We are looking for a Buying Assistant to join us on a 6‑month fixed‑term contract. As a Buying Assistant you will provide full administrative support to the Buying team to deliver the category targets. This is a full‑time, 37.5‑hour per week, 6‑month cover contract based in our offices in Gloucester.
Key areas of responsibility:
* Ensure tasks are undertaken accurately and on time to drive overall performance across categories.
* Create and maintain category SKUs in line with the critical path, confirming all product information and administration to suppliers and internal stakeholders after sign‑off in line with the critical path.
* Adhere to buying milestones within the critical path to ensure ranges launch on time.
* Liaise with suppliers to acquire product information and samples as required by the buying team.
* Manage buying samples as required by the buying team, preparing approvals for the Senior Buyer/Buyer and sending to suppliers.
* Ensure accurate range plans are maintained for all ranges and promotional plans.
* Implement all promotional plans for the category, ensuring pricing is accurate and all stakeholders are given accurate, timely information, and helping to analyse performance data.
* Respond to all internal and external stakeholders' queries on product information or ad‑hoc tasks on behalf of the buying team.
* Review competitor pricing on a regular basis and make recommendations to maintain competitiveness.
* Undertake competitor and market reviews and present to Buyer and Senior Buyer as required.
* Maintain accurate product records, ensuring all systems are updated as required.
* Support the buying team in achieving margin objectives through well‑managed cost prices and supplier income through effective negotiations and supplier management.
* Work cross‑functionally with Marketing, Retail, E‑commerce and suppliers to enhance our range execution in all channels to maximise sales and margin.
* Support the development and administration of customer‑facing content across all channels, working closely with the Product Information Assistant.
* Prepare for, attend and take notes at all required meetings.
* Support the Buying team in all ad‑hoc administrative, tracking and/or preparation tasks where necessary.
Qualifications:
* Experience in understanding customer needs, market trends and competitors in a retail environment.
* Commercial acumen with an understanding of the financial implications of decisions.
* Knowledge of buying best practices.
* Understanding of effective negotiation skills and practices.
* Strong numerical skills with the ability to analyse and interpret multiple data sources.
* Strong stakeholder management skills to work across multiple teams.
* Excellent communication and people skills.
* Strong skills in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
Benefits:
* Salary is between £28,000 - £30,000 pro‑rata depending on experience and skills.
* Free parking on site.
* Free gym access on site.
* Unlimited coffee and tea throughout the day.
* Free fresh fruit and cake daily.
* Subsidised meals – breakfast and lunch.
* Hybrid working: 3 days in our inspiring ProCook HQ, 2 days flexible remote.
* Generous colleague discount – 40% off to spend in store or online.
* Employee Assistance Programme.
* Friends and Family Referral Scheme.
* 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays) pro‑rata.
* B Corp certified company committed to ethical practices and sustainability.
* A company recognised as a Great Place to Work for 5 consecutive years.
* Disability Confident Leader.
We Welcome Everyone
At ProCook we are committed to diversity and inclusion, and we welcome applications from people of all abilities.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please let us know. We’re committed to making our recruitment process as inclusive and accessible as possible.
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