At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Furniture buying team in managing product setup, pricing, and supplier communication.
- Company: Join Heal's, a historic leader in furniture and home design since 1810.
- Benefits: Permanent position with a competitive salary and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on quality and craftsmanship.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team shaping the future of exceptional furniture design.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in retail buying, strong Excel skills, and a passion for interiors.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
About Heal’s
For over 200 years, Heal's has been at the forefront of exceptional furniture and home design. Founded in 1810 as a family of skilled bed-makers, we've played a defining role in shaping some of the world's most influential design movements—from the Arts and Crafts movement and Bauhaus Modernism to the iconic Scandinavian style. Today, our passion for timeless, contemporary design remains as strong as ever. As the Home of Design since 1810, we continue to champion our founding values of Good Design, Well Made, and Honest Craftsmanship, curating beautifully designed furniture and home accessories that inspire and stand the test of time. At Heal's, we're proud of our heritage, but we're equally excited about the future. We're looking for people who share our passion for quality, creativity, and delivering an exceptional customer experience to help shape the next chapter of our story.
About the role
We are recruiting for an Assistant Buyer to join our Buying team on a full-time basis at Heal's Head Office. As an Assistant Buyer, you will support the Furniture buying team in the day-to-day management and commercial performance of the furniture category. You will take ownership of key buying processes including product setup, pricing and margin administration, supplier communication, upholstery programmes and product data, whilst working closely with teams across the business to ensure the smooth management and launch of our furniture range.
What you will bring
- Strong commercial awareness and analytical skills
- Excellent organisation and attention to detail
- Experience managing product data and administrative processes
- Strong Excel skills and confidence working with large datasets
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously
- Confident working directly with suppliers and cross-functional teams
- Proactive, organised and comfortable taking ownership of key processes
- Strong interest in furniture, interiors and retail
- Maintaining excellent attendance and time-keeping standards
- More than 2 years' experience of working in a retail head office, within buying is essential
Assistant Buyer employer: Heals
Join a dynamic and supportive team as a Merchandising Admin Assistant, where your organisational skills will shine in a fast-paced retail environment. Our hybrid working model allows for a perfect balance of collaboration in the office and flexibility at home, fostering a culture that values both teamwork and individual growth. With opportunities for professional development and a commitment to employee well-being, we are dedicated to making your experience meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Heals, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Heals!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Heals, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Heals and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Heals that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heals
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
