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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage product launches and track progress across the supply chain.
- Company: Join a leading home décor business with over 40 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy free parking, close transport links, and great progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, making impactful decisions in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying and strong analytical skills are essential.
- Other info: Work closely with suppliers and contribute to exciting market trends.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Develop and manage the critical path for all product launches for the range as well as own label, ensuring timelines are met from concept to delivery. Track product progress across supply chain stages, maintaining smooth communication between suppliers and customers.
An excellent opportunity for a Buying Assistant to work for a leading business in home décor. They have been trading for over 40 years and sell everything from beds, chairs, cushions, throws etc. Due to growth, they are seeking a Buying Assistant.
You, the Buying Assistant, will:
- Develop and manage the critical path for all product launches for the range as well as own label, ensuring timelines are met from concept to delivery.
- Track product progress across supply chain stages, maintaining smooth communication between suppliers and customers.
- Identify and resolve delays proactively with the team to keep projects on schedule.
- Create and complete spec files for all products ready to pass on to the QC team and ensure they are updated into the critical path.
- Manage photography samples and track inline with the studio timeline.
- Support with costing sheets for customers, creating quote sheets with photographs ready for the sales team.
- Support the buyer with supplier communication to gather pricing, lead times, and MOQs while maintaining quality and margin goals.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers through daily communication.
- Conduct range analysis based on sales data and create meaningful reports based on sell-through, profitability, product category % mix, and SKU counts to identify buying opportunities and avoid overstock or understock situations across the range as well as own label.
- Work with the merchandising team to deliver accurate forecasting and replenishment plans.
- Manage the clearance and discontinued lines on a regular basis with costings and photos prepared for the sales team.
- Prepare detailed PowerPoint presentations based on market trends, in-season promotional lines, trend photographs from trade fairs etc.
- Prepare samples for customer meetings in-house and externally as well as preparation of PowerPoint presentations.
- Collate comp shops and market trends.
Profile:
- Demonstrable experience in buying.
- Strong knowledge of critical path management tools and methodologies.
- Analytical mindset with a passion for market research and trend analysis.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills with a track record of successful supplier management.
- Proficiency in relevant software, such as Excel, PLM systems, and project management tools.
- Detail-oriented with exceptional organisational skills.
- Passion for product and keen to work in a fast-paced, hands-on role within buying and merchandising.
Job Offer:
- Close to transport links.
- Free parking.
- Progression opportunities.
Buying Assistant employer: Michael Page Business Support
Contact Detail:
Michael Page Business Support Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with critical path management tools and methodologies. Understanding these concepts will not only help you in the interview but also demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your analytical skills by reviewing market trends and sales data. Being able to discuss recent trends in home décor during your conversation will show your passion and knowledge about the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships in the past. Highlighting your communication and negotiation skills will be crucial in showcasing your fit for the Buying Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice creating PowerPoint presentations that summarise market trends or product analyses. This will not only prepare you for potential tasks but also impress during interviews when discussing your organisational skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in buying and critical path management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your analytical skills and supplier management experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for home décor and your understanding of the buying process. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your proficiency in software like Excel and project management tools. Provide examples of how you've used these tools to manage timelines and improve communication in previous roles.
Highlight Communication Abilities: Since the role requires strong communication skills, include examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or collaborated with teams to resolve issues and keep projects on track.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page Business Support
✨Show Your Understanding of Critical Path Management
Make sure to demonstrate your knowledge of critical path management tools and methodologies during the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you have successfully managed timelines in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Buying Assistant position.
✨Highlight Your Analytical Skills
Since the role requires an analytical mindset, come equipped with examples of how you've used data to inform buying decisions. Discuss any experience you have with range analysis and how it has helped avoid overstock or understock situations.
✨Emphasise Communication and Negotiation Skills
Strong communication and negotiation skills are key for this role. Prepare to share specific instances where you've successfully managed supplier relationships or resolved issues through effective communication.
✨Prepare for Market Trend Discussions
As part of the role involves market research and trend analysis, be ready to discuss current trends in home décor. Bring along insights or examples from recent trade fairs that could showcase your passion for the product and industry knowledge.
