At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage product lifecycle from purchase orders to launch, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
- Company: Join WIT, a leading performance retail brand in the fitness community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working model, and a vibrant team culture.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow in a fast-paced environment with a supportive team.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of a dynamic brand that connects athletes and training enthusiasts.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail or operations, strong organisational skills, and a passion for fitness.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About WIT
WIT was founded in 2014 by two people who believed training was more than a route to fitness. It was a lifestyle. A leveler. A point of connection across sports, backgrounds and disciplines. We were early to the functional fitness movement, building one of the most recognised communities in the space, bringing together athletes, brands and training obsessives united by a common drive. Training has evolved. So have we. Today, WIT is a performance retail brand for the person who shows up every day. We stock the best brands in training, with a catalog of product built around how people actually train. This role sits at the heart of that, owning the execution that keeps our buying and merchandising function running accurately and at pace.
The Role
This is an operational role for someone who is highly organised. You’ll own the day-to-day execution of the product lifecycle, from purchase order through to launch, keeping systems clean, stock moving, and the trading team informed. You’ll be supported by the General Manager on buying decisions and work closely with the marketing and e-commerce teams on product setup and launch, but the operational detail is yours to own. The role is based in our London office, where we promote a hybrid working model of 3 days in the office.
Key Responsibilities
- PO & Supplier Management
- Raise and manage purchase orders
- Track deliveries against plan
- Liaise with brands on delays, shortages and updates
- Maintain buying docs and ERP records accurately and up to date
- Product Setup & Launch Readiness
- Create SKUs and upload product data across ERP and Shopify
- Ensure pricing and categorisation is correct before anything goes live
- The e-commerce team will support you on Shopify, but accuracy and readiness is your responsibility
- Intake & Warehouse Coordination
- Ensure inbound deliveries are receipted correctly and on time
- Work with our warehouse partner on inbound issues
- Resolve discrepancies including missing units or incorrect SKUs
- Inventory & Allocation
- Manage stock movement across warehouse, stores and events
- Support allocation decisions
- Maintain accurate inventory across all channels
- Reporting & Trading Support
- Produce weekly stock and sales reports
- Flag risks including overstock, low stock and range gaps
- Support markdown and exit planning
What We’re Looking For
- Some exposure to retail, buying or operations.
- Exceptionally organised with strong attention to detail, this is non-negotiable in this role
- Comfortable working across systems and spreadsheets; prior experience with Shopify is a bonus
- Able to manage multiple workstreams
- Genuine interest in sport, fitness or the training consumer
Salary Depending on experience.
Merchandising & Buying Administrator employer: WIT
WIT is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant work culture centred around passion for fitness and community. With a hybrid working model and a focus on employee growth, team members are encouraged to thrive in their roles while contributing to a dynamic retail environment. Located in London, WIT offers unique opportunities to engage with top brands and be part of a pioneering performance retail brand that values innovation and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandising & Buying Administrator
✨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 WIT, 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 WIT!
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandising & Buying Administrator
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 WIT, 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 WIT 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 WIT that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at WIT
✨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!
