At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the buying cycle and collaborate with suppliers on exciting product ranges.
- Company: Join Bents, a family-run business known for quality and innovation since 1937.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, staff discounts, and a vibrant work environment.
- Other info: Full-time, permanent role with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team and make a real impact in a dynamic buying role.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying, strong organisational skills, and proficiency in Excel.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Buying Assistant to join our dynamic Buying Team here at Bents. This exciting role will see you working across a varied portfolio including Homewear, Childrens Toyshop, and Christmas.
Your daily role will include:
- Supporting all stages of the buying cycle under senior team members’ guidance.
- Providing administrative and operational support to the Buyer across assigned categories.
- Raising purchase orders and setting up new products on internal systems.
- Communicating with suppliers via phone and email, handling routine queries professionally and accurately.
- Assisting with seasonal range planning, promotions and product launches by collating required information and documentation.
- Supporting the online range to ensure it accurately represents the in-store offer.
- Carrying out competitor shop reviews and compiling findings for review by the Buyer.
- Collaborating with shop floor, warehouse, Visual Merchandising and Merchandising teams to support product flow, availability and in-store displays.
- Producing regular and ad hoc reports and supporting with data preparation and analysis in Excel.
- Assisting with organising and attending supplier meetings and trade shows, supporting with note‑taking and follow‑up actions where appropriate.
- Helping to monitor sales performance and stock flow by preparing reports and gathering data for review.
- Supporting range reviews and performance analysis.
- Ensuring supplier documentation and product compliance information is collected and stored accurately.
- Acting as a key point of contact for routine supplier and internal queries.
- Building effective relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
- Contributing to projects, team development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Handling colleague, customer and supplier data in line with GDPR requirements.
- Demonstrating and promoting the Company Health & Safety culture at all times.
- Maintaining a high standard of presentation, punctuality, and reliability.
- Carrying out any additional ad hoc duties as required to support the Buying Team and wider business.
Our ideal Buying Assistant will have:
Essential:
- Experience working within a buying environment.
- Strong organisational and communication skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and confidence handling data.
- Ability to manage your own admin and prioritise tasks effectively.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
Desirable:
- Familiarity with stock management or buying systems.
- Experience working with branded products and supplier communication.
- A relevant qualification in Buying, Fashion, Business, or a related field.
Other details of the Buying Assistant role:
- Full-time, Permanent contract.
- Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm (37.5 hours per week).
- This is an on-site role.
Who are Bents?
We’re a passionate, family‑run business with a long-standing reputation for quality, innovation, and creating exceptional experiences. Since 1937, we’ve grown into a unique lifestyle destination offering everything from garden and home ranges to fashion, gifts, and award‑winning dining. At Bents, you’re not just part of a business – you’re part of a family. We value creativity, collaboration, and a customer‑first mindset in everything we do.
Why work for us?
- 28 days holiday including bank holidays, rising to 33 with service.
- Free onsite parking.
- Staff discount from day one + Family & Friends discount days.
- Birthday leave and long service awards.
- Company pension scheme.
- Free colleague & family events.
- Onsite Colleague Bistro and fantastic facilities.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Discounted gym membership.
- Recognition schemes and development opportunities.
- Plus so much more!
Buying Assistant in Glazebury employer: Van Voorden Foundry
At Bents, we pride ourselves on being a family-run business that fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment. As a Buying Assistant, you'll enjoy a range of benefits including generous holiday entitlement, staff discounts, and opportunities for personal development, all while contributing to a company known for its commitment to quality and exceptional customer experiences. Join us in a role where your contributions are valued, and be part of a team that celebrates creativity and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Assistant in Glazebury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the buying industry, especially those who work at Bents or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Bents and its product range. Show us you’re genuinely interested in our values and what we do. Tailor your answers to reflect how you can contribute to our family-run business.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Buying Assistant, you'll be liaising with suppliers and internal teams. Role-play common scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence and ensure you come across as professional and approachable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on being part of the Bents family right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Assistant in Glazebury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight any relevant buying experience and your proficiency in Excel, as these are key for the Buying Assistant role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about the buying industry and how you can contribute to our team. Mention specific examples of your organisational skills and attention to detail.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be communicating with suppliers and internal teams, it's important to demonstrate your communication skills in your application. Use clear and professional language, and don’t forget to proofread!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the Buying Assistant position. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Van Voorden Foundry
✨Know Your Buying Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of the buying cycle and the specific categories you'll be working with. Familiarise yourself with terms like purchase orders, seasonal range planning, and supplier communication. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also understand its core functions.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since the role requires strong organisational abilities, prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Be ready to discuss how you prioritised your workload and maintained attention to detail, especially when handling data or reports.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Effective communication is key in this role, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think about how you would handle routine queries from suppliers or internal teams. You might even want to role-play some scenarios with a friend to build your confidence in responding professionally.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Bents values collaboration, so be prepared to talk about how you've worked effectively within a team in the past. Highlight any experiences where you contributed to team development or continuous improvement initiatives, as this aligns perfectly with their company culture.
