The Assistant Buyer supports the buying team in selecting, sourcing and purchasing product ranges to meet customer needs and commercial KPIs.
They assist with supplier negotiations, stock management, sales analysis and administrative tasks to ensure a smooth buying process.
Their primary focus is to support successful product selection, pricing and stock availability, and working closely on the coordination of tasks and process to achieve this.
This is a fixed-term contract for 12 months.
Key Responsibilities
Product Performance
Support the buyer in the discovery and purchasing of ranges that are aligned with the business goals and market trends.
Assist in identifying new opportunities for product innovation and range expansion.
Work closely with the merchandising team in identifying gaps in the current product assortment, ensuring target availability is achieved and that top performing lines maintain strong availability.
Monitor competitor activity and industry trends to inform purchasing decisions.
Work closely with the buyer to ensure product ranges align with overall company goals.
Support in reviewing customer, store feedback and sales performance to enhance the category success.
Supplier Management
Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to negotiate competitive pricing and favourable terms.
Assist the buyer in evaluating supplier options according to price, service and quality and determine the best choices.
Assist with supplier critical path and communication ensuring timely deliveries and helping to resolve supply chain issues.
Support supplier performance reviews, ensuring quality and compliance standards are met.
Range Management
Assist with the planning and sourcing of seasonal and promotional products, ensuring all reporting files are kept up to date.
Help manage product launches and stock levels in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
Maintain accurate records of purchase orders, product details and supplier trading terms.
Support the buyer with the development of Woodies Product Life Cycle.
Performance Analysis
Monitor sales and stock levels to assess product and category performance.
Assist in preparing reports and insights to support buying decisions and adjustments made to ranges.
Identify underperforming products and recommend actions to optimize profitability.
Team Support
Effectively manage L1 colleagues, ensuring clarity of their roles and responsibilities, and supporting processes to deliver admin support to the Home team.
Assist in providing targeted mentorship to L1s on the team ensuring their proactive contributions enhance overall delivery.
Provide administrative and operational support to the wider buying team.
Relationship Management
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including merchandising, marketing and supply chain to ensure a seamless buying process.
Build strong relationships with store colleagues and managers to foster close collaboration, ensuring alignment on product plans and maximizing sales opportunities.
Develop strong relationships with the merchandising team to ensure efficient stock management, optimizing availability and driving sales to achieve budget targets.
Build relationships, work well with others, engage with colleagues, management and the wider business teams, forming strong working relationships.
Compliance and Risk Management
Ensure all purchasing activities comply with company policies, legal requirements and the Grafton Group ESG agenda.
Support due diligence processes, including ethical sourcing and sustainability initiatives.
Assist in managing product control and safety standards.
Skills
Strong understanding of consumer preferences, trends and seasonal demands.
Knowledge of inventory levels, order management and supply chain coordination.
Ability to manage multiple product areas and meet deadlines.
Analytical skills to interpret sales metrics, inventory performance and market trends.
Performance Metrics
Achievement of sales and revenue metrics.
Inventory management – stock turnover, ageing inventory and out of stock rates.
Operational efficiency.
Customer and market insights.
Personal Attributes
Results-oriented with a strong commercial awareness.
Proactive attitude and takes initiative to identify opportunities.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
High level of integrity and professionalism.
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