At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Buying Team in product selection, supplier negotiations, and market analysis.
- Company: Join a dynamic retail company passionate about innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Great chance to work in a fast-paced environment with a focus on creativity.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting product launches and make a real impact in the retail world.
- Qualifications: 2 years of assistant buying experience and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Job Purpose
To provide comprehensive administrative, commercial, and operational support to the Buying Team.
Assisting the buyer in identifying opportunities for new products, innovation, and continuous range improvement.
The role builds and maintains effective supplier relationships, supporting negotiations on pricing, lead times, and product specifications, while ensuring accurate product information is captured, maintained, and communicated across the business.
You will manage an allocated product range from concept through to launch and in‑season performance under the guidance and direction of the Buyer.
- Range Building & Product Selection
- Manage and maintain an allocated product range from product selection through to launch and in‑season performance, under the guidance of the Buyer.
- Collaborate on category strategies, identifying opportunities for new products, innovation, and continuous range improvement.
- Contribute to the overall achievement of departmental objectives and wider business goals.
- Assist the Buyer in preparing and presenting ranges for sign off with the relevant functions.
- Propose ideas to drive sales in your relevant department by reviewing sales and continually seeking opportunities.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating pricing, lead times, and product specifications within agreed parameters.
- Attend supplier meetings and select products independently.
- Oversee the sample management process from product selection meetings with the help of the admin assistants, including Critical Path Management.
- Oversee the product lifecycle from initial product selection and purchase order approval through to successful launch in stores.
- Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date delivery schedules for all purchased stock, ensuring key milestones are met and product availability is effectively managed.
- Attend weekly update meetings with the charge on, distribution, and marketing teams to coordinate weekly intake requirements and support successful product launches.
- Trend & Competitor Analysis
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity and pricing to identify emerging opportunities, product innovations and customer trends.
- Use market insights to recommend new products and continuous range improvements, ensuring the product offering remains commercially competitive, relevant and aligned with customer needs.
- Conduct competitor research through store visits, attend trade fairs and carry out regular online research.
- Build effective working relationships with Merchandising, Marketing, Distribution Centre, Retail and Finance teams to ensure accurate product information is communicated, stock availability is maintained and product launches are successfully executed.
Attend regular photoshoots and drive social media marketing content to ensure key product features across all channels.
- Compliance & Product Testing
- Ensure all products meet company quality standards, legislative requirements and ethical sourcing policies.
All necessary testing is carried out both internally and by suppliers to ensure full compliance with current REACH regulations.
- Coordinate and manage the audit critical path, ensuring supplier compliance is maintained and all audit requirements are completed within agreed timescales.
Essential Requirements
- Must possess at least 2 years assistant buying experience in a retail environment.
- Pro‑active in proposing new ideas and inspiration.
- Strong commercial awareness and ability to drive profit.
- Highly numerate and a logical thinker.
- Effective supplier relationship and negotiation skills.
- A great multitasker who is organised and self‑motivated.
- Analytical skills, excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills.
- Customer focused with a high attention to detail.
- A good standard of education.
Desirable Requirements
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Previous Jewellery Buying Experience.
- An interest in jewellery, fashion or lifestyle products.
- Knowledge of consumer trends and competitor analysis.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Assistant Buyer in Rochester employer: H&T Group plc
H&T Group plc is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture in Wembley where customer service excellence is at the forefront. With comprehensive training and a commitment to employee growth, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills while enjoying generous benefits such as 30 days of holiday and a private healthcare plan. Join us to be part of a supportive team that values integrity and provides a rewarding career path in customer service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer in Rochester
✨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 H&T Group plc, 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 H&T Group plc!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer in Rochester
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 H&T Group plc, 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 H&T Group plc 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 H&T Group plc that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at H&T Group plc
✨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!
