At a Glance
- Tasks: Support product development and manage supplier relationships in a dynamic retail environment.
- Company: Growing retail business in St Albans with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, 24 days holiday, life insurance, and employee support programme.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for career growth in a fast-paced setting.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team and make an impact in product sourcing and development.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or product development, preferably in textiles.
The predicted salary is between 27200 - 27200 £ per year.
Location: St Albans
Salary: £27,200 per annum (£34,000 FTE)
Job Type: Part Time, Permanent (30 hours per week)
About our client
Our client, a growing retail business based in St Albans, is looking for a Buyer to join their team on a part‑time basis. This is a varied role supporting product development, sourcing, supplier management and critical path coordination across a range of products. Working closely with internal teams and external manufacturers, you’ll play an important role in ensuring products are delivered on time, to specification and to the required quality standards.
Benefits
- Hybrid working pattern with 2 office days per week (Tuesday and Thursday)
- 30 hours per week
- 24 days holiday plus bank holidays, increasing to 26 days after 1 year’s service and 29 days after 3 years’ service
- Life insurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
Responsibilities
- Manage sample development, sourcing documentation and critical path activities
- Liaise daily with factories and suppliers, ensuring actions are completed and stakeholders updated
- Maintain fabric and swatch libraries, sourcing new materials with sustainability considerations
- Support new product and range development processes
- Ensure technical packs are accurate and distributed to relevant teams
- Provide product information, visuals and costings to support order processing
- Assist with product fitting and packaging development activities
- Manage submissions, bulk approvals and lab dip processes within required deadlines
- Monitor and support product quality standards
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with manufacturers and suppliers
- Support compliance with company guidelines across supplier networks
- Provide administrative support to the Buying and Sourcing team as required
- Communicate effectively across departments and provide information to senior stakeholders when required
What We’re Looking For
- Previous experience within buying, sourcing and/or product development
- Experience working with clothing, textiles or related products would be advantageous
- Technical fabric knowledge is desirable
- Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Proactive approach with the confidence to work independently and as part of a team
- Experience working to product development or production calendars
- Comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment
- Experience liaising with manufacturers and suppliers throughout the product lifecycle
Buyer employer: OA
Join a dynamic retail business in St Albans as a Buyer, where you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. With a hybrid working model, generous holiday allowance, and opportunities for professional growth, this part-time role offers a fulfilling career path in a company committed to sustainability and quality. Experience the unique advantage of being part of a team that prioritises employee well-being and development while making a tangible impact on product offerings.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer
✨Get to Know Your Local Scene
Retail is all about community, so don't underestimate the power of local connections. Pop into shops you're interested in, chat with staff, and ask if they have any openings. This personal touch could land you a part-time gig with ease!
✨Show Off Your Personality
Retail is a people business, and employers love genuine, enthusiastic candidates. When you're applying for part-time roles, showcase your customer service skills and personality during interviews. Be yourself, and don't be afraid to share your love for the products!
✨Utilise College or University Resources
If you're a student, check out your university’s career services. They often have links with local retailers looking for part-time staff. It's a great way to find positions that work around your studies while also building your CV!
✨Check Out Seasonal Opportunities
Retail often sees a surge during peak seasons like Christmas or summer sales. Keep your eyes peeled for temporary part-time roles during these times. Many companies, including OA, may even transition seasonal workers into permanent positions if you impress them!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, we know that customer service is king! Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've got with face-to-face interactions. Include specific examples where you went above and beyond for a customer—this shows potential employers like OA that you're all about creating great shopping experiences.
Flexibility is Key!:For a part-time role, showcasing your availability is crucial. Make it clear in your application when you can work, especially if you have weekday and weekend flexibility. Retail can demand odd hours, so we want to see that you're ready to jump in when needed!
Forget the Fancy Formatting:While you want your CV to look good, in retail, clarity is more important than flashiness. Use simple formatting and bullet points to make your experiences stand out. Retail managers at OA will appreciate a straightforward CV that’s easy to skim through.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:When applying for a part-time retail position, your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share why you’re excited about OA and what you can bring to their team. Maybe you love their products or admire their customer service philosophy—let that passion come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at OA
✨Mastering Brand Knowledge
As we're heading into a part-time retail role at OA, it’s super crucial to know their brand inside out. Familiarise yourself with their products, customer service approach, and any current promotions. This way, you can engage genuinely in conversations and show that you’re already invested in their vibe.
✨Excellent Customer Scenarios
Prepare for customer service scenarios! Retail interviews often include role-play or situational questions. Think about how you'd handle different customer situations, from dealing with complaints to upselling products. We want to hear how you can keep your cool and keep the customer happy!
✨Tailoring Your Availability
Being part-time means flexibility is key! Be ready to discuss your availability honestly. Employers in retail love candidates who can adapt their schedules to peak hours. Show that you're keen to work evenings or weekends if it helps them out.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Teamwork is essential in retail. Bring up experiences where you worked effectively in a team, whether it’s in previous jobs, school projects, or volunteering. We want to know how you can contribute to a positive team environment at OA!
