Assistant Buyer

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.

Key Responsibilities :

1. Product Performance

o Support the buyer in the discovery and purchasing of ranges that are aligned with the business goals and market trends.

o Assist in identifying new opportunities for product innovation and range expansion

o Work closely with the merchandising team in identifying gaps in the current product assortment, ensure target availability are achieved. Ensure top performing lines are a focus to maintain strong availability.

o Monitor competitor activity and industry trends to inform purchasing decisions.

o Work closely with the buyer to ensure product ranges align with overall company goals.

o Support in reviewing customer, store feedback and sales performance to enhance the category success.

2. Supplier Management

o Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to negotiate competitive pricing and favourable terms.

o Assist the buyer in evaluating supplier options according to price, service and quality and determine the best choices

o Assist with supplier critical path and communication ensuring timely deliveries and assisting administration in resolving supply chain issues.

o Support supplier performance reviews, ensuring quality and compliance standards are met.

3. Range Management

o Assist with the planning and sourcing of seasonal and promotional product. Ensuring all reporting files are kept up to date.

o Help manage product launches and stock levels in collaboration with internal stakeholders

o Maintain accurate records of purchase orders, product details and supplier trading terms.

o Support the buyer with the development of Woodies Product Life Cycle.

4. Performance Analysis

o Monitor sales and stock levels to assess product and category performance

o Assist in preparing reports and insights to support buying decisions and adjustments made to ranges.

o Identify underperforming products and recommend actions to optimize profitability

5. Team Support

o Effective team management of L1 colleagues, ensuring clarity of their roles and responsibilities, as well as supporting the processes to deliver admin support to the Home team

o Assist in providing targeted mentorship to L1’s on the team ensuring their proactive contributions enhance overall delivery and efficiency.

o Provide administrative and operational support to the wider buying team.

6. Relationship Management

o Collaborate with cross – functional teams including merchandising, marketing and supply chain, to ensure seamless buying process.

o Build strong relationships with store colleagues and managers to foster close collaboration ensuring alignment on product plans and maximizing sales opportunities

o Develop strong relationships with merchandising team to ensure efficient stock management, optimizing availability and driving sales to achieve budget targets.

o Build relationships – work well with others, engage with colleagues, management, the wider business teams, forming strong working relationships

7. Compliance and Risk Management

o Ensure all purchasing activities comply with company policies, legal requirements and the Grafton Group ESG agenda

o Support due diligence processes, including ethical sourcing and sustainability initiatives

o Assist in managing product control and safety standards

Skills :

o Strong understanding of consumer preferences, trends and seasonal demands

o Knowledge of inventory levels, order management and supply chain coordination

o Ability to manage multiple product areas and meet deadlines

o Analytical skills, interpret sales metrics, inventory performance and market trends.

Performance Metrics :

o Achievement of sales and Revenue Metrics

o Inventory management – stock turn over, aging inventory and out of stock rates.

o Operational Efficiency

o Customer and market insights

Personal Attributes :

o Results-oriented with a strong commercial awareness

o Proactive attitude and takes initiative to identify opportunities

o Ability to work under pressure and meeting deadlines

o High level of integrity and professionalism