What’s the role?
We are looking for a Buying Assistant to join our dynamic Buying Team here at Bents. This exciting role will see you working across a varied portfolio including Homewear, Childrens Toyshop, and Christmas.
Your daily role will include:
* Supporting all stages of the buying cycle under senior team members’ guidance.
* Providing administrative and operational support to the Buyer across assigned categories.
* Raising purchase orders and setting up new products on internal systems.
* Communicating with suppliers via phone and email, handling routine queries professionally and accurately.
* Assisting with seasonal range planning, promotions and product launches by collating required information and documentation.
* Supporting the online range to ensure it accurately represents the in-store offer.
* Carrying out competitor shop reviews and compiling findings for review by the Buyer.
* Collaborating with shop floor, warehouse, Visual Merchandising and Merchandising teams to support product flow, availability and in-store displays.
* Producing regular and ad hoc reports and supporting with data preparation and analysis in Excel.
* Assisting with organising and attending supplier meetings and trade shows, supporting with note‑taking and follow‑up actions where appropriate.
* Helping to monitor sales performance and stock flow by preparing reports and gathering data for review.
* Supporting range reviews and performance analysis.
* Ensuring supplier documentation and product compliance information is collected and stored accurately.
* Acting as a key point of contact for routine supplier and internal queries.
* Building effective relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
* Contributing to projects, team development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
* Handling colleague, customer and supplier data in line with GDPR requirements.
* Demonstrating and promoting the Company Health & Safety culture at all times.
* Maintaining a high standard of presentation, punctuality, and reliability.
* Carrying out any additional ad hoc duties as required to support the Buying Team and wider business.
Our ideal Buying Assistant will have:
Essential:
* Experience working within a buying environment.
* Strong organisational and communication skills.
* Excellent attention to detail and confidence handling data.
* Ability to manage your own admin and prioritise tasks effectively.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
Desirable:
* Familiarity with stock management or buying systems.
* Experience working with branded products and supplier communication.
* A relevant qualification in Buying, Fashion, Business, or a related field.
Other details of the Buying Assistant role:
Full-time, Permanent contract.
Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm (37.5 hours per week).
This is an on-site role.
Who are Bents?
We’re a passionate, family‑run business with a long-standing reputation for quality, innovation, and creating exceptional experiences. Since 1937, we’ve grown into a unique lifestyle destination offering everything from garden and home ranges to fashion, gifts, and award‑winning dining.
At Bents, you’re not just part of a business – you’re part of a family. We value creativity, collaboration, and a customer‑first mindset in everything we do.
Why work for us?
28 days holiday including bank holidays, rising to 33 with service.
Free onsite parking.
Staff discount from day one + Family & Friends discount days.
Birthday leave and long service awards.
Company pension scheme.
Free colleague & family events.
Onsite Colleague Bistro and fantastic facilities.
Cycle to work scheme.
Discounted gym membership.
Recognition schemes and development opportunities.
Plus so much more!
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