Role: Assistant Buying Manager – Gifting & Drinkware
Location: Watford, Hertfordshire, WD24
Salary: £29,000–£31,000 (DOE) - Progression: Up to £35,000 within 12–18 months
Job Type: Full-time
Excellent opportunity for an Assistant Buying Manager to join a well-established company based in Watford.
Hours: Monday–Thursday 09:00–18:00 | Friday 09:00–16:30
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Free on-site parking
- Early finish every Friday
- Annual leave
- Clear career progression opportunities
About the Role:
We are looking for a proactive and organised Assistant Buying Manager to support the development and production of our licensed hardlines product ranges, focusing on gifting & drinkware, but could include stationery, accessories and other related consumer products.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with previous experience in buying, sourcing or production who is looking to build a long-term career within Buying. You'll gain hands-on experience across product development, supplier management, costings, production and category planning while working with global factories, licensors and major retailers.
Key Responsibilities:
Product Development
- Support the development of licensed gifting, stationery, drinkware and accessory products.
- Assist with product specifications, materials, artwork coordination and sampling.
- Coordinate product approvals, amendments and revisions with suppliers.
- Ensure products meet retailer, licensor and compliance requirements.
Production & Supplier Management
- Liaise with overseas factories, primarily in China and other Far East manufacturing regions.
- Monitor production schedules and maintain critical paths.
- Identify and escalate production risks, delays or quality issues.
- Support packaging, labelling and product compliance processes.
Buying & Commercial Support
- Assist with product costings, pricing and margin management.
- Maintain Excel buying sheets, cost trackers and product databases.
- Support product selection, category planning and range development.
General Responsibilities
- Work closely with Design, Logistics and Sales teams.
- Assist with shipment planning and delivery coordination.
- Help improve internal processes and operational efficiency.
Requirements:
Essential
- Minimum 2 years' experience in buying, sourcing or production.
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong Excel skills.
- Good communication and multitasking abilities.
- Fluent English.
- UK work authorisation with at least 18 months remaining.
Desirable
- Experience within gifting, stationery, drinkware, homewares or consumer products.
- Experience working with overseas manufacturers.
- Understanding of materials, product specifications and manufacturing processes.
- Knowledge of product compliance, including CE and UKCA requirements.
- Mandarin or other languages would be advantageous.
Working Pattern
- Office-based in Watford (WD24).
- First three months fully office-based.
- Up to two days working from home following successful completion of probation.
Apply:
If you already have experience in buying, sourcing or production and are looking to develop your career within a fast-paced licensed consumer products business, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: £29,000.00-£31,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
