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- Tasks: Support the buying team with product coordination, supplier communication, and administrative tasks.
- Company: Join Edinburgh Woollen Mill, a leading retailer celebrating British heritage and quality craftsmanship.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Get hands-on experience in retail buying while working with a passionate and collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and a passion for retail are essential.
- Other info: Perfect for high school and college students eager to kickstart their careers in retail.
Job description
Here at Edinburgh Woollen Mill we are looking for an Buying Assistant to join our Buying team at our Head Office in Carlisle.
About Edinburgh Woollen Mill
Edinburgh Woollen Mill is a leading retailer of quality clothing, accessories, and homeware, celebrating British heritage, craftsmanship and timeless style. With a strong presence on the high street and an expanding online offering, we’re committed to providing our customers with excellent products and services. Our Buying Team is central to our success and motivated and detail-driven individuals have the opportunity to flourish and progress within this fantastic business.
Role Overview:
The Buyer’s Assistant plays a key role in supporting the buying team with the coordination of product ranges, critical paths, supplier communication and general administration. You will be supporting our buying teams across fast-paced and varied product ranges. This role offers an excellent opportunity for someone keen to develop a career in retail buying, with hands on involvement in the buying cycle from range planning to product development and supplier management
Key Responsibilities:
Admin & Team Support
· Provide administrative support to the Buyer/Senior Buyer
· Maintain range plans ensuring all details are accurate and updated in internal systems
· Support with meeting scheduling, minutes, and seasonal planning documents
Product & Range Support
· Assist with the preparation and maintenance of product ranges
· Assist in range building, trend research and preparation for buying meetings
· Track product samples and co-ordinate fittings and approvals
· Coordinate samples, prepare boards and materials for range reviews, trade and sign offs
System Management
· Ensure accurate product data entry and maintain internal systems: range plan, web support, PIM, photography plan, POS etc
· Liaise with internal departments (design, merchandising, technical, sourcing, shipping) to ensure smooth workflow
Supplier Liaison
· Communicate with suppliers on fabric, sample, colour and strike off requests and approvals
· Track and chase product samples and approvals supporting sourcing
Critical Path Management
· Maintain critical paths and ensure key deadlines are met to ensure on-time product delivery
· Support tracking of all key milestones: sending of colours, protos, sample approvals, orders placed etc
Data and Reporting
· Help with sales analysis and preparing for trade meetings; gain a full understanding of highest best/worst sellers, rate of sale, store cover and sell through etc
· Monitor competitor activity and compile pricing/trend comparisons
· Ensure all product data and imagery is accurate and uploaded to web platform at key times, constantly reviewing web performance and supporting improvements
Key Skills & Attributes:
· Strong organizational and time management skills
· Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially excel and power point
· Excellent attention to detail and accuracy with a proactive approach to problem solving
· Confident communicator with good interpersonal and relationship building skills
· Ability to work proactively and manage multiple priorities
· A passion for retail and an interest in buying or product development
· Supportive and collaborative approach to working in a team
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
Commercial Acumen: know and understand your customer and competition. Actively participate in trend and product research. Competitor shops and propose new ideas and opportunities to improve trade and increase revenue
Product Knowledge: become a product expert and assist with the management of fits and fit process. Learn and improve knowledge on garment construction, fabric and trim application whilst maintaining quality and applying attention to detail at all times
Range Building: support with sample management and preparation of product ranges for meetings and demonstrate organisational skills by maintaining an accurate sample management system
Organisation & Time Management: co-ordinate and support with proto packs, fabric, colour, print, managing tasks and completing accurately and efficiently, within set deadlines
Understanding Profitability: ensure an awareness to costs and margin when supporting with buying decisions or sharing new ideas
Critical Path: keep product launches on time by monitoring and managing key critical path milestones ie. Red Seal, Black Seal, Approvals etc. Ensure speed and responsiveness during product development
Admin Accuracy: 100% accurate in data entry on system and range plans (product titles, composition, pricing, approvals etc) Attention to detail at all times
Effective Communication: ensure clear communication to the wider team at all times and demonstrate a collaborative approach
Team Collaboration: support the team and demonstrate a collaborative approach to all tasks given and have an active, questioning approach, contributing to team goals
Please apply now if interested!
To view our privacy notice please visit:
www.ewm.co.uk/careers
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The fine balance of keeping your CV brief enough to be appealing but still get across everything you want to say..
It is perfectly normal to feel anxious, excited and a bit stressed about interviews, but some preparation beforehand can help to calm your nerves …
Although this is a light-hearted bit of fun, the results should help you with your interview techniques. The results will be immediately emailed to you.
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Buying Assistant employer: The Retail Appointment Live
Contact Detail:
The Retail Appointment Live Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Edinburgh Woollen Mill's product ranges and their brand ethos. Understanding their commitment to British heritage and craftsmanship will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your organisational skills by practising how to manage multiple tasks effectively. Since the role involves coordinating product ranges and maintaining critical paths, showcasing your ability to juggle priorities will be crucial during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your knowledge of market trends and competitor analysis. Being able to articulate insights about current fashion trends and how they relate to Edinburgh Woollen Mill's offerings will set you apart as a candidate who is proactive and engaged.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your communication skills, especially in a team context. Since the role requires liaising with various departments and suppliers, demonstrating your ability to communicate clearly and collaborate effectively will be key to impressing the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Buying Assistant role. Emphasise your organisational skills, attention to detail, and any experience in retail or product management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for retail and buying. Mention specific examples of how your skills can contribute to the Edinburgh Woollen Mill's success, particularly in supporting the buying team.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills mentioned in the job description, such as proficiency in Microsoft Office, strong communication abilities, and experience with data management. Use specific examples to demonstrate these skills.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the Buying Assistant role.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Retail Appointment Live
✨Know Your Product
Familiarise yourself with Edinburgh Woollen Mill's product ranges and their unique selling points. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to the buying process and support the team in maintaining high standards of quality and style.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
As a Buying Assistant, strong organisational skills are crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects in the past, showcasing your ability to keep everything on track and meet deadlines.
✨Show Your Passion for Retail
Express your enthusiasm for retail and buying during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or insights into current trends that demonstrate your genuine interest in the industry and how it drives your career aspirations.
✨Prepare for Team Collaboration Questions
Expect questions about teamwork and collaboration, as these are key attributes for the role. Think of specific instances where you've worked effectively within a team, highlighting your communication skills and supportive approach.
