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- Tasks: Lead product buying, spot trends, and collaborate with suppliers to inspire creativity.
- Company: Join a top-rated company that values imagination and creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25% discount, exclusive deals, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping product ranges that inspire reading and play.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying, strong leadership, and a passion for creativity.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
We inspire reading, learning, creativity and play. Because when people spend time doing what they love, it’s Time Well Spent. And with the right passion, it all starts with you.
Location: Hybrid - 1-2 days at our Support Centre in Coleshill, Birmingham.
As one of our dynamic Buyers, you’ll take charge of a product group, owning the entire buying cycle from start to finish. Playing a key role in our vibrant Commercial team, driving strategy, spotting new product trends and building fantastic ranges. You’ll collaborate with suppliers, ensure ethical compliance and react swiftly to sales trends to keep us ahead.
Your Mission:
- Strategy: Decide what should be in our range and why, identifying the best sources and driving a competitive edge in the market.
- Test and Trial: New ideas for future growth based on market data.
- NPD Briefing: Identify new product trends and work with creative teams to deliver unique products that keep us ahead of the competition.
- Selection: Build excellent product ranges, balancing private label and branded products, and manage product exits with a clear change plan.
- Critical Path Management: Review development trackers and flag any risks to ensure smooth progress.
- Trade: Articulate performance narratives, react to sales trends, and take action to maximise sales and minimise risk, including promotional activities and seasonal space management.
- Trackers and Analysis: Keep all trackers up to date and suggest actions based on findings.
- Supplier and QA Collaboration: Ensure product specifications are met with ethical compliance.
- Negotiation: Negotiate trading terms and funding support with suppliers.
- Internal Communications: Collate and produce internal communications, presentations and sign-off packs.
- Coaching and Development: Coach and develop junior team members, embodying what good looks like as a Buyer.
- Influencing Skills: Understand your impact on others and develop influencing skills accordingly.
- Leadership: Lead your product area with all internal stakeholders, guiding them through the full buying process and ensuring they have the information they need at each stage.
- Board Presentations: Present to Board members for their sign-off, consistently completing all required sign-off packs.
- Additional Responsibilities: Set budgets, engage in strategic sourcing, provide challenging feedback when necessary, and conduct store and web reviews.
Skills/Behaviours That Will Set You Apart:
- Leadership skills: To manage a Junior Buyer / Buying Assistant.
- Product Development: Sourcing experience across own label and brands/licenses.
- Attention to Detail: Forensic attention to detail to help us get things right the first time.
- Colleague-Focused Approach: Prioritise making things easier for our colleagues.
- Influence and Challenge: Ability to influence and constructively challenge when necessary.
- Initiative and Passionate: Use your initiative and have the energy and passion to make things happen.
- Problem Solving and Innovative Thinking.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Believe in the power of teamwork and collaboration.
- Networking and Relationships: Understand the importance of networking and building strong relationships.
- Negotiation Skills: Hone and flex style of approach.
- Self-Starter: Committed to driving your own development.
- Microsoft Skills: Intermediate.
Our PERKS really are 'The Works':
- 25% Colleague Discount - Plus, exclusive Double Discount days.
- MyWorks - Access exclusive online discounts across hundreds of retailers, holidays, utilities deals, tech and more.
- Family Friendly Leave - Enjoy some time well spent with enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
- Holiday – 33 days including.
Buyer - 12 Month FTC in Birmingham employer: The Works
Contact Detail:
The Works Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer - 12 Month FTC in Birmingham
✨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 what they do and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission of inspiring creativity and learning.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate terms with suppliers. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and being part of something that inspires others.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer - 12 Month FTC in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for reading, learning, and creativity shine through. We want to see how you connect with our mission and how you can inspire others!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in buying or product development. We’re looking for someone who can drive strategy and spot trends, so give us examples that showcase your skills in these areas.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and how you fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with The Works.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Works
✨Know Your Products
Before the interview, dive deep into the types of products the company sells. Understand their range and think about how you can contribute to inspiring creativity and play through your role as a Buyer. This will show your passion and commitment to the company's mission.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to make impactful buying decisions in the past. Bring examples of how you've identified trends or improved product ranges based on sales data. This will demonstrate your ability to drive strategy and make informed decisions.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Teamwork
As a Buyer, you'll be leading and collaborating with various teams. Share experiences where you've successfully led projects or worked closely with others to achieve a common goal. Highlight your coaching skills and how you've developed junior team members in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Expect questions around negotiation tactics and supplier management. Think of specific instances where you've negotiated terms or resolved conflicts. This will showcase your ability to influence and challenge effectively, which is crucial for this role.