At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Buyers in managing product ranges and analysing sales data.
- Company: Join Poundstretcher, a leading UK discount retailer with over 300 stores.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, training, and mentoring in retail buying.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Kick-start your career in retail buying with a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Strong Excel skills and a passion for data analysis are essential.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 25000 £ per year.
Location: Poundstretcher Support centre, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester, LE9 2BJ.
Full Time | Permanent
Kick-start your career in Buying with one of the UK's leading discount retailers. Are you highly organised, analytical and confident working with Excel? Do you enjoy working with data, solving problems and supporting a fast-paced commercial team? If so, we'd love to hear from you.
Poundstretcher is looking for a Buying Assistant to join our Support Centre Buying team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a long-term career in retail buying. Previous buying experience is beneficial but not essential. We will provide full training and support. What is essential is a strong ability to use Microsoft Excel and a genuine enthusiasm to learn about the world of retail buying.
What you'll be doing:
- Supporting Buyers with the day-to-day management of product ranges.
- Producing and maintaining reports using Microsoft Excel.
- Analysing sales, stock and supplier data to support commercial decisions.
- Creating and updating product information accurately.
- Liaising with suppliers and internal departments to ensure products are delivered on time.
- Providing general administrative support to the Buying team.
What we're looking for:
- Excellent Microsoft Excel skills are essential (including formulas, pivot tables, lookups and working with large volumes of data).
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
- Good organisational and time management skills.
- Confident communicator with the ability to build relationships across the business.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
- Previous experience in a buying or merchandising environment would be an advantage, but is not required.
Why join Poundstretcher?
This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience within a busy commercial buying function. You'll work alongside experienced Buyers who will provide training and mentoring, giving you the skills and knowledge to develop your career within retail buying. If you're someone with outstanding Excel skills, a passion for analysing data and an ambition to build a career in buying, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. Apply today and take the first step towards an exciting career with Poundstretcher.
Buying Assistant in Leicester employer: Poundstretcher
Poundstretcher is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture at our Support Centre in Kirby Muxloe, Leicester. As a Buying Assistant, you'll receive comprehensive training and mentorship from experienced Buyers, enabling you to develop your skills in retail buying while working in a supportive and dynamic environment. With a focus on employee growth and a commitment to fostering talent, Poundstretcher provides a unique opportunity to kick-start your career in one of the UK's leading discount retailers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Assistant in Leicester
✨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 Poundstretcher, 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 Poundstretcher!
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Assistant in Leicester
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 Poundstretcher, 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 Poundstretcher 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 Poundstretcher that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Poundstretcher
✨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!
