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 growth and learning from industry experts.
- 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 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. Kings 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.
- 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 Kelvedon 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 part of a passionate team in Essex, you will benefit from competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for personal growth within the horticultural industry. Join us to not only develop your skills but also to contribute to a company that values quality and customer loyalty.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer in Kelvedon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Kings Seeds and their values. When you walk into that interview, show us you understand their commitment to quality and customer service. It’ll make you stand out as someone who genuinely cares about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As an Assistant Buyer, you'll need to chat with suppliers and customers. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable talking about your horticultural knowledge and how you can help the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! Bring examples of how you've managed tasks or projects in the past. We love a methodical approach, so be ready to discuss how you prioritise and keep everything on track, especially under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to have fun! We’re a passionate team, and we want to see your enthusiasm for gardening. Share your personal experiences or projects related to horticulture during the interview. It’ll help us see your personality and passion shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer in Kelvedon
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. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about the industry and have some knowledge to back it up!
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. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully managed similar tasks in the past.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates regarding the hiring process!
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 your understanding of the 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 queries or take orders over the phone. Clear and effective communication is key in this role!
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience with administrative tasks and data management. Think of specific examples where you've successfully tracked orders or maintained stock levels. Highlighting your attention to detail will impress the interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Assistant Buyer position and the team dynamics at Kings Seeds. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
