At a Glance
- Tasks: Support seasonal planning and develop inspiring collections for outdoor adventures.
- Company: Cotswold Outdoor Group, passionate about the outdoors and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work, 33 days holiday, and generous staff discounts.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team and help inspire others to explore the great outdoors.
- Qualifications: Experience as an Assistant Buyer with strong commercial instincts and outdoor passion.
Join us on the journey. This is a hybrid role with a minimum of three days in the office per week. At Cotswold Outdoor Group, the outdoors isn’t just where we work, it’s who we are. Every day, our head office teams play a vital role in helping people get outside, explore more, and experience the world around them.
This role is about more than just day-to-day responsibilities; it’s about shaping how we inspire our customers, support our stores, and grow our community of adventurers.
We’ve officially made the move to our new office in the heart of Swindon. Our brand-new sustainable office at 1 Newbridge Square puts us right next to the train station and the new bus boulevard, making it easier than ever to connect. This move marks an exciting new chapter in our journey, and our new space has been designed with the future in mind – supporting collaboration, wellbeing, and our commitment to working more sustainably.
About us: We believe life’s better when it’s lived outdoors. From hiking and wild swimming to simply stepping away from the screen, nature helps us feel alive. At our head office, every role helps make those adventures possible. Whether it’s shaping our systems, supporting our teams or driving key initiatives, you’ll play a vital part in helping people get outside and explore more.
We’re part of the Cotswold Outdoor Group, including Runners Need and Snow + Rock, offering trusted brands, expert advice, and a commitment to protecting the planet. Whether it’s your first step or your next move, you’ll find opportunities to learn, grow, and be part of something bigger.
What you’ll be doing:
- Supporting seasonal planning, range development, and presentations to shape commercially strong, inspiring collections.
- Contributing to the buying strategy to drive profitable growth and strengthen category performance.
- Building supplier relationships and supporting negotiations to secure optimal pricing, quality, and margin.
- Monitoring sales, trends, and competitor activity, turning insight into clear trading recommendations.
- Collaborating with Merchandising, Marketing, and Visual Merchandising teams to deliver cohesive product storytelling across all channels.
- Managing samples and supporting critical path milestones, including range sign-offs and product launches.
- Engaging with product in-market through store visits, supplier meetings, and trade shows to inform decision-making.
- Supporting the Buyer and deputising where required, gaining exposure to broader trading responsibility.
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has proven experience as an Assistant Buyer.
- Brings strong commercial instinct and a deep understanding of men's clothing.
- Combines analytical thinking with creativity and initiative, alongside strong negotiation and communication skills.
- Is highly proficient in Excel and PowerPoint, with excellent organisation and prioritisation skills in a fast-paced environment.
- Is a resilient, collaborative team player who can influence stakeholders and help shape product direction.
- Has a genuine passion for the outdoors, with curiosity for product, performance, and innovation.
What you’ll get from us: Joining our team means more than just getting paid a salary; it’s about being part of a workplace that values you, your growth, and your wellbeing.
You’ll enjoy:
- Starting salary of £26,000 - £28,000 with a yearly bonus of up to £1,530.
- Hybrid working options to support your work-life balance.
- 33 days holiday allowing you to recharge and explore the outdoors.
- Staff discounts of 40-60% across our full range of outdoor brands.
- Savings on everyday essentials including groceries, travel, fitness, and entertainment through our perks hub.
Assistant Buyer in Swindon employer: Tandem Talent
At Cotswold Outdoor Group, we are not just an employer; we are a community of outdoor enthusiasts dedicated to inspiring others to explore the great outdoors. Our new sustainable office in Swindon fosters collaboration and wellbeing, while our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our supportive work culture and generous benefits, including hybrid working options, extensive holiday allowances, and significant staff discounts. Join us to be part of a meaningful journey where your passion for the outdoors can thrive and contribute to a greater purpose.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer in Swindon
✨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 Tandem Talent, 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 Tandem Talent!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer in Swindon
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 Tandem Talent, 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 Tandem Talent 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 Tandem Talent that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tandem Talent
✨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!
