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- Tasks: Manage product launches and track progress from concept to delivery.
- Company: Join a leading home décor business with over 40 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy free parking, close transport links, and early finishes on Fridays.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, develop your skills, and make an impact in buying.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in relevant software required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression in a fast-paced environment.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ 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
- Early finish on a Friday
Buying Assistant employer: Michael Page
Contact Detail:
Michael Page 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 to take on the responsibilities of the Buying Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your analytical skills by preparing examples of how you've used data to inform buying decisions in the past. Being able to discuss specific instances where your analysis led to successful outcomes can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Build a portfolio of your previous work related to product launches, supplier management, or market research. Having tangible evidence of your experience can greatly enhance your credibility during discussions with our hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the home décor industry, especially those involved in buying and merchandising. Engaging with industry contacts can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that may boost your application.
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: In your cover letter, express 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, particularly in managing timelines and communication.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your proficiency in software like Excel and project management tools. Provide examples of how you've used these tools in previous roles to manage product launches or supplier communications effectively.
Prepare for Interviews: If you get an interview, be ready to discuss your experience with market research and trend analysis. Prepare examples of how you've identified buying opportunities or resolved delays in past projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
As a Buying Assistant, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical mindset. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform buying decisions in the past. Bring examples of reports or analyses you've created that led to successful outcomes.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Critical Path Management
Understanding critical path management is crucial for this role. Brush up on relevant tools and methodologies before the interview. You might be asked how you would manage timelines and ensure smooth communication between suppliers and customers.
✨Prepare for Supplier Communication Scenarios
Since strong communication skills are essential, think about past experiences where you've successfully managed supplier relationships. Be ready to role-play scenarios or answer questions about how you would handle negotiations or resolve issues.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Home Décor
This position is within the home décor industry, so showing genuine enthusiasm for products in this field can set you apart. Research current trends and be prepared to discuss your favourite products or brands, and how they influence your buying decisions.
