At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Buying team by processing orders and liaising with suppliers.
- Company: Join Haskins, a family-owned, award-winning garden centre business.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous discounts, and health support.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working after training and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and make a real impact in retail.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for customer service.
The predicted salary is between 14 - 14 £ per hour.
We are recruiting a Buying Assistant for our Haskins Head Office on a temporary, part time basis, working 15 hours per week. Salary up to £14.26 per hour.
Haskins is a family owned, award winning business with 5 destination garden centres across the South of England, each with a large restaurant. We constantly strive to improve the service and experience we offer our customers, that’s why the recruitment of our people is so important to us. If you are passionate about delivering excellent customer service, have an eagerness to learn, and want to be part of a leading business, we want you to join our team.
The role of Buying Assistant involves supporting our busy FMCG Buying team where you will assist and work alongside Buyers and internal teams, liaise with suppliers, and process orders. You will need to ensure contracted stock is available and delivered on time ready for planned usage and assist the Buyer in making planning decisions. You will need to monitor products and suggest repeat orders when required and input all purchasing data into the company product data system. Analysing data, dealing with invoice queries, and administration is also a key element to the role, requiring strong IT and organisation skills. Liaising with suppliers and our Garden Centres, you will be responsible for getting the product range in the right place at the right time.
This is an exceptional opportunity to work in a great team environment for a strong and well reputed company. This is a full-time role Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm offering hybrid working once fully trained. The ideal candidate will have some Buying/Purchasing experience; however, if you have strong Customer Service and administration skills, attention to detail, and are exceptionally personable to build relationships with suppliers, then that will be considered.
If you feel you have the skills and experience for the role of Buying Assistant, then please do apply. In return we provide:
- Generous Company Discount scheme
- Retail discounts, saving money on day-to-day spending, days out, and gifts
- Cycle Scheme, helping spread the cost of a bike and saving on tax
- Health Cash Plan, for a small monthly contribution access a 24-hour online GP service recover costs for dental and optical appointments and more
- Time off to support local charities, with an annual paid Charity Day
- Wellbeing support with Mental Health First Aiders and external Assistance Program providing free counselling and advice for you and your family
- Company pension scheme for eligible employees
- Free on-site parking
- Up to 38 days of Holiday (pro-rata)
- Uniform provided
Buying Assistant - Temporary Position (6 months) - Haskins Head Office in Ferndown employer: Haskins
Haskins Garden Centres is an exceptional employer that values its employees and fosters a supportive work culture. With a focus on customer service excellence, we offer generous benefits including a company discount scheme, health cash plan, and opportunities for personal growth within a family-owned, award-winning business. Located in Ferndown, our Head Office provides a collaborative environment where you can thrive while contributing to a well-reputed company dedicated to community support and employee wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Assistant - Temporary Position (6 months) - Haskins Head Office in Ferndown
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to friends, family, or even former colleagues who might have connections in the buying or retail industry. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that Buying Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Haskins and their values. Show us your passion for customer service and how you can contribute to our team. We love candidates who align with our mission of improving customer experience!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to buying and purchasing. Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated strong communication and organisational skills. We want to see how you handle real-life situations!
✨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 us you’re genuinely interested in joining the Haskins family.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Assistant - Temporary Position (6 months) - Haskins Head Office in Ferndown
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight any relevant buying or customer service experience, and don’t forget to showcase your strong communication and organisational skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for the role and the company. Mention why you want to be part of Haskins and how you can contribute to the Buying team.
Showcase Your IT Skills:Since the role involves data input and analysis, make sure to mention any relevant IT skills you have. If you're familiar with data systems or have experience with Excel, let us know!
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 this exciting opportunity at Haskins!
How to prepare for a job interview at Haskins
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Buying Assistant and what Haskins is all about. Familiarise yourself with their products and services, and think about how your skills can contribute to their mission of delivering excellent customer service.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Since the role requires strong organisation, be ready to discuss examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Highlight any relevant experience in buying or purchasing, even if it's just through customer service roles.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are key for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might want to prepare answers to common interview questions, focusing on how you would liaise with suppliers and internal teams effectively.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, the buying process at Haskins, or how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you determine if it’s the right fit for you.
