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- Tasks: Manage new products from setup to compliance, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
- Company: Join Lakeland, a beloved brand with a rich history in kitchen and home products.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 29 days holiday, pension plan, and generous product discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, making an impact in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Qualifications: Effective communicator with buying experience and strong organisational skills.
- Other info: Work hybrid in Windermere, with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Fixed Term until October 2026 – 39 hours per week
Hybrid (Head Office – Windermere | Minimum 3 days per week)
We\’re looking for an Assistant Buyer to work in our Buying department at our head office in Windermere. You will:
- Be responsible for the set up on our system, and progression, of all new/updated products into the business including; testing, legal compliance, Lakeland quality compliance, instructions, packaging design and origination, price negotiation, payment terms, MOQs, delivery requirements. Negotiate any aspects necessary in order to achieve the best solution for Lakeland
- Support new suppliers in order that they understand the high standards required by Lakeland and our customers
- Support our marketing department by ensuring copy notes and samples are ready in line with their deadlines. Present new/updated products at a Product Awareness Meeting with the copywriters, web team, catalogue production team
- Support our retail and contact centre teams with any product queries they have
- Support our product query team by answering any customer queries/ issues in a timely manner
- To ensure all new lines arrive into the business with the correct testing certificates and compliance testing, as required by the product type, and advised by a technologist
- Assist the Buyer with New Product Development(NPD) management by collating suggestions and helping to co-ordinate new innovations by providing administrative and communications support as required
- Brief packaging requirements ensuring that the packaging meets the design brief/packaging guidelines and will be informative, supportive and visually appealing.
As an Assistant Buyer, you will work closely with the Buyer. Your responsibility is to manage newly selected products through our setting up and compliance process and into the business. All new products remain the responsibility of the Assistant Buyer until the point of arrival at our Distribution Centre in Kendal. Role modelling the Lakeland values and behaviours at all times you will ensure that excellent service and operational standards are achieved.
Essential – the ‘must haves’
- Be an effective communicator, with an ability to deal diplomatically at all levels, both internally and externally
- Have buying office/retail environment knowledge/ experience
- Have excellent planning and organisational skills to ensure deadlines are met
- Have strong numerical skills, ability to work accurately with data
- Understands the importance of meeting deadlines
- Able to work to a critical path, prioritise their workload, and ‘flex’ it as the needs of the business change
- Happy to be challenged by a fast pace role with a high interruption level
- Able to demonstrate a creative innovative approach to problem solving
- Capable of working unsupervised and able to use own initiative
- Have proven negotiation skills
- Have experience of working with Outlook and Microsoft Excel
- GCSE English & Maths Grade 4/C or equivalent
- Ability to multi task
Desirable – the ‘nice to haves’
- Knowledge of Lakeland Products
- Experience of working in a team
- Have an understanding of a multi-channel retail business and an interest in product
- Educated to ‘A’ level standard or equivalent
Founded in the early 60s, with the same strong values of quality and customer care now as when we first started. From selling plastic bags for home freezing from the Rayner family garage in Windermere, to over 4000 kitchen and home products today, Lakeland has grown to the extent that we now send out thousands of parcels a day from our Kendal despatch centre, and we have stores nationwide, stretching from Aberdeen to Exeter, with more in the pipeline.
There are many benefits to being part of the Lakeland team. Other than being part of a huge and happy working family, our colleagues are rewarded with a competitive salary and a group personal pension plan.
There are 29 days’ paid holiday (including bank holidays) and generous discounts on our products. We offer a great retail environment, and the chance to be part of a team who like to work and socialise together
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Assistant Buyer employer: Lakeland Limited
Contact Detail:
Lakeland Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer
✨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 the company and its products. Familiarise yourself with Lakeland's values and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs. Show them you're not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets what they do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As an Assistant Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or family member 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 genuinely interested in being part of the Lakeland team. Let's get you that Assistant Buyer role!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Buyer role. Highlight your relevant experience in buying or retail environments, and don’t forget to showcase those strong numerical skills and organisational abilities we’re looking for!
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 skills align with our values at Lakeland. Be sure to mention any experience with product compliance and negotiation.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As an Assistant Buyer, effective communication is key. In your application, give examples of how you've successfully dealt with various stakeholders, whether internally or externally. We want to see that you can handle those diplomatic conversations!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lakeland Limited
✨Know Your Products
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of Lakeland's product range. Familiarise yourself with their bestsellers and any recent launches. This will not only show your enthusiasm for the role but also help you discuss how you can contribute to the buying department.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully negotiated terms or resolved conflicts. Highlighting your negotiation skills is crucial for this role, so think about specific situations where you achieved a win-win outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Be ready to discuss how you manage multiple tasks and deadlines. Use real-life examples to illustrate your planning and organisational abilities, especially in a fast-paced environment. This will reassure them that you can handle the demands of the Assistant Buyer position.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Lakeland values teamwork, so be prepared to talk about your experience working collaboratively. Share stories that reflect your ability to support colleagues and contribute positively to a team dynamic, as this will resonate well with the company culture.
