About Our Client
An excellent opportunity for a Buying and Merchandising Assistant to work for a leading business in home décor. They have been trading for over 40 years and sell everything from beds, chairs, cushions, throws, etc. Due to growth, they are seeking a Buying and Merchandising Assistant.
Job Description
* Develop and manage the critical path for all product launches for the range as well as own label, ensuring timelines are met from concept to delivery.
* Track product progress across supply chain stages, maintaining smooth communication between suppliers and customers.
* This will include progress of gold seal tracking, packing approval, customer range review samples, etc.
* Identify and resolve delays proactively with the team to keep projects on schedule.
* Creation and completion of spec files for all products ready to pass on to QC team and ensure they are updated into the critical path.
* Management of photography samples and tracking inline with the studio timeline.
* Support with costing sheets for customers creating quote sheets with photographs ready for the sales team.
* Support the buyer with supplier communication to gather pricing, lead times, and MOQs while maintaining quality and margin goals.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers through daily communication.
* Range analysis based on sales data and create meaningful reports based on sell-through, profitability, product category % mix, and SKU counts to identify buying opportunities and avoid overstock or understock situations across the range as well as own label.
* Work with the merchandising team to deliver accurate forecasting and replenishment plans.
* Management of the clearance and discontinued lines on a regular basis with costings and photos prepared for the sales team.
* Prepare detailed PowerPoint presentations based on market trends, in-season promotional lines, trend photographs from trade fairs, etc.
* Trade fair preparations of samples and ticketing/pricing at Spring Fair and also in-house events.
* Preparation of samples for customer meetings in-house and externally as well as preparation of PowerPoint presentations.
* Collation of comp shops and market trends.
The Successful Applicant
* Demonstrable experience in merchandising and buying.
* Strong knowledge of critical path management tools and methodologies.
* Analytical mindset with a passion for market research and trend analysis.
* Excellent communication and negotiation skills with a track record of successful supplier management.
* Proficiency in relevant software, such as Excel, PLM systems, and project management tools.
* Detail-oriented with exceptional organisational skills.
* Passion for product and keen to work in a fast-paced, hands-on role within buying and merchandising.
What's on Offer
* Free Parking
* Close to transport links
* Progression Opportunities
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