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- Tasks: Support product development and supplier management for gifting, drinkware, and apparel.
- Company: Well-established company in Watford with a dynamic team.
- Benefits: Casual dress, free parking, early finishes on Fridays, and clear progression opportunities.
- Other info: Office-based role with potential for remote work after probation.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced environment and grow your career in buying with global brands.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in buying or production, strong Excel skills, and excellent communication.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 30000 £ per year.
Excellent opportunity for 2 Assistant Buying Managers to join a well-established company based in Watford.
Salary: £28,000–£30,000 (DOE) Progression: Up to £35,000 within 12–18 months
Job Type: Full-time / 09:00 – 18:00 Monday to Thursday & 09:00 – 16:30 Friday
Location: Watford. Free on-site parking
Benefits: Casual dress, free on-site parking, early finishes on Fridays, annual leave, clear progression opportunities
About the Role
The company is seeking 2 proactive Buying Managers. The Buying Manager will support their individual departments as below:
- Gifting & Drinkware - to support the development and production of licensed gifting products, including stationery, pens, keychains, drinkware, and accessories.
- Apparel – to support the development and production of licensed apparel ranges for major global brands and retailers.
This role is suited to someone with previous experience in buying, sourcing, or production who wants to pursue a long-term career in Buying. You will gain hands-on experience across product development, supplier management, costings, and category planning while working with global factories and retailers, with clear progression opportunities.
Key Responsibilities – Gifting & Drinkware
- Product Development
- Support the development of licensed gifting and drinkware products
- Assist with materials, specifications, artwork coordination, and sampling
- Coordinate product approvals and revisions with suppliers
- Ensure products meet retailer and licensor requirements
- Liaise with overseas factories in China & other regions.
- Track production schedules and maintain critical paths
- Identify and escalate production risks or delays
- Support packaging, labelling, and compliance processes
- Assist with costings, pricing, and margin tracking
- Maintain Excel trackers and buying sheets
- Support product selection and range planning
- Collaborate with internal teams across design, logistics, and sales
- Assist with shipment and delivery coordination
- Help improve operational processes and workflows
Key Responsibilities – Apparel
- Product Development
- Support the development of licensed apparel products
- Assist with fabrics, trims, garment specifications, and sampling
- Coordinate approvals, comments, and revisions with factories
- Ensure products meet brand, retailer, and compliance standards
- Communicate daily with overseas factories in Bangladesh, China, and India
- Track production timelines and maintain critical paths
- Identify and escalate delays, quality issues, or risks
- Support packaging, labelling, and compliance processes
- Assist with costings, pricing, and margin tracking
- Maintain Excel buying sheets and production trackers
- Support range building and product selection
- Work cross-functionally with design, sales, and logistics teams
- Assist with shipment and delivery coordination
- Contribute to operational and process improvements
Requirements
Essential
- 2+ years’ experience in buying, sourcing, or production
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- Good Excel skills
- Strong communication and multitasking abilities
- Fluent English
- UK work authorisation with a minimum of 1.5 years remaining
Desirable
- Experience in gifting, stationery, accessories, or drinkware
- Experience working with overseas factories
- Understanding of materials and product specifications
- Knowledge of compliance standards including CE and UKCA
- Mandarin or additional languages
Working Pattern
Office-based in Watford (WD24). First 3 months fully office-based. Up to 2 days WFH after probation.
Apply
If you already have relevant experience and want to grow your career in Buying within a fast-moving licensed consumer products business, apply now.
Assistant Buying Manager in Watford employer: Recruitment Helpline
Contact Detail:
Recruitment Helpline Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buying Manager in Watford
✨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. Show them you’re genuinely interested in their brand and how you can contribute to their success in buying and product development.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience in buying, sourcing, or production clearly and confidently. Highlight specific examples that showcase your skills and how they relate to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 Assistant Buying Manager in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Buying Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in buying, sourcing, or production, and don’t forget to showcase your Excel skills and attention to detail!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your previous experiences make you a perfect fit for our team at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves liaising with overseas factories and internal teams, make sure to highlight your strong communication abilities in your application. We want to see how you can effectively collaborate and manage relationships!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruitment Helpline
✨Know Your Products
Before the interview, dive deep into the types of products the company deals with, especially in gifting, drinkware, and apparel. Familiarise yourself with current trends and popular items in these categories. This will show your genuine interest and help you discuss how you can contribute to product development.
✨Excel Skills on Display
Since strong Excel skills are essential for this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with Excel. Bring examples of how you've used it in previous roles, whether for tracking costs, managing production schedules, or maintaining buying sheets. If possible, practice a few Excel functions beforehand to feel confident.
✨Communication is Key
As you'll be liaising with overseas factories and internal teams, highlight your communication skills during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've effectively communicated across different cultures or departments. This will demonstrate your ability to manage relationships and resolve issues.
✨Show Your Organisational Skills
With the need for strong organisational skills, come prepared with examples of how you've managed multiple projects or tasks simultaneously. Discuss any tools or methods you use to stay organised, such as trackers or project management software, to illustrate your proactive approach.