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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support product sourcing and procurement while managing data and supplier relationships.
- Company: Join Matalan, a dynamic retail innovator with an inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% staff discount, wellbeing support, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values creativity and collaboration in the retail industry.
- Qualifications: Proficient in Excel and PowerPoint with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with potential for growth and learning.
Matalan Liverpool, England, United Kingdom
Trainee Product Purchaser
Salary: Competitive plus benefits
Working Pattern: Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 38.75
About Matalan
From humble beginnings to disruptive innovations in the retail industry, find out about how Matalan is ever-evolving here.
We know as a team, we are stronger together – we champion equality for all and make lasting connections that go beyond work.
We thrive off our inclusive culture, encouraging our colleagues to bring their true selves to work and contributing to collective creativity, open-mindedness and growth.
We want give every candidate the opportunity to perform at their best throughout the application and interview process and then ultimately in their role. If you require any adjustments during our recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
In the event that a high volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.
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
About You
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
- Commercially focused with the ability to work independently.
- Strong communication skills, capable of interacting at all organisational levels.
- Ability to work independently.
About The Role
The Trainee Product Purchaser plays a pivotal role in sourcing and procuring key lines and core products across designated product ranges. This role focuses on delivering the best price, quality, and consistency, ensuring our product offerings meet customer expectations and business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Product & Procurement Support
- Assist the Product Purchaser in managing the key line process, including the utilisation of e-auction technology.
- Demonstrate strong sample and data management skills to support product development and procurement activities.
- Foster strong relationships across the trading floor to facilitate effective communication and collaboration.
- Develop and maintain robust supplier relationships to ensure reliable and quality product sourcing.
Data Management
- Create data summary sheets with a high level of accuracy to support decision-making processes.
- Manage the sending out of tech packs and samples to all suppliers, working closely with Assistant Product Purchasers/Assistants.
- Assist in the preparation of business e-auctions alongside Product Purchasers/Assistants.
- Participate in supplier face-to-face meetings and auctions to support procurement strategies.
- Support the Product Purchaser in drafting letters of intent and email confirmations to suppliers.
Commercial Activities
- Engage in benchmarking activities focused on quality and country of manufacture to inform sourcing decisions.
- Support ad hoc projects as required by Product Purchasers to drive business initiatives.
- Acquire fabric and sustainability knowledge through training courses and collaboration with buying and fabric teams.
- Develop packaging knowledge for all product areas by working with packaging teams.
- Gain understanding of freight rates and duties by country of manufacture through collaboration with imports teams and utilization of range plans.
- Manage sample procurement for key lines, ensuring samples are obtained from all negotiating suppliers.
Supplier Management
- Support the setup of supplier meetings and handle any necessary follow-up actions.
- Provide administrative support to the wider team as needed to facilitate smooth operations.
Team Collaboration
- Assist the Product Purchaser in delivering key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Collaborate with Product Purchasers and Assistant Product Purchasers on relevant tasks and projects.
- Attend all scheduled meetings to stay informed and contribute to team objectives.
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Trainee Product Purchaser employer: Matalan
Contact Detail:
Matalan Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Product Purchaser
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Show us you know what we do and how you can contribute to our goals as a Trainee Product Purchaser.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role. Highlight your skills in data management and supplier relationships to impress us.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Product Purchaser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Trainee Product Purchaser role. Highlight your relevant skills, especially in data management and supplier relationships, to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their technical skills, so give us examples of how you've used these tools in past experiences.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences shine through without any fluff!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Matalan
✨Know Your Products
Before the interview, dive deep into the product ranges relevant to the Trainee Product Purchaser role. Familiarise yourself with the key lines and core products, as well as any recent trends in the industry. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Master the Data Game
Since data management is crucial for this role, brush up on your Microsoft Excel skills. Be prepared to discuss how you would create data summary sheets and manage tech packs. You might even want to bring examples of your previous work or projects that highlight your data management abilities.
✨Build Relationships
The ability to foster strong relationships is key in this position. Think about how you can demonstrate your communication skills and teamwork experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past roles or projects, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Show Your Commercial Awareness
Being commercially focused is essential for a Trainee Product Purchaser. Research the company’s competitors and current market trends. Be ready to discuss how you would approach sourcing decisions based on quality and cost, and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts on sustainability practices in procurement.
