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- Tasks: Join our Buying team as an Assistant Buyer, managing new products from setup to delivery.
- Company: Lakeland, a trusted name since the 1960s, offers over 4,000 quality products nationwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, pension, 29 days' holiday, and discounts in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, enhance your skills, and contribute to innovative product development.
- Qualifications: GCSE English & Maths Grade 4/C or equivalent; experience in retail or buying is a plus.
- Other info: This fixed-term role is hybrid, requiring at least 3 days in our Windermere office.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 42000 £ per year.
Fixed Term until March 2026 - 39 hours per week
We are looking for an Assistant Buyer to work in our Buying department at our head office in Windermere. You will:
- Be responsible for the setup and progression of all new/updated products into the business, including testing, legal compliance, Lakeland quality standards, instructions, packaging design, price negotiation, payment terms, MOQs, and delivery requirements. Negotiate as necessary to achieve the best outcomes for Lakeland.
- Support new suppliers to understand Lakeland's high standards and customer expectations.
- Assist the marketing team by ensuring copy notes and samples are prepared on time.
- Present new and updated products at Product Awareness Meetings with relevant teams.
- Support retail and contact centre teams with product-related queries.
- Respond promptly to customer queries and issues regarding products.
- Ensure all new lines have the correct testing certificates and compliance documentation, as advised by a technologist.
- Assist with New Product Development (NPD) by collating suggestions and coordinating innovations, providing administrative and communication support.
- Brief packaging requirements to meet design briefs and guidelines, ensuring they are informative, supportive, and visually appealing.
As an Assistant Buyer, you will work closely with the Buyer to manage new products through setup and compliance until they arrive at our Distribution Centre in Kendal. You will exemplify Lakeland's values and behaviours, ensuring excellent service and operational standards.
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
Essential – the ‘must haves’
- Effective communication skills, able to deal diplomatically at all levels internally and externally.
- Experience or knowledge of buying offices or retail environments.
- Excellent planning and organizational skills to meet deadlines.
- Strong numerical skills with accuracy in data handling.
- Understanding of the importance of deadlines and ability to prioritize workload.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-interruption environment.
- Creative and innovative problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and use initiative.
- Proven negotiation skills.
- Proficiency with Outlook and Microsoft Excel.
- GCSE English & Maths Grade 4/C or equivalent.
- Ability to multitask.
Desirable – the ‘nice to haves’
- Knowledge of Lakeland products.
- Experience working in a team environment.
- Understanding of multi-channel retail business and an interest in products.
- Educational qualification at ‘A’ level or equivalent.
Additional Information
This is a fixed-term role until March 2026, working 39 hours per week, hybrid (minimum 3 days at Windermere head office).
About Lakeland: Founded in the 1960s in Windermere, we now operate nationwide with over 4,000 products, and our own stores and distribution centres. Benefits include a competitive salary, discretionary bonus, pension scheme, 29 days’ holiday, discounts, and a supportive team environment.
Assistant Buyer employer: Lakeland
Contact Detail:
Lakeland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Lakeland's product range and values. Understanding their unique selling points and customer expectations will help you demonstrate your alignment with the brand during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your negotiation skills. Since the role involves price negotiation and supplier management, being able to showcase your experience or strategies in this area can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects in a fast-paced environment. This will highlight your organisational skills and ability to prioritise effectively, which are crucial for the Assistant Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of Lakeland if possible. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when tailoring your approach during the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in buying or retail environments. Emphasise your communication skills, organisational abilities, and any experience with product development or supplier negotiations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific examples of how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Assistant Buyer position, particularly in areas like negotiation and compliance.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your numerical skills and proficiency with tools like Microsoft Excel. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed deadlines and prioritised tasks in previous roles.
Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities: Include instances where you've demonstrated creative problem-solving skills, especially in fast-paced environments. This will help illustrate your ability to handle the dynamic nature of the Assistant Buyer role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lakeland
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an Assistant Buyer, effective communication is key. Be prepared to demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and diplomatically, especially when discussing product details or negotiating with suppliers.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
This role requires excellent planning and organisational skills. Share examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or projects, ensuring deadlines were met without compromising quality.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Abilities
Negotiation is a crucial part of the Assistant Buyer role. Prepare to discuss any previous experiences where you successfully negotiated terms or prices, and be ready to explain your approach to achieving the best outcomes.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Lakeland Products
Having knowledge about Lakeland's products can set you apart from other candidates. Research their product range and be ready to discuss how your understanding of these products can benefit the buying department.
