At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Buyer in sourcing and managing products for NAAFI's global operations.
- Company: Join NAAFI, an organisation dedicated to supporting the British Armed Forces.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and exclusive staff discounts.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on customer service and integrity.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in buying with opportunities for growth and impact.
- Qualifications: 2 years of experience in procurement and strong administrative skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28980 - 28980 £ per year.
Location: NAAFI UK Support Office – Currently based in Whiteley, Fareham
Salary: £28,980 per annum
Hours: 39 hours/week
Are you currently on the lookout for your next career move? Have you got aspirations of progressing to a Junior Buyer role in the future? Are you a dynamic and driven individual who is keen to progress within our commercial environment? Do you want to work for an organisation that gives back to the British Armed Forces?
NAAFI are recruiting for an Assistant Buyer to support our Buying Department. The successful candidate will work closely to support the Buyer and wider team on managing and developing NAAFI's commercial offering across our global operations. We are seeking an individual who will be an integral part of providing support to the wider commercial team for the future growth of the business.
Benefits of the role of Assistant Buyer:
- Competitive salary of £28,980 per annum
- 25 Days holiday plus 8 bank holidays
- Company pension scheme
- Opportunity to work as part of an organisation that gives back to the British Armed Forces
- Access to Blue Light and 15% staff discounts
- Bupa Cash Plan
Role and Responsibilities of an Assistant Buyer:
- Responsible for supporting the Buyer in delivering the commercial function for NAAFI, through the effective sourcing and buying of stock, as well as the planning, and organising of the ranging, phasing, and replenishment of stock on an accurate and timely basis.
- Working closely in collaboration with other departments within the business to ensure products are in the right place, at the right time and at the right price.
- Assisting the Buyer in sourcing and buying a wide range of products and ensuring they enhance the range and deliver on margin expectation.
- Ensure all style details are inputted into the range plan, updating, and filing all product data requirements.
- Ensure phasing, replenishment and deliveries are correct for orders placed.
- Manage invoice process, liaising with both suppliers and finance to ensure seamless communication of information.
- Compile product information for online copy and assist in the process of putting products online.
- Undertake competitive shops/price comparison when required.
- Proactively communicate with all NAAFI stores, suppliers and internal departments such as, the Buying team, IT, finance and external suppliers to ensure smooth running of areas of responsibility and manage queries through to resolution.
- Responsible for creating and analysing data reports for lessons learnt meetings.
- Manage category related administrative processes that are time critical to the business.
- Assisting the rest of the Buying team on an ad-hoc basis as and when required.
Requirements of the role of an Assistant Buyer:
- A minimum of 2 years’ experience of supporting a variety of procurement/purchasing activities.
- Knowledge of buying, trading and category management functions.
- Skilled in key account handling, negotiating and buying.
- Displays drive and a desire to succeed.
- Passionate about customer service and maintaining excellent standards.
- Demonstrates integrity and respect at all times and in all aspects of daily duties.
- Strong administrative skills.
- Proficient IT Skills with intermediate level of Excel.
- Excellent attention to detail and written communication skills.
Assistant Buyer employer: Navy, Army & Airforce Institute (NAAFI)
NAAFI is an excellent employer that values its employees by fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture at our Whiteley location. With a focus on professional growth, we offer clear pathways for advancement, such as transitioning from Assistant Buyer to Junior Buyer, alongside competitive benefits and a commitment to employee well-being.
Contact Details:
Navy, Army & Airforce Institute (NAAFI) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Navy, Army & Airforce Institute (NAAFI).
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Navy, Army & Airforce Institute (NAAFI):Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Navy, Army & Airforce Institute (NAAFI). Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Navy, Army & Airforce Institute (NAAFI).
How to prepare for a job interview at Navy, Army & Airforce Institute (NAAFI)
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Navy, Army & Airforce Institute (NAAFI)!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Navy, Army & Airforce Institute (NAAFI). Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Navy, Army & Airforce Institute (NAAFI)'s culture.
