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- Tasks: Support the buying strategy for Food & Drink, driving sales and market share.
- Company: Fenwick, a historic and innovative family-owned department store.
- Benefits: 33 days annual leave, birthday off, up to 25% discount, and hybrid working.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Qualifications: Intermediate buying experience, strong analytical skills, and a passion for food and drink.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
When you join Fenwick, you’ll receive:
- 33 days annual leave (inclusive of 8 bank holidays) and a buying holiday benefits scheme in which you are eligible to buy a further 5 days across the year.
- Your birthday off as an additional day annual leave – this can be taken any day within your birth month.
- Up to 25% discount in all Fenwick stores and fenwick.co.uk.
- WeCare - 24/7 GP, wellbeing advice & support service.
- Hybrid Working (typically Thursday and Friday working from home).
About the Role
The Assistant Buyer plays a key role in delivering the buying strategy for the Food & Drink category across Fenwick’s stores and online. Working closely with the Buyer and wider Buying & Merchandising teams, the role supports the development and implementation of commercially sound range plans that reflect the Fenwick brand, respond to market trends and meet the needs of local customers, with a clear focus on driving sales, margin and market share.
The role is involved across the end-to-end buying process, including sourcing and developing food and drink ranges, supporting supplier negotiations, analysing trading performance and managing stock and OTB effectively. Through detailed trade analysis and strong attention to data, the Assistant Buyer helps identify opportunities for growth, improve efficiencies and reduce markdown risk, while ensuring ranges remain current, balanced and customer-focused.
Collaboration is central to the role, working closely with Retail, Digital, Marketing, Logistics and support functions to deliver seasonal strategies, product launches and promotional activity across the Food & Drink category. This role suits someone with buying experience in a multichannel retail environment, strong commercial awareness and analytical skills, and the confidence to build supplier relationships, contribute ideas and support continuous improvement within a fast-paced buying team.
What we are looking for in a candidate:
- Intermediate level experience in buying, and sales.
- A keen interest in food, drink and premium gifting products.
- Experience in developing product strategies and building business cases.
- Analytical with a keen ability to identify opportunities for efficiency and improvement.
- Negotiating and contracting skills.
- Intermediate communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills.
- Experience within a retail multichannel environment.
About Fenwick
Fenwick is rich with heritage and history and have been style pioneers since 1882 when our first store opened. We know luxury and are proud to remain the largest independent, family-owned group of department stores within the UK. We are on an exciting journey to exceed our customers' expectations and we are always on the lookout for new talent to join us.
Our collaborative spirit unites a workforce of over 2,000 individuals across our stores, as well as in our support functions, encompassing Digital, Buying & Merchandising, IT, Finance, People, Customer Service teams, and our cherished restaurants and distribution centres.
In 2023 we launched our ‘Quiet No More’ campaign, enhancing our presence on the UK high street as well as our eCommerce website going from strength to strength. Together, we form the beating heart of Fenwick, driving forward our vision for excellence and innovation. Join us as we pave the way toward an even brighter tomorrow, where tradition meets transformation!
Assistant Buyer - Food & Drink in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Fenwick
Contact Detail:
Fenwick Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer - Food & Drink in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Fenwick and its Food & Drink category. Understand their products, values, and recent trends. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As an Assistant Buyer, you'll need to be confident in discussions with suppliers. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Fenwick team and ready to dive into the buying world.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer - Food & Drink in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your buying experience, especially in food and drink, and any analytical skills you have. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your interest in food and drink products – it’s a big plus for us!
Show Off Your Analytical Skills: Since the role involves a lot of data analysis, make sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in your previous roles. We love candidates who can spot opportunities for growth and efficiency!
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the Fenwick family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fenwick
✨Know Your Products
Before the interview, dive deep into Fenwick's Food & Drink offerings. Familiarise yourself with their premium products and any recent launches. This will not only show your passion for the role but also help you discuss how you can contribute to their buying strategy.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've used data analysis to drive decisions in your previous roles. Fenwick values analytical skills, so be ready to explain how you've identified opportunities for growth or improved efficiencies in a multichannel retail environment.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with others. Share stories that highlight your communication and relationship-building skills, especially in a fast-paced setting.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Brush up on your negotiation skills and be prepared to discuss past experiences where you've successfully negotiated with suppliers. Fenwick is looking for someone who can confidently build supplier relationships, so showcasing your contracting skills will be key.