Job Summary
You will support the buying team with the product development process through, thorough and regular competitor analysis, management of the critical path, and system and sample maintenance.
This will include direct responsibility of key stages within the critical path to ensure product launches happen in a timely and effectively manner.
Main responsibilities include management of the product through the QA testing process, liaising closely with the technical team and the suppliers, all the way through to the product listing creation working closely with the marketing team.
Building relationships within the business and with suppliers will be key.
Product sourcing decisions will be driven by data and a key focus will be given to speed to market striving to be first to market on the latest product. The role of the AB will support this by ensuing competition pricing, promotions and product launches are captured in well-presented reports and presentations that can be presented throughout the business.
Both verbal and written presentation & communications skills will be key.
Key Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities of Assistant Buyer
Develops an in depth understanding of product to support with the product development process.
Report on KPI’s of critical path ensuing that all team deadlines are met and that team are up to date with any challenges that may impact delivery dates.
Work closely with the technical team, managing the product through the testing process.
Support with the management of products adhering to British standards and legislation. Responsible for collating and filing all relevant test reports and certificates as part of this process.
Work closely with the marketing team, managing the product creation process. Ensure all data an information is available and accessible to create market leading product listings.
Creating content briefs for content creation will be the responsibility of the AB with the support of the relevant buyer for the category.
Help manage samples through the business through effective maintenance of sample processes including the movement of samples from suppliers, within the business as well as external third parties. Always maintaining an organised samples storage system.
Support with sourcing strategy by maintaining a non-compliance log to hep with supplier score card system. Always helping to ensure supplier have what they need to adhere to company processes.
Understanding of company best and worst sellers. Create bestselling reports on a weekly and monthly basis. Presents and updates team with key findings.
Ensuing competition pricing, promotions and product launches are captured in well-presented reports and presentations that can be presented throughout the business.
Ensure range plans and systems pricing are always up to date.
Support with system SKU creation.
Help buyers prepare for business trips and trade shows.
Taking on additional responsibility as requested from Head of Product
Team, Processes and department Development:
Meticulous management of processes and always strives to improve the buying operation and increase knowledge of own and related job functions.
Work closely with wider team members to ensure the smooth flow of processes and product life-cycle.
Keeps team up to date with output of all processes.
Communication and relationship building:
Builds effective and open relationships with all members of the B & M and wider team.
Supports productive relationship between buying function and all other business areas to ensure goals are achieved, specifically with the merchandising, marketing, and technical teams.
Support with creation of accurate data. Particularly competitor analysis.
Can be relied on to deliver key information at the right time to the right people, and present where necessary.
Ability to communicate on all levels including written, verbal with an understanding of what method to use when.
Engaging presentation skills ensuring message is delivered and understood.
Moreover, the successful assistant buyer candidate will…
Be either an established assistant buyer or experiences buying assistant who is ready to step up.
Thrives in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment, pro-actively seeking to understand the wider business environment in which our business operates.
A passion for product & trade and a real desire to make a difference to the business.
Preferably has worked with and has knowledge of LED Lighting although electricals or hard goods will also be considered.
Confident and enthusiastic, with the ability to bring energy and pace to the buying and merchandising team.
Always an ambassador for the business and brands.
Can work in a timely manner, prioritize tasks and communicate to the department.
Have good attention to detail and accuracy of work/data input.
A "right first time" attitude.
Enthusiasm for the Buying role and determination even when faced with setbacks.
* Why Join Us?
* Be part of a dynamic, fast growing, innovative company
* Private healthcare
* 40 hours a week (8:30am to 5pm)
* Perkbox monthly benefits
* 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays
* Two additional weeks holiday for that year, after 5 years’ service