedIn or attend gardening events. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can give you insider tips about the role of an Assistant Buyer.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to procurement and customer service. Role-play with a friend or family member to build your confidence and ensure you can articulate your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Kings Seeds team!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyers Assistant Buyers Assistant in Essex, Kelvedon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Horticulture:When writing your application, let your love for gardening shine through! Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your horticultural knowledge. We want to see your enthusiasm for the industry and how it aligns with our values at Kings Seeds.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Assistant Buyer role. Highlight relevant skills like procurement experience and IT proficiency, especially in Excel. We appreciate when applicants take the time to connect their background to what we do at Kings Seeds.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant to horticulture. We value effective communication, so make sure your writing reflects that!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join the Kings Seeds team!
How to prepare for a job interview at E W King & Co Ltd
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with different types of seeds, their uses, and any recent trends in gardening. This will not only show your passion for the field but also help you engage in meaningful conversations with the interviewers.
✨Master the Art of Procurement
Since the role involves procurement, be prepared to discuss your understanding of sourcing and purchasing processes. Think about examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed supplier relationships or handled logistics, as this will demonstrate your practical knowledge.
✨Show Off Your IT Skills
The job requires effective IT skills, especially in Excel and Access. Brush up on these tools and be ready to discuss how you've used them in previous roles. If possible, prepare to share specific examples of reports or data analyses you've completed that could relate to the role.
✨Prepare for Customer Interaction
As you'll be expected to communicate with customers, practice your telephone manner. Think about how you would handle common customer queries or complaints related to gardening. Showing that you can provide sound advice and maintain a friendly tone will set you apart.
