At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage product imports and coordinate with suppliers in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Company: Join a small, dynamic retail company committed to quality and team growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free parking, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Permanent position offering job security and stability.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team and make an impact in the retail industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in merchandising or import roles, strong organisational and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 34000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity for an Import Buyer to join the retail industry, focusing on managing product imports and coordinating with suppliers. The role is based in Skelmersdale and offers a chance to contribute to a fast-paced and evolving department.
The hiring organisation is a small-sized company operating within the retail sector, known for its commitment to delivering quality products and fostering a productive environment. The company prides itself on its efficient processes and focus on growth within its team.
The role operates in a fast-paced environment, liaising closely with Sales, Design, Shipping, Warehousing, factories, and customers.
Key Responsibilities- Customer & Account Management: Manage key customer accounts, including B&M and The Works, overseeing a large portfolio of live product lines. Provide weekly updates to customers and suppliers on the progress of running orders. Respond to and resolve customer and supplier queries efficiently and professionally.
- Critical Path & Order Management: Create and manage detailed critical paths for all confirmed orders, from development stage through to final delivery. Ensure critical paths are adhered to by internal departments and external factories. Raise purchase orders with Far East factories and manage orders through SAP, including item code set-up.
- Sourcing & Factory Management: Maintain a strong understanding of the factory base, including audits, capabilities, limitations, and production possibilities. Liaise with Sales and Design to ensure enquiry sheets are completed accurately with full product specifications and customer requirements. Send enquiry documentation to factories and negotiate to achieve the best possible pricing. Build and maintain strong working relationships with factories and the Eurowrap China team.
- Product Development & Sampling: Send product artwork, packaging artwork, colour proofs, swatches, and samples to factories. Chase and manage all samples through the approval process. Review pre-production and production samples, ensuring timely customer approval before mass production and shipment.
- Production, Shipping & QC: Monitor factory production status and resolve any issues that arise during manufacture. Arrange container fills, shipment image forms, and liaise with the Shipping Department to confirm goods are approved for shipment. Carry out QC checks on bespoke stock upon arrival at the warehouse, addressing any quality issues identified during or after factory QC.
- Additional Responsibilities: Undertake any other duties as required by the Buying Team Leader or Managing Director in line with the needs of the business.
A successful Import Buyer should have:
- Previous experience in a merchandising or import-related role within the retail industry.
- Strong organisational skills with an ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Proficiency in analysing data and generating actionable insights.
- Excellent communication skills to liaise with suppliers and internal teams.
- Knowledge of import regulations and documentation requirements.
- A proactive approach to solving problems and streamlining processes.
- Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in documentation and reporting.
Competitive salary ranging from £28,000 to £34,000 per annum. Free parking available on-site for all employees. Opportunities for career progression within the retail industry. A permanent position offering job security and stability. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a supportive team in Skelmersdale. Looking for your next challenge, we encourage you to apply today.
Import Buyer in Skelmersdale employer: Michael Page
Join a small-sized retail company in Skelmersdale that values quality and fosters a productive work environment. With a commitment to employee growth, this role as an Import Buyer offers competitive salary packages, free on-site parking, and ample opportunities for career progression within a supportive team. Experience the dynamic nature of the retail industry while contributing to efficient processes and strong supplier relationships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Import Buyer in Skelmersdale
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the retail industry, especially those who work with imports. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Show them you know their stuff and are genuinely interested in what they do. We want to see your passion for the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills. As an Import Buyer, you'll be liaising with various teams and suppliers. Being clear and confident in your conversations will set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Import Buyer in Skelmersdale
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Import Buyer role. Highlight your experience in merchandising or import-related roles, and don’t forget to showcase your organisational skills and attention to detail!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this fast-paced environment. Mention specific experiences that relate to managing product imports and liaising with suppliers.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since the role involves liaising with various teams and suppliers, make sure to highlight your excellent communication skills in your application. Give examples of how you've effectively resolved queries or built strong relationships in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you one step closer to joining our supportive team in Skelmersdale!
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨Know Your Products
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the products the company imports. Research their key suppliers and any recent product launches. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Master the Critical Path
Familiarise yourself with the concept of critical paths in order management. Be prepared to discuss how you would create and manage these paths for confirmed orders. Highlight any past experiences where you successfully managed timelines and ensured timely deliveries.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves liaising with various teams and suppliers, be ready to demonstrate your communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've resolved conflicts or improved relationships with suppliers in previous roles. This will illustrate your ability to work collaboratively.
✨Be Data Savvy
Brush up on your data analysis skills, as the job requires generating actionable insights from data. Think of specific instances where you've used data to drive decisions or improve processes. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can contribute to the company's growth.
