Buying Assistant
Salary: £30,784.00
Full time/40 hours and 5 days per week.
Permanent
Hybrid working with 2 days on site. Working pattern: subject to discussion
Role Purpose:
Reporting to the Buying and Product Development Manager, the Buying Assistant plays a key role in contributing to the strategy of maximising profits for the Gallery from its retailing, trade and online businesses.
Key Accountabilities:
Merchandising
- Working closely with the Buying and Product Development Manager and Merchandiser to ensure that all stock is ordered in a timely fashion.
- Producing reports on stock levels for all lines on a regular basis and ensuring slow moving stock is addressed and returns and write-downs are identified appropriately.
- Responsible for the product records of all new stock and the maintenance of such records as they are classified using our in-house systems.
- Assist in using EPOS and other sources to inform opening and repeat order quantities to maximise sales and profitability.
- Communicate and be a key point of contact with the Retail Operations, Merchandising and Ecommerce teams on product information, issues, deliveries and returns.
- Feed in to the visual merchandising approach in the physical shops, ecommerce and marketing content.
Buying and Product Development
- Assist in researching and creating inspiring, profitable ranges of exceptional quality based on the Gallery’s collection and exhibitions programme. Including attendance to trade events and regular comparative shopping with the product team.
- Liaise with the Rights and Images team to track rights and permissions for new products and be responsible for checking proofs, quality control and credit lines where necessary.
- Maintain and develop excellent supplier relations by managing product samples, timely payment of invoices, ad hoc requests and supervised negotiation.
- Create product information packs and conduct product training to Retail Operations colleagues.
- Contribute to the book offer through product selection, stock ordering & management, special events and working with the Publications team to maximise sales for NPG titles.
Financial and Stock Management
- Prepare and issue management information and provide effective financial performance reporting for stockholding, write-downs, work-in-progress and purchases.
- Analyse sales data, interpret results and provide sound recommendations based on findings; research and identify new products and trends.
- Assist with the development of marketing plans and content across ranges, single products, in house, on-line and across social media.
- Review and update the internal buying and stock management systems with a consistent approach to ensure accurate records are held on the buying and merchandise plan.
- Promoting sustainable working practices and reducing the environmental impact of the Gallery’s operations in line with its sustainability goals.
The above list is indicative but not exhaustive. As such, in addition to the key accountabilities and responsibilities listed the post holder may be required to perform other duties commensurate with the scope and/or level of the role
To read the full job description, please follow the link: Buying Assistant Job Description
Key Experience, Skills and Criteria:
After 6 months in post, the successful candidate will have:
- Established good professional relationships with colleagues in the Retail team and across the Gallery, and suppliers
- Developed a good understanding of departmental systems and procedures and how these relate to systems and procedures in the wider Gallery
- Developed buying skills:
Raising purchase orders and amending records
Compiling sales reports
Understanding NPG audience
Trend & social media awareness
- Developed production skills:
Checking and preparing images & files for reproduction
Colour-correcting proofs and assessing samples
- Developed knowledge of rights clearances and permissions
Demonstrated confidence an accuracy in the retail management system
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We offer a competitive benefits package, including:
- Generous pension scheme
- 29 days annual leave allowance, in addition to bank holidays
- Interest free season ticket and bicycle loans
- Rental deposit scheme
- Employee assistance programme
- Free entry to many UK museums, galleries and exhibitions
- Staff discounts on purchases in online shop
- Professional & personal development opportunities
Closing date for returned applications is 9:00am on 7th July. First round interviews will take place on the week beginning 20th July via Microsoft Teams/ in person. Please indicate on the notes section of your application form, if you will be unable to make these dates.
