At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Buying team with admin tasks and help drive category performance.
- Company: Join ProCook, a B Corp certified company known for its inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, free gym access, unlimited coffee, and generous discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with 33 days annual leave and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and make an impact in a Great Place to Work.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail, strong numerical skills, and excellent communication abilities.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 30000 € per year.
We are looking for a Buying Assistant to join us on a 6‑month fixed‑term contract. As a Buying Assistant you will provide full administrative support to the Buying team to deliver the category targets. This is a full‑time, 37.5‑hour per week, 6‑month cover contract based in our offices in Gloucester.
Key areas of responsibility:
- 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, and 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.
Qualifications:
- Experience in understanding customer needs, market trends and competitors in a retail environment.
- Commercial acumen with an understanding of the financial implications of decisions.
- Knowledge of buying best practices.
- Understanding of effective negotiation skills and practices.
- Strong numerical skills with the ability to analyse and interpret multiple data sources.
- Strong stakeholder management skills to work across multiple teams.
- Excellent communication and people skills.
- Strong skills in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
Benefits:
- Salary is between £28,000 - £30,000 pro‑rata depending on experience and skills.
- 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.
- 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 5 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.
Buying Assistant employer: ProCook
ProCook is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in Gloucester that prioritises employee well-being and growth. With benefits like free gym access, generous discounts, and a commitment to sustainability, we foster an inclusive environment where every team member can thrive. Join us for a rewarding experience in a B Corp certified company recognised as a Great Place to Work for five consecutive years.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect 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 the company and its products. Understand their market position and competitors. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buying Assistant, you'll need to communicate effectively with suppliers. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buying Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience in retail, buying, or administration that aligns with the job description. We want to see how your skills can help us achieve our category targets!
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your strong numerical and analytical skills! If you’ve got experience with Excel or data analysis, let us know. We love seeing how candidates can interpret data to drive performance.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to product information!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and we’ll be able to track your application better. Plus, you’ll get to see all the other amazing opportunities we have at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at ProCook
✨Know Your Buying Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of buying best practices and market trends. Familiarise yourself with the company's product range and competitors. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to the Buying team.
✨Show Off Your Numerical Skills
Since strong numerical skills are crucial for this role, be prepared to discuss how you've used data analysis in previous positions. Bring examples of how you've interpreted data to make informed decisions or recommendations.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Scenarios
Think of examples where you've successfully managed relationships with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you handled queries or conflicts, as this role requires excellent communication and people skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
As a Buying Assistant, you'll need to manage multiple tasks efficiently. Prepare to talk about your organisational strategies and how you prioritise tasks to meet deadlines. Mention any tools or methods you use to stay on top of your workload.
