At a Glance
- Tasks: Support product strategy and ensure timely production with quality standards.
- Company: Join Mothercare, a global brand dedicated to families and children.
- Benefits: Enjoy opportunities for career growth and collaboration in a vibrant office environment.
- Other info: This is a 12-month Fixed Term Contract based in Apsley.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that impacts families worldwide while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as an Assistant Buyer with strong analytical and communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Mothercare are seeking an experienced Assistant Buyer to join our Buying team in Apsley on a 12 month Fixed Term contract. Within this role you will support in identifying and delivering the product strategy for your department in line with the business and partners strategies.
Job Purpose
- Ensure that the products being manufactured are produced on time, with the right manufacturing partner and at the right price, liaising and intervening as necessary directly with the manufacturing partners to smooth production and resolve any issues.
- Support to negotiate the best prices at all times and that the products are always delivered without compromising quality.
- Ensure product development process is smooth and managed with total critical path adherence.
Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities
- Supporting the team to ensure product is developed in line with pricing, sourcing and company strategy. Follow through pricing from beginning to end to ensure KPIs are met.
- Full management of the production critical path ensuring that all key milestones are met and documented.
- To ensure that the relevant products within the range framework are produced to an acceptable level and within Mothercare brand handwriting.
- To build a strong relationship with the peer team, Merchandising, Technical, Supply Chain, Design Team, Commercial Business Team and Marketing.
- To communicate effectively with the Buyer to solicit support to address any difficult issues.
- Identifying opportunities and gaps in the market through regular competitor analysis.
- Build strong relationships with factory base to ensure product development and manufacturing process runs as smoothly as possible and with no delays to delivery.
- Accountable for updating line detail from place holder stage and ensuring it is accurate from with all information before handing over to ordering team.
- Support Buyer in the running of the global franchise brand event.
- Provide photographic samples to marketing in line with critical path.
Knowledge & Skills
- Experienced Assistant Buyer with category management skills.
- Knowledge of using Microsoft applications including Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook.
- Buying disciplines and teamwork.
- Strong analytical and organisational skills.
- Communication and relationship building skills across all stakeholders.
- Time management.
Best Things
If you’re looking for a career change, why not take your search global? Or at least to a global business with their home in the UK. Working from our new Head Office in Apsley, you’ll find opportunities that reach families and franchise partners all around the world. Whether you’re interested in product design, finance, people management or another passion, each of our teams offer a unique experience but the same chance to collaborate with brilliant people and grow your career.
Assistant Buyer 12 month FTC in Hemel Hempstead employer: Mothercare UK Limited
At Mothercare, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Located in Apsley, our new Head Office provides a vibrant environment where employees can thrive, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development across various business areas. Join us to be part of a global brand that values its people and is dedicated to making a positive impact on families worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer 12 month FTC in Hemel Hempstead
✨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 Mothercare UK Limited, 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 Mothercare UK Limited!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer 12 month FTC in Hemel Hempstead
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 Mothercare UK Limited, 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 Mothercare UK Limited 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 Mothercare UK Limited that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mothercare UK Limited
✨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!
