At a Glance
- Tasks: Support product development and buying processes while gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: Growing consumer products business with a focus on career development.
- Benefits: Gain valuable skills, work closely with leaders, and enjoy career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with exposure to the entire product lifecycle.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in buying and merchandising with real-world experience.
- Qualifications: Degree in Business, Fashion, Economics, or similar; strong Excel skills.
A fantastic opportunity for a graduate or entry level candidate looking to build a career in buying, merchandising, product development or commercial operations. Working closely with senior leadership, you'll gain hands-on experience across product development, buying administration, pricing, reporting and customer account support within a growing consumer products business.
What You'll Be Doing
- Maintaining product information, SKU codes and product databases
- Creating and updating purchase orders and supplier records
- Supporting product launches and seasonal ranges
- Managing customer price lists and costing information
- Assisting with margin analysis and commercial reporting
- Supporting customer onboarding and retailer product setup
- Producing Excel reports and sales analysis
- Providing general administrative support across commercial and operational teams
What We're Looking For
- Degree educated (Business, Fashion, Economics, Mathematics or similar)
- Strong Excel and numerical skills
- Excellent attention to detail and organisation
- Strong communication skills
- Able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn
Experience with Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, Shopify, retail, wholesale or merchandising environments would be advantageous but isn’t essential.
What You'll Gain
This role offers exposure to every stage of the product lifecycle and provides an excellent foundation for a career in:
- Buying
- Merchandising
- Product Development
- Commercial Management
- Operations
- Wholesale Account Management
You’ll work closely with experienced leaders, develop valuable commercial skills and have genuine opportunities for progression as the business grows.
Interested? If you’re looking for a role where you can learn, develop and build a long-term career, we’d love to hear from you. Send us your CV and tell us a little about yourself.
Buying Assistant in South Croydon employer: Harris Lord Recruitment
Join a dynamic consumer products business that prioritises employee growth and development, offering a supportive work culture where you can thrive as a Buying Assistant. With hands-on experience across various aspects of buying and merchandising, you'll benefit from close mentorship by senior leaders and have ample opportunities for career progression in a collaborative environment. This role not only equips you with essential skills but also fosters a positive atmosphere that encourages learning and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Assistant in South Croydon
✨Get Visible in Your Community
Retail hiring often happens locally, so don’t hesitate to stroll into shops like Harris Lord Recruitment with your CV in hand. Engage with the staff—show them your enthusiasm and ask about any openings. It’s all about making a memorable impression, so don’t shy away from being friendly!
✨Join Retail Job Fairs
Local job fairs are a goldmine for entry-level retail positions. Keep an eye out for events in your area where Harris Lord Recruitment might have a booth. This allows us to chat directly with hiring managers and get the inside scoop on what they're looking for!
✨Leverage Your Social Networks
Utilise social media platforms to let your friends and family know you're on the hunt for an entry-level retail gig. You’d be amazed at how many opportunities come from a simple post. Ask if anyone’s heard about openings at Harris Lord Recruitment or similar spots—it’s all about tapping into your network!
✨Look for Seasonal Opportunities
Retail often ramps up staffing during holiday seasons, so keep an eye out for temporary positions. Get in touch with Harris Lord Recruitment around times like Christmas or Black Friday. Applying for seasonal roles can sometimes lead to permanent positions if you impress!
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Assistant in South Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, it's all about the customer experience! Make sure your CV highlights any previous customer service roles or relevant experiences. Whether it's a part-time gig or volunteering, include instances where you’ve gone above and beyond for customers to showcase your people skills.
Keep It Clear and Concise:Retail hiring managers sift through tons of applications, so get straight to the point. Tailor your CV to include key information like your availability and any retail experience, but make it easy to read. Bullet points and a tidy layout can make all the difference for those first impressions!
Craft a Friendly Cover Letter:Since this is an entry-level position, let your enthusiasm shine through in your cover letter! Mention why you're excited about working at Harris Lord Recruitment specifically—people love to see a genuine connection. Talk about your willingness to learn and how you're ready to take on the challenges of retail.
Research and Refer to Retail Trends:Showing knowledge of the retail industry can set you apart! Briefly mention some current retail trends or issues in your application to demonstrate your interest and understanding of the market. It’ll show that you’re not just any applicant but someone who genuinely cares about the brand and its customers.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harris Lord Recruitment
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In the retail world, customer service is king! Get ready to share your experiences dealing with customers, whether it’s from previous jobs or volunteering. Think about examples where you handled tough situations or went the extra mile, as employers like Harris Lord Recruitment want to see that you’ve got the people skills to keep their customers happy.
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
Before heading to your interview at Harris Lord Recruitment, take a deep dive into their product range. If you have a particular brand or category you're passionate about, bring that enthusiasm to the conversation. Familiarising yourself with their values and bestsellers can really set you apart as someone who's not just looking for any job, but is genuinely interested in retail.
✨Dress the Part – Retail Style
For an entry-level role in retail, your appearance can say a lot about your understanding of the industry. Dress smart but relatable—think about what you'd wear on the shop floor. Showing that you understand the brand image of Harris Lord Recruitment through your style can give you an edge right from the get-go.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Retail is all about teamwork! Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a positive team environment at Harris Lord Recruitment. Having stories that illustrate how you've worked well with others, whether in school projects or group activities, can showcase your collaborative spirit, which is crucial for an entry-level position.
