At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Senior Buying team in driving sales and managing product ranges.
- Company: Established retail business in Plymouth with a dynamic team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, employee discounts, pension scheme, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth within a supportive team.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced environment and make an impact in the retail industry.
- Qualifications: Interest in retail, strong analytical skills, and good communication abilities.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting for a Buying Assistant to join the Head Office team of a well-established and growing retail business based in Plymouth.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone with an interest in retail, buying and product development to join a busy commercial team, supporting the delivery and development of product ranges across a large retail operation.
Working closely with the Senior Buying team, you will provide both commercial and administrative support, helping to maximise sales, drive profitability and ensure the successful management of product ranges across stores.
This is a varied role suited to someone who is commercially minded, analytical and highly organised, with a keen interest in the retail sector.
Key Responsibilities
- Supporting the Senior Buying team in driving sales, maximising profitability and achieving stock and sales targets.
- Assisting with the sourcing, selection, listing and development of product ranges and promotional offers.
- Building and maintaining relationships with suppliers, ensuring product information and range details are accurate and up to date.
- Monitoring competitor activity, market trends and pricing to identify commercial opportunities.
- Researching, analysing and interpreting data to support buying decisions and develop commercial strategies.
- Ensuring all administrative, financial and system processes are completed accurately and within agreed deadlines.
- Producing regular reports and information for retail stores, providing ongoing support where required.
- Liaising with retail teams to ensure new product ranges and promotions are successfully introduced across stores.
- Supporting the wider buying function with day-to-day activities and project requirements.
About You
We are looking for a motivated and commercially aware individual who has a genuine interest in retail and would enjoy working in a fast-paced buying environment.
The ideal candidate will have
- Previous experience within retail, buying, merchandising or a commercial administrative role would be advantageous.
- A genuine interest in the retail industry and an understanding of how retail businesses operate.
- Strong commercial awareness, with an ability to understand sales, stock and profitability.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to liaise with internal teams and external suppliers.
- Strong organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Good numerical, analytical and written skills, with confidence working with data and reports.
- Strong IT skills, particularly Microsoft Excel, including the ability to work with formulas, spreadsheets and graphs.
- A proactive and flexible approach, with the ability to work independently as well as part of a wider team.
- A strong attention to detail and the ability to work accurately to deadlines.
What's on Offer?
- Competitive salary.
- Company pension scheme.
- Employee discount.
- Long-service recognition and awards.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- The opportunity to develop your career within an established and growing retail business.
Interested?
If you have a passion for retail, strong analytical skills and are looking to develop your career within a buying or commercial team, we would love to hear from you.
If you are interested or have the relevant experience and are currently looking for a new challenge then please submit an up to date CV by clicking the ‘apply’ button.
By applying for this position, you confirm that you consent to the processing of your personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for the purposes of recruitment, employment and working finding service
Buying Administrator in Plymouth employer: TQR Consultancy Ltd
Join a dynamic global manufacturer in Plymouth as a Marine Technical Business Development Manager, where you'll thrive in a collaborative work culture that values innovation and technical expertise. With a competitive salary, generous commission scheme, and comprehensive benefits including life assurance and a robust employee assistance programme, this role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and the chance to make a meaningful impact on sustainable business development across UK and Norwegian operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Administrator in Plymouth
✨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 TQR Consultancy Ltd, 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 TQR Consultancy Ltd!
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Administrator in Plymouth
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 TQR Consultancy Ltd, 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 TQR Consultancy Ltd 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 TQR Consultancy Ltd that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at TQR Consultancy Ltd
✨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!
