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- Tasks: Support the Buyer in sourcing and negotiating products for the Home department.
- Company: Join a prestigious retail brand known for its innovative approach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, employee discounts, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of home products.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and a passion for market trends required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on personal development.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
As an Assistant Buyer, you will be responsible for our Home Buying department, supporting the Buyer in sourcing brands and product. You will work with the Buyer to negotiate the best terms for the business with suppliers. To ensure the ordering process is efficient and compliant with Selfridges processes and to assist the Buying Admin team where necessary.
Responsibilities
- Supporting the buyer across the Home business – ensuring thorough knowledge of product and market
- Negotiate the best possible terms with suppliers i.e. margin, trade discounts, markdown support, working with the Buyer and Head of Buying where appropriate
- Forge strong partnerships with our brand partners
- Work with the Buyer and Buying Manager to ensure that Buying decisions are based on a sound commercial framework to drive sales and profit
- Monitor and review trade in season, making trading recommendations to the Buyer/Head of Buying where necessary
- Support the Buyers Admin with weekly trade packs, feeding back and presenting key findings to Senior stakeholders
- Assist with range planning, working closely with the Merchandiser and Buyer/Head of Buying
- Work with the Merchandiser to analyse performance, making recommendations to the Buyer i.e. to keep or discontinue within the business
- Communicate effectively with retail operations teams, particularly with regard to new season launches and product training
- Work closely with Marketing and PR and to be aware of promotional opportunities during negotiations with suppliers
- Be responsible for re-ordering, working within the OTB structure, ensuring decisions are communicated to the Administrator in good time
- Carry out research into key trends and put together look books for the area
- Where relevant, to supervise the wider team and monitor workload
- Work closely with VM to ensure product placement optimises the look and performance of the department
- Ensure effective communication with retail operations teams, particularly with regard to new season launches and product training
A Bit About You
- Highly knowledgeable. You will have a well-developed understanding of the product/market
- Buying Experience Required
- Strategic and operational. With strong analytical skills and experience driving long-term and profitable commercial strategies, you’ll be able to successfully manage projects through to completion.
- Engaging. Able to influence your stakeholders, retail and brands, you know how to use both data and market trends to drive commercial opportunities
- Customer focused. Combined with exceptional taste and instinct, you are able to push the boundaries to offer new and exciting product
- All over the numbers. You are numerate with a highly commercial approach, as well as proficient in excel
- Collaborative. Working flexibly as part of the wider Buying team you will support in projects and cross functional meetings as appropriate
- Organised with attention to detail
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to influence
- An example of our values, a trusted and respected colleague
Assistant Buyer - Home & Leisure employer: Selfridges
Contact Detail:
Selfridges Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer - Home & Leisure
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Assistant Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Show off your knowledge about market trends and how they relate to the Home & Leisure sector. We want to see your passion for the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As an Assistant Buyer, you'll need to negotiate terms with suppliers. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build your 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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer - Home & Leisure
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you’ve got a solid understanding of the Home & Leisure market. Show us that you know the products and trends inside out – it’ll really help your application stand out!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send in a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the Assistant Buyer role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with what we’re looking for – it shows you’re genuinely interested!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible and avoid jargon. We want to see your skills and experience without having to sift through loads of text!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to track your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Selfridges
✨Know Your Products
Before the interview, dive deep into the Home & Leisure market. Familiarise yourself with current trends, popular brands, and what makes a product stand out. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully negotiated terms or influenced stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these skills in the Assistant Buyer role, especially when it comes to securing the best deals with suppliers.
✨Be Data-Driven
Brush up on your analytical skills and be prepared to discuss how you use data to make informed buying decisions. Bring examples of how you've analysed performance metrics in previous roles and how those insights led to successful outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Highlight your experience working in cross-functional teams. Share specific instances where you've collaborated with merchandisers, marketing, or retail operations to achieve common goals. This will show that you understand the importance of teamwork in driving sales and profit.
