At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Buyer in managing the Home Accessories range and driving product improvements.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at a leading homeware retailer with a passion for interiors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that shapes exciting home accessory products.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or retail, strong analytical skills, and a love for interiors.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced and commercially astute Assistant Buyer to support our growing Home Accessories category. This role plays a key part in executing seasonal strategies, managing the critical path, and driving product and process improvements.
You’ll be expected to bring initiative, strong judgement, and a proactive mindset — someone who can anticipate needs, take ownership, and confidently support the Buyer in delivering a compelling and profitable product offer.
Key duties and responsibilities will include:
- Support the Accessories Buyer in the end-to-end Buying process, from range planning and product development through to delivery and trade.
- Take ownership of the critical path, proactively managing timelines and flagging risks across suppliers and internal teams to ensure smooth execution of seasonal launches.
- Build strong relationships with suppliers – chasing progress, resolving issues and escalating concerns or proposed solutions to the Buyer, where appropriate.
- Monitor sales, stock, margin and rate-of-sale data, to identify risks and opportunities, and support in-season decision-making.
- Conduct regular market and competitor analysis to inform pricing, design direction, and product opportunities.
Essential qualities and behaviours we're looking for:
- Commercially aware with a genuine interest in product performance and customer needs.
- Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to managing multiple deadlines.
- Proactive and self-motivated, able to anticipate next steps and take initiative without waiting for instruction.
- Comfortable working at pace and staying calm under pressure.
- Clear and confident communicator, able to build strong relationships with suppliers and internal teams.
- Solutions-focused mindset, with good judgement and the ability to escalate issues constructively.
- Team player who supports others and contributes to a collaborative working culture.
Qualifications, skills and experience - essential:
- Proven experience in an Assistant Buyer or similar role within a homeware, interiors or lifestyle retail environment.
- Commercially aware with a keen interest in interiors and a strong understanding of customer preferences.
- Confident in analysing data to make informed, commercially-driven decisions.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong cross-functional relationships.
- Proactive, solutions-focused mindset - able to anticipate needs and work with minimal direction.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment.
- Confident user of Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
- Collaborative team player who can delegate to junior team members while taking ownership of key deliverables.
Whilst not essential, it would be great if you had:
- Experience of using Netsuite CRM or similar ERP systems.
- Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and/or InDesign.
Assistant Buyer – Home Accessories employer: The Cotswold Company | B Corp
At Cotswold Company, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, while our commitment to employee growth ensures that you will have ample opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career in the vibrant home accessories sector. Join us in Norwich or London, where your contributions will be valued, and you'll be part of a team dedicated to delivering exceptional products that resonate with our customers.
Contact Details:
The Cotswold Company | B Corp Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer – Home Accessories
✨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 your passion for home accessories and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Being able to clearly articulate your thoughts and ideas is crucial, especially when building relationships with suppliers and internal teams. We love a confident communicator!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our collaborative culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer – Home Accessories
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Buyer role. Highlight your experience in homeware or lifestyle retail, and showcase any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about home accessories and how your proactive mindset aligns with our needs. We love seeing enthusiasm and a personal touch!
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since analysing data is key for this role, make sure to mention any experience you have with data analysis tools or techniques. We’re looking for someone who can confidently make informed decisions based on sales and stock data.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our careers page! It’s the best way for us to receive 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 The Cotswold Company | B Corp
✨Know Your Products
Before the interview, dive deep into the home accessories market. Familiarise yourself with current trends, popular products, and competitors. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how you can contribute to the buying process.
✨Master the Numbers
Brush up on your data analysis skills, especially in Excel. Be prepared to discuss how you've used sales, stock, and margin data in past roles to make informed decisions. This will demonstrate your commercial awareness and ability to drive product performance.
✨Showcase Your Proactivity
Think of examples where you've taken initiative in previous roles. Whether it’s managing timelines or resolving supplier issues, be ready to share specific instances that highlight your proactive mindset and problem-solving skills.
✨Build Relationships
Since strong communication is key, prepare to talk about how you've built relationships with suppliers and internal teams. Share examples of how you’ve effectively collaborated to achieve common goals, showcasing your team player attitude.
