As an Assistant Product Purchaser at Matalan, you'll play a vital role in driving commercial success through strategic supplier relationships, process ownership, and data accuracy. Working cross-functionally with the wider Buying, Fabric, Packaging, and Imports teams, you’ll help optimise product sourcing and key line execution, while taking a hands-on approach in managing e-auctions, supplier negotiations, and critical path processes.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a detail-oriented and commercially focused individual to progress their career in product purchasing, with scope to lead key areas and build deep category expertise.
Key Responsibilities
Product & Procurement Support
* Support and lead aspects of the key line process alongside Product Buyers, ensuring smooth planning, tracking and execution.
* Utilise e-auction technology to enhance supplier competitiveness and drive best-value sourcing.
* Manage the sending of tech packs and samples to suppliers in collaboration with the Trainee Product Purchaser.
* Assist with the preparation and delivery of business e-auctions, including analysis and follow-up actions.
* Take ownership of defined key lines and negotiation areas, with Product Purchaser oversight.
* Organise and maintain accurate supplier documentation, including matrices and central trackers.
Data Management & Analysis
* Create and manage high-accuracy product and supplier data summary sheets.
* Support e-auction file preparation and performance review post-auction.
* Help compile post-season key line one-page summaries for review and learning.
* Ensure timely updates to all central documents and supplier confirmation communications.
Supplier & Commercial Strategy
* Build and develop strong supplier relationships that deliver long-term value.
* Manage and regularly update supplier scorecards, contributing to supplier performance strategy.
* Support supplier strategy planning and assist in preparation and follow-up of supplier meetings.
* Participate in benchmarking exercises covering quality, country of origin, and pricing, presenting findings to support buying decisions.
* Engage with packaging, fabric, and sustainability teams to gain deep product knowledge and support commercial decisions.
Sample & Operational Management
* Oversee sample management processes for key lines, ensuring full visibility across suppliers.
* Ensure all relevant key line samples are received in a timely and complete manner for comparison and approval.
* Team & Cross-Functional Collaboration
* Work closely with Product Purchasers and Trainee Product Purchasers to deliver category objectives.
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Buying, Imports, Packaging, and Fabric to support day-to-day operations and long-term planning.
* Support the delivery of team KPIs and ad hoc projects.
* Strong attention to detail and excellent data handling skills.
* Commercially aware with a proactive, hands-on approach to managing key lines and supplier negotiations.
* Comfortable working cross-functionally with diverse teams in a fast-paced environment.
* Experience in supplier management, product tracking, or procurement support preferred.
* Confident communicator with the ability to build strong relationships across internal teams and suppliers.
* Passionate about retail, product, and improving process efficiencies.
From humble beginnings to disruptive innovations in the retail industry, find out about how Matalan is ever-evolving here.
We know as a team, we are stronger together – we champion equality for all and make lasting connections that go beyond work. We thrive off our inclusive culture, encouraging our colleagues to bring their true selves to work and contributing to collective creativity, open-mindedness and growth.
We want give every candidate the opportunity to perform at their best throughout the application and interview process and then ultimately in their role. If you require any adjustments during our recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
In the event that a high volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.
In addition to competitive salaries, we also offer the below core benefits:
* 20% staff discount, which increases with length of service
* Thrive Recognition Scheme
* Wellbeing support provided by the Retail Trust
* Life Assurance
* Retail Rewards platform offering discounts for other retailers
* Pension Scheme
* Access to a wide range of career development
* Additional benefits may apply depending on your role and area of the business
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