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- Tasks: Support product sourcing and supplier negotiations while managing key line processes.
- Company: Join Matalan, a dynamic retail company focused on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% staff discount, wellbeing support, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in product purchasing with hands-on experience and growth potential.
- Qualifications: Detail-oriented with strong data handling skills; experience in procurement is a plus.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values creativity and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
As an Assistant Product Purchaser at Matalan, you will play a vital role in driving commercial success through strategic supplier relationships, process ownership, and data accuracy. Working cross-functionally with the wider Buying, Fabric, Packaging, and Imports teams, you will help optimise product sourcing and key line execution, while taking a hands-on approach in managing e-auctions, supplier negotiations, and critical path processes. This is a fantastic opportunity for a detail-oriented and commercially focused individual to progress their career in product purchasing, with scope to lead key areas and build deep category expertise.
Key Responsibilities
- Product & Procurement Support
- Support and lead aspects of the key line process alongside Product Buyers, ensuring smooth planning, tracking and execution.
- Utilise e-auction technology to enhance supplier competitiveness and drive best-value sourcing.
- Manage the sending of tech packs and samples to suppliers in collaboration with the Trainee Product Purchaser.
- Assist with the preparation and delivery of business e-auctions, including analysis and follow-up actions.
- Take ownership of defined key lines and negotiation areas, with Product Purchaser oversight.
- Organise and maintain accurate supplier documentation, including matrices and central trackers.
- Data Management & Analysis
- Create and manage high-accuracy product and supplier data summary sheets.
- Support e-auction file preparation and performance review post-auction.
- Help compile post-season key line one-page summaries for review and learning.
- Ensure timely updates to all central documents and supplier confirmation communications.
- Supplier & Commercial Strategy
- Build and develop strong supplier relationships that deliver long-term value.
- Manage and regularly update supplier scorecards, contributing to supplier performance strategy.
- Support supplier strategy planning and assist in preparation and follow-up of supplier meetings.
- Participate in benchmarking exercises covering quality, country of origin, and pricing, presenting findings to support buying decisions.
- Engage with packaging, fabric, and sustainability teams to gain deep product knowledge and support commercial decisions.
- Sample & Operational Management
- Oversee sample management processes for key lines, ensuring full visibility across suppliers.
- Ensure all relevant key line samples are received in a timely and complete manner for comparison and approval.
- Team & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Product Purchasers and Trainee Product Purchasers to deliver category objectives.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Buying, Imports, Packaging, and Fabric to support day-to-day operations and long-term planning.
- Support the delivery of team KPIs and ad-hoc projects.
Strong attention to detail and excellent data handling skills. Commercially aware with a proactive, hands-on approach to managing key lines and supplier negotiations. Comfortable working cross-functionally with diverse teams in a fast-paced environment. Experience in supplier management, product tracking, or procurement support preferred. Confident communicator with the ability to build strong relationships across internal teams and suppliers. Passionate about retail, product, and improving process efficiencies.
Benefits:
- 20% staff discount, which increases with length of service
- Thrive Recognition Scheme
- Wellbeing support provided by the Retail Trust
- Life Assurance
- Retail Rewards platform offering discounts for other retailers
- Pension Scheme
- Access to a wide range of career development
- Additional benefits may apply depending on your role and area of the business
Assistant Product Purchaser employer: Matalan
Contact Detail:
Matalan Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Product Purchaser
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Matalan and understanding their values and culture. Tailor your responses to show how your skills align with their mission. We want to see your passion for retail and product!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience in supplier management and data handling, as these are key for the Assistant Product Purchaser role.
✨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 joining our team at Matalan.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Product Purchaser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Assistant Product Purchaser role. Highlight your relevant experience in supplier management and data handling, and show us how you can contribute to our team at Matalan.
Show Off Your Attention to Detail: Since this role requires strong attention to detail, give us examples of how you've successfully managed data or processes in the past. We want to see that you can keep everything organised and accurate!
Be Commercially Aware: Demonstrate your understanding of the retail industry and product purchasing. Share any insights or experiences that showcase your commercial awareness and proactive approach to supplier negotiations.
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 the role as soon as possible. Don’t wait too long – we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Matalan
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Assistant Product Purchaser, you'll be dealing with a lot of data. Brush up on your data handling skills and be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles to drive decisions. Bring examples of how you’ve managed product and supplier data effectively.
✨Showcase Your Supplier Savvy
Matalan values strong supplier relationships, so come prepared to talk about your experience in supplier management. Think of specific instances where you’ve negotiated successfully or built long-term partnerships. This will show your commercial awareness and proactive approach.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Collaboration is key in this role. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked cross-functionally in the past. Highlight any experiences where you’ve collaborated with diverse teams to achieve common goals, as this will resonate well with Matalan's inclusive culture.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to face practical questions or scenarios during your interview. Think about how you would handle e-auction processes or manage sample deliveries. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and problem-solving skills effectively.
