At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive creative product development and market insights in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Exciting supplier to retailers with a focus on toys and related products.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, fantastic office space, and excellent career progression.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and thrive in a creative, collaborative atmosphere.
- Why this job: Become a product expert while working on innovative and trend-led collections.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial acumen and exceptional communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Oldham – Office based. Experience in toys or similar would be beneficial.
Do you want to work for an exciting supplier to retailers, dealing with a wide variety of products across toys and related products? Our client is looking to strengthen the Product team with a driven and proactive individual, who’s eager to learn and develop their existing skills in an exciting and fast-paced creative working environment.
Job Purpose: To own and drive the creative and commercial development of product ranges across assigned brands and categories, becoming a recognised expert in the market. This includes curating seasonal collections across all relevant price points and formats, delivering trend-led products ahead of competitors, and responding to customer-specific briefs with speed, quality, and cost efficiency. The role also requires ongoing development of everyday core SKUs, ensuring continuous improvement and adaptability to market demands.
Duties include:
- Market Trend Insight: Conduct regular in-store and online competitive shopping to identify market trends, product formats, pricing, and emerging opportunities. Capture detailed notes and photographs, saving findings in the designated shared folders for team access. Present insights to the wider team to inform product strategy and range development.
- Range Building Concept Development: Create commercially viable ranges that align with customer requirements, brand identity, and trend insights. Develop draft range plans including SKUs, RRPs, item descriptions, packaging concepts, and supplier recommendations.
- Supplier Sourcing Cost Management: Identify, evaluate, and build relationships with suitable suppliers. Negotiate quotations to ensure competitiveness and margin requirements are met. Work with the Product Admin to maintain accurate and up-to-date pricing and specifications.
- Project Management Communication: Set up dedicated Teams project chats to manage cross-functional communication and file sharing. Maintain an up-to-date development range plan as a working document accessible to all relevant teams. Set and monitor clear deadlines to ensure smooth workflows.
- Style Files Documentation: Oversee the creation and maintenance of style files for every item in development. Ensure all specifications are confirmed, clear, and approved before progressing.
- Artwork Presentation Approvals: Review and approve all product, packaging, and presenter page artwork. Ensure designs are proofread and details are accurate to achieve ‘right first time’ sampling. Approve final sales presentations before release.
Person Specification:
- Strong commercial acumen
- Exceptional communication abilities
- Proficient in numerical analysis and data interpretation
- Confident and engaging presenter
- Highly skilled in negotiation and influencing
- Enthusiasm for developing innovative and distinctive product formats
- Sharp eye for product detail and quality
- Creative mindset with a naturally curious approach
- Skilled at identifying emerging trends and opportunities
- Decisive and effective under pressure
Apply online or for further information please contact one of our specialist consultants quoting reference number: NJR16772.
Product Specialist / Buyer employer: NJR Recruitment
Join a dynamic and innovative team as a Product Specialist / Buyer in Oldham, where you'll enjoy fantastic office facilities, flexible working hours, and excellent career progression opportunities. Our vibrant work culture fosters creativity and collaboration, allowing you to thrive in a fast-paced environment while developing your skills in the exciting world of toys and related products.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Specialist / Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their products, values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to product development and market trends. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills and how they align with the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Specialist / Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Products:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for toys and related products shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about the products you'll be working with.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any experience you have in product development or market analysis, especially if it relates to toys. We love seeing how your background aligns with our needs, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to spot. Use bullet points if it helps to organise your thoughts!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at NJR Recruitment
✨Know Your Products
Before the interview, dive deep into the toy market and understand the latest trends. Familiarise yourself with popular products and brands, especially those that align with the company's offerings. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their product range.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to discuss your creative process and how you develop product ideas. Bring examples of past projects or concepts you've worked on, especially if they relate to toys or similar products. This will demonstrate your ability to think outside the box and align with the company's focus on innovative product formats.
✨Master the Numbers
Brush up on your numerical analysis skills. Be ready to discuss how you interpret data and use it to inform product decisions. You might be asked to analyse market trends or pricing strategies, so having a solid grasp of these concepts will set you apart as a candidate who understands the commercial side of product development.
✨Engage and Communicate
Practice your communication skills, as this role requires exceptional abilities in presenting ideas and negotiating with suppliers. During the interview, engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their product strategy and team dynamics. This shows your interest and helps you build rapport, making you a memorable candidate.
