At a Glance
- Tasks: Support product development and manage supplier relationships in a dynamic buying role.
- Company: Join a well-established company in Watford with a casual dress code.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, free parking, early finishes on Fridays, and clear career progression.
- Other info: Office-based with potential for remote work after probation; great opportunity for career growth.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment while working with global brands.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2 years' experience in buying or production; strong Excel and communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 32000 £ per year.
Excellent opportunity for an Assistant Buying Manager to join a well-established company based in Watford.
Salary: £30,000 - £32,000 (DOE) - Progression: Up to £35,000 within 12-18 months
Job Type: Full-time
Hours: Monday-Thursday 09:00-18:00 | Friday 09:00-16:30
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Free on-site parking
- Early finish every Friday
- Annual leave
- Clear career progression opportunities
About the Role:
We are looking for a proactive and organised Assistant Buying Manager to support the development and production of our licensed hardlines product ranges, focusing on gifting & drinkware, but could include stationery, accessories and other related consumer products. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with previous experience in buying, sourcing or production who is looking to build a long-term career within Buying. You'll gain hands-on experience across product development, supplier management, costings, production and category planning while working with global factories, licensors and major retailers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Product Development: Support the development of licensed gifting, stationery, drinkware and accessory products. Assist with product specifications, materials, artwork coordination and sampling. Coordinate product approvals, amendments and revisions with suppliers. Ensure products meet retailer, licensor and compliance requirements.
- Production & Supplier Management: Liaise with overseas factories, primarily in China and other Far East manufacturing regions. Monitor production schedules and maintain critical paths. Identify and escalate production risks, delays or quality issues. Support packaging, labelling and product compliance processes.
- Buying & Commercial Support: Assist with product costings, pricing and margin management. Maintain Excel buying sheets, cost trackers and product databases. Support product selection, category planning and range development.
- General Responsibilities: Work closely with Design, Logistics and Sales teams. Assist with shipment planning and delivery coordination. Help improve internal processes and operational efficiency.
Requirements:
- Essential: Minimum 2 years' experience in buying, sourcing or production. Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail. Strong Excel skills. Good communication and multitasking abilities. Fluent English. UK work authorisation with at least 18 months remaining.
- Desirable: Experience within gifting, stationery, drinkware, homewares or consumer products. Experience working with overseas manufacturers. Understanding of materials, product specifications and manufacturing processes. Knowledge of product compliance, including CE and UKCA requirements. Mandarin or other languages would be advantageous.
Working Pattern:
Office-based in Watford (WD24). First three months fully office-based. Up to two days working from home following successful completion of probation.
Apply:
If you already have experience in buying, sourcing or production and are looking to develop your career within a fast-paced licensed consumer products business, we'd love to hear from you.
Assistant Buying Manager in London employer: Recruitment Helpline Ltd
Duo is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the vibrant Bristol Docks, where you can contribute to prestigious projects like HS2. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive salaries, and a supportive culture that encourages career progression, Duo provides a meaningful opportunity for those looking to grow in their roles while being part of a dedicated team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buying Manager in London
✨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 Recruitment Helpline Ltd, 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 Recruitment Helpline Ltd!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buying Manager in London
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 Recruitment Helpline Ltd, 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 Recruitment Helpline Ltd 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 Recruitment Helpline Ltd that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruitment Helpline Ltd
✨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!
