Buying Assistant

Job description
Here at Edinburgh Woollen Mill we are looking for an Buying Assistant to join our Buying team at our Head Office in Carlisle.

About Edinburgh Woollen Mill

Edinburgh Woollen Mill is a leading retailer of quality clothing, accessories, and homeware, celebrating British heritage, craftsmanship and timeless style. With a strong presence on the high street and an expanding online offering, we’re committed to providing our customers with excellent products and services. Our Buying Team is central to our success and motivated and detail-driven individuals have the opportunity to flourish and progress within this fantastic business.

Role Overview:

The Buyer’s Assistant plays a key role in supporting the buying team with the coordination of product ranges, critical paths, supplier communication and general administration. You will be supporting our buying teams across fast-paced and varied product ranges. This role offers an excellent opportunity for someone keen to develop a career in retail buying, with hands on involvement in the buying cycle from range planning to product development and supplier management

Key Responsibilities:

Admin & Team Support

· Provide administrative support to the Buyer/Senior Buyer

· Maintain range plans ensuring all details are accurate and updated in internal systems

· Support with meeting scheduling, minutes, and seasonal planning documents

Product & Range Support

· Assist with the preparation and maintenance of product ranges

· Assist in range building, trend research and preparation for buying meetings

· Track product samples and co-ordinate fittings and approvals

· Coordinate samples, prepare boards and materials for range reviews, trade and sign offs

System Management

· Ensure accurate product data entry and maintain internal systems: range plan, web support, PIM, photography plan, POS etc

· Liaise with internal departments (design, merchandising, technical, sourcing, shipping) to ensure smooth workflow

Supplier Liaison

· Communicate with suppliers on fabric, sample, colour and strike off requests and approvals

· Track and chase product samples and approvals supporting sourcing

Critical Path Management

· Maintain critical paths and ensure key deadlines are met to ensure on-time product delivery

· Support tracking of all key milestones: sending of colours, protos, sample approvals, orders placed etc

Data and Reporting

· Help with sales analysis and preparing for trade meetings; gain a full understanding of highest best/worst sellers, rate of sale, store cover and sell through etc

· Monitor competitor activity and compile pricing/trend comparisons

· Ensure all product data and imagery is accurate and uploaded to web platform at key times, constantly reviewing web performance and supporting improvements

Key Skills & Attributes:

· Strong organizational and time management skills

· Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially excel and power point

· Excellent attention to detail and accuracy with a proactive approach to problem solving

· Confident communicator with good interpersonal and relationship building skills

· Ability to work proactively and manage multiple priorities

· A passion for retail and an interest in buying or product development

· Supportive and collaborative approach to working in a team

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

Commercial Acumen: know and understand your customer and competition. Actively participate in trend and product research. Competitor shops and propose new ideas and opportunities to improve trade and increase revenue

Product Knowledge: become a product expert and assist with the management of fits and fit process. Learn and improve knowledge on garment construction, fabric and trim application whilst maintaining quality and applying attention to detail at all times

Range Building: support with sample management and preparation of product ranges for meetings and demonstrate organisational skills by maintaining an accurate sample management system

Organisation & Time Management: co-ordinate and support with proto packs, fabric, colour, print, managing tasks and completing accurately and efficiently, within set deadlines

Understanding Profitability: ensure an awareness to costs and margin when supporting with buying decisions or sharing new ideas

Critical Path: keep product launches on time by monitoring and managing key critical path milestones ie. Red Seal, Black Seal, Approvals etc. Ensure speed and responsiveness during product development

Admin Accuracy: 100% accurate in data entry on system and range plans (product titles, composition, pricing, approvals etc) Attention to detail at all times

Effective Communication: ensure clear communication to the wider team at all times and demonstrate a collaborative approach

Team Collaboration: support the team and demonstrate a collaborative approach to all tasks given and have an active, questioning approach, contributing to team goals

Please apply now if interested!

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www.ewm.co.uk/careers

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