Job Introduction We are looking for an Assistant Buyer to join the busy Buying team at cardfactory to work on our card range. Our team take pleasure and pride in finding the right products for our customers at the right price. This opportunity is available on a 9 month fixed term contract basis. As part of this role you will be required to do regular competitive shops therefore a driving licence is preferred. As our new Assistant Buyer you will support the Buyers, work closely with Design and Merchandise Planning, as well as many key stakeholders across the business. This role will be instrumental in providing the support required to enable the future growth of Sales and Profitability for cardfactory. We operate a hybrid working model combining some days in our Support Centre in Wakefield (approx. 3 per week) with some days working from home, depending on business demand. Role Responsibility Contribute to the product development ensuring it meets customer requirements (pricing, product design, and product trend) and is linked to strategy and financial targets; Support Buyers to make informed decisions, manage risk, drive sales and profitability; Analyse and evaluate the overall performance of the product areas responsible for Work alongside Buyers to drive sales and profitability through effective negotiations on key deliverables; Is able to build working relationships within the immediate Commercial team and with other key stakeholders across Card Factory; Manage day to day communications effectively with suppliers whose first language may not be English; Confidently raises concerns to Buyers to ensure team success. Successfully manage a portfolio of products to ensure the critical paths for the range are followed and take corrective action to resolve issues when needed; Carry out Market research, generating product ideas and cost comparison data to share with the Buying team; Contribute to the management of the range plan, ensuring that accurate and timely data is provided to influence the decision making process; Check samples against product specifications, working closely with QC; Demonstrates effective Teamwork to deliver the product strategy by collaborating with key stakeholders across Commercial. The Ideal Candidate Some purchasing experience within a similar role Experience of working in a gifting/product /fashion environment beneficial Excellent communication both written and verbal Organised and structured in approach Good time management and ability to deliver to strict timescales Is innovative and shares ideas with the team Great attention to detail About The Company Card Factory is the UK’s leading specialist retailer of greeting cards, dressings, and gifts with over one thousand stores across the UK and Ireland. In 2020 we launched our exciting 5-year business strategy including our vision of becoming a true Omni-channel retailer. This strategy sees significant investment into our colleagues across the business creating multiple opportunities to join a fast-paced environment and be part of our exciting journey. In return, we offer a wide range of benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial well-being. Benefits 25% Card Factory colleague discount in-store and online Save As You Earn scheme Financial Wellbeing Support Financial Education Tools Salary Advance Seasonal incentive schemes Opportunity to apply for Retail Apprenticeships Access to blended learning and development content Discounted mobile phone contracts Discounts across 100’s of UK retailers Employee Assistance Programme – access to tools to support mental, physical, and financial wellbeing This is an exciting role with genuine prospects for the right candidate. If this role describes you and your career aspirations, click apply now. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once sufficient suitable applications have been received. We advise applying early to avoid disappointment as applications will be reviewed regularly. No agencies, please. Sportswift Ltd T/A cardfactory