Assistant Buyer

Assistant Buyer

Temporary 36000 - 36000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
ProCook

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the Buying team in managing product categories and supplier communications.
  • Company: Join ProCook, a fast-growing and innovative kitchenware retailer.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, free gym access, and generous colleague discounts.
  • Other info: Hybrid working model with 33 days annual leave and a commitment to sustainability.
  • Why this job: Kickstart your buying career in a dynamic environment with real impact.
  • Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and a passion for kitchenware are essential.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 36000 £ per year.

Are you passionate about kitchenware and home products? Do you have strong organisational skills and a commercial mindset? ProCook is seeking an enthusiastic Assistant Buyer to join our dynamic Buying team on a 6 months fixed-term contract. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your buying career within a fast-growing and innovative retail business.

About the Role: As an Assistant Buyer at ProCook, you will support the Buying team in the day-to-day management of product categories. You will assist with supplier communications, product selection, and market research, helping to deliver compelling and competitive product ranges that meet our customers' needs. This is a full-time temporary position of 37.5 hours per week, with a 6-month fixed-term contract, working in a hybrid arrangement of 3 days in the office and 2 days from home (non-negotiable).

What We’re Looking For:

  • Ensure tasks are undertaken accurately and on time to drive overall performance across categories.
  • Create and maintain category SKUs in line with the critical path, confirming all product information and administration to suppliers and internal stakeholders after sign-off in line with the critical path.
  • Adhere to buying milestones within the critical path to ensure ranges launch on time.
  • Liaise with suppliers to acquire product information and samples as required by the buying team.
  • Manage buying samples as required by the buying team, preparing approvals for the Senior Buyer/Buyer and sending to suppliers.
  • Ensure accurate range plans are maintained for all ranges and promotional plans.
  • Implement all promotional plans for the category, ensuring pricing is accurate and all stakeholders are given accurate, timely information, helping to analyse performance data.
  • Respond to all internal and external stakeholders queries on product information or ad hoc tasks on behalf of the buying team.
  • Review competitor pricing on a regular basis and make recommendations to maintain competitiveness.
  • Undertake competitor and market reviews and present to Buyer and Senior Buyer as required.
  • Maintain accurate product records, ensuring all systems are updated as required.
  • Support the buying team in achieving margin objectives through well-managed cost prices and supplier income through effective negotiations and supplier management.
  • Work cross-functionally with Marketing, Retail, E-commerce and suppliers to enhance our range execution in all channels to maximise sales and margin.
  • Support the development and administration of customer-facing content across all channels, working closely with the Product Information Assistant.
  • Prepare for, attend and take notes at all required meetings.
  • Support the Buying team in all ad-hoc administrative, tracking and/or preparation tasks where necessary.

You’ll fit right in if you have:

  • Knowledge of buying best practices.
  • Commercial acumen with an understanding of the financial implications of decisions.
  • Understanding of effective negotiation skills and practices.
  • Experience in understanding customer needs, market trends and competitors in a retail environment.
  • Strong numerical skills with the ability to analyse and interpret multiple data sources.
  • Strong stakeholder management skills in order to work across multiple teams.
  • Excellent communication and people skills.
  • Strong skills in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

What’s in it for You?

  • Salary is £36,000.
  • Free parking on-site.
  • Free gym access on-site.
  • Unlimited coffee and tea throughout the day.
  • Free fresh fruit and cake daily.
  • Subsidised meals – breakfast and lunch.
  • Hybrid Working: 3 days in our inspiring ProCook HQ, 2 days flexible remote.
  • Opportunity to work with a passionate team.
  • Be part of a fast-growing company.
  • Generous colleague discount – 40% off to spend in store or online.
  • Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Friends and Family Referral Scheme.
  • 33 Days Annual Leave (including bank holidays) – pro-rata.
  • B Corp certified company committed to ethical practices and sustainability.
  • A company recognised as a Great Place to Work for 4 consecutive years.
  • Disability Confident Leader.

We Welcome Everyone: At ProCook we are committed to diversity and inclusion, and we welcome applications from people of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please let us know. We’re committed to making our recruitment process as inclusive and accessible as possible.

About ProCook’s Sustainability Commitment: At ProCook, sustainability is at the heart of what we do. As a certified B Corporation, we strive to balance profit with purpose, focusing on reducing waste, and ensuring ethical business practices. By joining our team, you will contribute to our efforts in creating a positive impact on the planet.

Assistant Buyer employer: ProCook

ProCook is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, offering a unique opportunity for growth within the retail sector. With a commitment to sustainability and ethical practices, employees enjoy generous benefits such as hybrid working arrangements, free gym access, and a supportive team environment, making it an ideal place for those passionate about kitchenware and home products to develop their careers.
ProCook

Contact Detail:

ProCook Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching ProCook and its products. Show your passion for kitchenware and home products during the interview. Bring examples of how your skills align with the role, especially in supplier communication and market research.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As an Assistant Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to manage costs and supplier relationships. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build confidence before the real deal.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the ProCook team and contributing to our sustainability efforts.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer

Organisational Skills
Commercial Acumen
Supplier Communication
Market Research
Product Selection
Data Analysis
Negotiation Skills
Stakeholder Management
Excel
Word
PowerPoint
Numerical Skills
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Cross-Functional Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When you write your application, let your enthusiasm for kitchenware and home products shine through. We want to see that you're genuinely excited about the role and how it fits into your career goals.

Be Organised: Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Use clear headings and bullet points where necessary. This reflects the strong organisational skills we’re looking for in an Assistant Buyer.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to mention any experience you have with buying, market research, or supplier communications. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we need for the Buying team!

Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!

How to prepare for a job interview at ProCook

✨Know Your Products

Before the interview, dive deep into ProCook's product range. Familiarise yourself with their kitchenware and home products, as well as current market trends. This will not only show your passion but also demonstrate your understanding of customer needs.

✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your organisational skills. Discuss how you've managed tasks or projects in the past, especially those involving multiple stakeholders. This will resonate well with the role's requirement for accurate task management and stakeholder communication.

✨Brush Up on Negotiation Techniques

Since effective negotiation is key for this position, be ready to discuss your experiences with supplier management and negotiations. Share specific instances where you successfully negotiated terms or prices, showcasing your commercial acumen.

✨Prepare for Data Analysis Questions

Given the importance of numerical skills in this role, practice interpreting data and presenting your findings. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to make informed decisions in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your analytical capabilities.

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