At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Buying Team in a fast-paced retail environment across various product categories.
- Company: Join Bents, a family-run business known for quality and innovation since 1937.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, staff discounts, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain valuable buying experience while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in a buying environment and strong organisational skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a Buying Assistant to join our Buying Team at Bents!
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, Garden Furniture and Christmas. You’ll support the Buyer and Buying Team in the full buying cycle, providing accurate, timely and efficient administrative and operational support. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong organisational skills who is looking to develop their buying knowledge and gain exposure to a fast-paced retail environment.
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 Warrington employer: Van Voorden Foundry
At Bents, we pride ourselves on being a family-run business that fosters a collaborative and creative work environment. As a Buying Assistant, you'll benefit from a supportive team culture, ample opportunities for professional growth, and a range of employee perks including generous holiday allowances, staff discounts, and wellness initiatives. Join us in our vibrant retail setting where your contributions are valued and celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Assistant in Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues 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 Bents and understanding their values and products. Tailor your answers to show how your skills align with their needs, especially in areas like organisation and communication.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build confidence. Focus on articulating your experience in buying and how it relates to the role of Buying Assistant.
✨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 you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Bents family.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Assistant in Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buying Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience in buying or retail, and don’t forget to showcase your organisational skills and attention to detail!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about the role at Bents and how your skills align with what we’re looking for. Keep it friendly and professional!
Show Off Your Excel Skills:Since proficiency in Excel is key for this role, mention any specific projects or tasks where you’ve used Excel effectively. We love seeing how you can handle data and reports!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be part of our family in no time!
How to prepare for a job interview at Van Voorden Foundry
✨Know Your Buying Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your buying knowledge. Familiarise yourself with the buying cycle and key terms related to purchasing and supplier management. This will help you speak confidently about how you can support the Buyer and the team.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Since strong organisational skills are essential for this role, prepare examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects in the past. Be ready to discuss how you prioritise your workload and ensure accuracy in your work.
✨Excel at Excel
As proficiency in Microsoft Excel is crucial, make sure you can demonstrate your skills. Prepare to discuss any relevant experience you have with data analysis, reporting, or using Excel for inventory management. If possible, bring examples of reports you've created.
✨Build Relationships
The role involves collaborating with various teams and suppliers, so be prepared to talk about your communication style. Share experiences where you've successfully built relationships or handled queries professionally, showcasing your ability to work well with others.
