Excellent opportunity for 2 Assistant Buying Managers to join a well-established company based in Watford
2 POSITIONS AVAILABLE.
Assistant Buying Manager - Gifting & Drinkware
Assistant Buying Manager - Apparel
Salary: £28,000£30,000 (DOE) Progression:Up to £35,000 within 1218 months
Job Type: Full-time / 09:00 18:00 Monday to Thursday & 09:00 16:30 Friday
Location: Watford. Free on-site parking
Benefits: Casual dress, free on-site parking, early finishes on Fridays, annual leave, clear progression opportunities
About the Role
The company is seeking 2 proactive Buying Managers. The Buying Manager will support their individual departments as below;
Gifting & Drinkware - to support the development and production of licensed gifting products, including stationery, pens, keychains, drinkware, and accessories.
Apparel to support the development and production of licensed apparel ranges for major global brands and retailers.
This role is suited to someone with previous experience in buying, sourcing, or production who wants to pursue a long-term career in Buying. You will gain hands-on experience across product development, supplier management, costings, and category planning while working with global factories and retailers, with clear progression opportunities.
Key Responsibilities Gifting & Drinkware
Product Development
* Support the development of licensed gifting and drinkware products
* Assist with materials, specifications, artwork coordination, and sampling
* Coordinate product approvals and revisions with suppliers
* Ensure products meet retailer and licensor requirements
Production & Supplier Management
* Liaise with overseas factories in China & other regions.
* Track production schedules and maintain critical paths
* Identify and escalate production risks or delays
* Support packaging, labelling, and compliance processes
Buying & Commercial Support
* Assist with costings, pricing, and margin tracking
* Maintain Excel trackers and buying sheets
* Support product selection and range planning
General Support
* Collaborate with internal teams across design, logistics, and sales
* Assist with shipment and delivery coordination
* Help improve operational processes and workflows
Key Responsibilities Apparel
Product Development
* Support the development of licensed apparel products
* Assist with fabrics, trims, garment specifications, and sampling
* Coordinate approvals, comments, and revisions with factories
* Ensure products meet brand, retailer, and compliance standards
Production & Supplier Management
* Communicate daily with overseas factories in Bangladesh, China, and India
* Track production timelines and maintain critical paths
* Identify and escalate delays, quality issues, or risks
* Support packaging, labelling, and compliance processes
Buying & Commercial Support
* Assist with costings, pricing, and margin tracking
* Maintain Excel buying sheets and production trackers
* Support range building and product selection
General Support
* Work cross-functionally with design, sales, and logistics teams
* Assist with shipment and delivery coordination
* Contribute to operational and process improvements
Requirements
Essential
2+ years experience in buying, sourcing, or production
Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
Good Excel skills
Strong communication and multitasking abilities
Fluent English
UK work authorisation with a minimum of 1.5 years remaining
Desirable
Experience in gifting, stationery, accessories, or drinkware
Experience working with overseas factories
Understanding of materials and product specifications
Knowledge of compliance standards including CE and UKCA
Mandarin or additional languages
Working Pattern
Office-based in Watford (WD24)
First 3 months fully office-based
Up to 2 days WFH after probation
Apply
If you already have relevant experience and want to grow your career in Buying within a fast-moving licensed consumer products business, apply now.
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