At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage product launches and ensure smooth communication between suppliers and customers.
- Company: Leading home décor business with over 40 years of experience.
- Benefits: Close to transport links, free parking, and great progression opportunities.
- Other info: Exciting role for those passionate about products and market trends.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact in the fast-paced world of buying.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Excel and project management tools.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ 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. This will include progress of gold seal tracking, packing approval, customer range review samples etc. Identify and resolve delays proactively with the team to keep projects on schedule. Creation and completion of spec files for all products ready to pass on to the QC team and ensure they are updated into the critical path. Management of photography samples and tracking 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. 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. Management of 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. Trade fair preparations of samples and ticketing/pricing at Spring Fair and also in-house events. Preparation of samples for customer meetings in-house and externally as well as preparation of PowerPoint presentations. Collation of comp shops and market trends.
Profile:
- 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 - Graduate role in Chesterfield employer: Michael Page
At Michael Page, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that champions community impact through our Social Value Lead role. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth while making a meaningful difference in the property industry. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive salaries and a commitment to employee well-being, ensuring that you thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Assistant - Graduate role in Chesterfield
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Michael Page, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Michael Page!
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Assistant - Graduate role in Chesterfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Michael Page, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Michael Page and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Michael Page that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
