Since 1866, Hamilton & Inches has been Scotland's premier destination for fine jewellery, luxury watches and hand-crafted silver. Based in the heart of the Scottish capital, we have maintained our jewellery & silver workshops since our inception and have a held a Royal Warrant as silversmiths for more than 120 years. To this day, we proudly continue to curate a range of fine jewellery, designed and made from our own artisan team and workshops.
Our Assistant Buyer will support our Stock Manager across all aspects of the buying and product cycle with a focus on supply chain management, supplier coordination, stock control, and product development. This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in the jewellery and watch industry, who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Key Responsibilities
Buying & Product Development
* Assist in the selection and quantification of orders, ensuring alignment with brand strategy and commercial goals.
* Support in curating product ranges, contributing to trend research and product development.
* Create and maintain range books and training documents showcasing all products across all departments.
* Conduct competitor analysis both in-store and online to assess merchandise mix, pricing, and emerging trends.
* Collaborate with Stock team on sales performance to inform future buying decisions and merchandising mix.
* Assist in product development, liaising with suppliers and internal teams to bring new ideas to life.
Supplier & Stock Management
* Manage supplier communications, including requesting and reviewing order confirmations, ensuring accuracy and suggesting changes where needed.
* Prepare agendas for supplier appointments, ensuring all relevant data and insights are captured and shared with the management team ahead of meetings. Attend and contribute to supplier meetings, maintaining strong relationships and ensuring alignment on timelines and expectations.
* Alongside Stock team, maintain stock levels, sales trends, core stock and replenishment needs to maintain optimal inventory.
* Support supply chain coordination, including logistics, lead times, and customs processes.
* Manage customer enquiries process related to product availability, specifications, and sourcing.
Training & Internal Support
* Assist in training retail and internal teams on new collections, product features, and technical details.
* Support Marketing team with corporate partners ensuring accurate stock levels and product mix
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth execution of product launches
Essential Experience & Skills
* Previous experience in the jewellery and watch industry is essential.
* Strong understanding of the buying process, product lifecycle, and retail environment.
* Excellent communication, organisation, and analytical skills.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems
* Ability to manage multiple priorities and work to tight deadlines.
Desired Experience
* Experience in supply chain management.
* Familiarity with range planning, product cycle planning, and trend forecasting.
* Technical knowledge of jewellery manufacturing, materials, and quality standards.