Overview
Here at Edinburgh Woollen Mill we are looking for a Buying Assistant to join our Buying team at our Head Office in Carlisle.
About Edinburgh Woollen Mill
Edinburgh Woollen Mill is a leading retailer of quality clothing, accessories, and homeware, celebrating British heritage, craftsmanship and timeless style. With a strong presence on the high street and an expanding online offering, we’re committed to providing our customers with excellent products and services. Our Buying Team is central to our success and motivated and detail-driven individuals have the opportunity to flourish and progress within this fantastic business.
Role Overview
The Buyer’s Assistant plays a key role in supporting the buying team with the coordination of product ranges, critical paths, supplier communication and general administration. You will be supporting our buying teams across fast-paced and varied product ranges. This role offers an excellent opportunity for someone keen to develop a career in retail buying, with hands on involvement in the buying cycle from range planning to product development and supplier management.
Key Responsibilities
* Admin & Team Support: Provide administrative support to the Buyer/Senior Buyer; Maintain range plans ensuring all details are accurate and updated in internal systems; Support with meeting scheduling, minutes, and seasonal planning documents
* Product & Range Support: Assist with the preparation and maintenance of product ranges; Assist in range building, trend research and preparation for buying meetings; Track product samples and co-ordinate fittings and approvals; Coordinate samples, prepare boards and materials for range reviews, trade and sign offs
* System Management: Ensure accurate product data entry and maintain internal systems: range plan, web support, PIM, photography plan, POS etc; Liaise with internal departments (design, merchandising, technical, sourcing, shipping) to ensure smooth workflow; Communicate with suppliers on fabric, sample, colour and strike off requests and approvals; Track and chase product samples and approvals supporting sourcing
* Critical Path Management: Maintain critical paths and ensure key deadlines are met to ensure on-time product delivery; Support tracking of all key milestones: sending of colours, protos, sample approvals, orders placed etc
* Data and Reporting: Help with sales analysis and preparing for trade meetings; gain a full understanding of highest best/worst sellers, rate of sale, store cover and sell through; Monitor competitor activity and compile pricing/trend comparisons; Ensure all product data and imagery is accurate and uploaded to web platform at key times, constantly reviewing web performance and supporting improvements
Key Skills & Attributes
* Strong organizational and time management skills
* Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint
* Excellent attention to detail and accuracy with a proactive approach to problem solving
* Confident communicator with good interpersonal and relationship building skills
* Ability to work proactively and manage multiple priorities
* A passion for retail and an interest in buying or product development
* Supportive and collaborative approach to working in a team
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
* Commercial Acumen: know and understand your customer and competition; participate in trend and product research; propose ideas to improve trade and revenue
* Product Knowledge: become a product expert and assist with fits and fit process; maintain knowledge of garment construction, fabric and trim application
* Range Building: assist with sample management and preparation of product ranges for meetings
* Organisation & Time Management: coordinate proto packs, fabric, colour, and tasks within deadlines
* Understanding Profitability: be aware of costs and margins when supporting buying decisions
* Critical Path: keep product launches on time by monitoring key milestones
* Admin Accuracy: 100% accuracy in data entry on systems and range plans
* Effective Communication: clear communication to the wider team and collaboration
* Team Collaboration: contribute to team goals with an active, questioning approach
Please apply now if interested!
To view our privacy notice please visit: www.ewm.co.uk/careers
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