Assistant Buyer
We are looking for an organised, analytical and commercially minded Assistant Buyer to join our Buying Team.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in purchasing, buying, replenishment or inventory management who is ready to take greater ownership of stock planning, supplier management and purchasing decisions.
Working closely with the Buyer/Buying Manager, you will help manage inventory and purchasing requirements across the business, using sales forecasts and stock data to ensure the right products are available at the right time. You will also work directly with factories, suppliers and freight forwarders to manage orders, costs, product requirements and deliveries.
As Assistant Buyer, you will oversee the day-to-day work of the Purchasing Administrator, helping to set priorities and ensuring purchasing and supply chain administration runs efficiently.
Key Responsibilities
- Analyse sales forecasts, stock levels and inventory trends to determine purchasing and replenishment requirements.
- Place and manage purchase orders based on forecasts, stock requirements and business priorities.
- Monitor inventory levels and take action to minimise out-of-stocks and excess inventory.
- Identify fast-moving, slow-moving and priority products and work with relevant teams to manage stock effectively.
- Manage relationships with factories and suppliers, including pricing, purchase orders, production schedules and delivery requirements.
- Monitor supplier pricing, freight costs, landed costs and other purchasing-related expenses.
- Oversee overseas and local shipments and proactively manage potential delays.
- Work closely with freight forwarders, factories and suppliers to ensure documentation and deliveries are completed correctly and on time.
- Review inventory reports, investigate discrepancies and coordinate appropriate corrective action.
- Support new product introductions, product setup and ongoing product maintenance.
- Review product specifications, packaging artwork and case markings and coordinate approvals with Marketing, suppliers and other relevant teams.
- Ensure accurate information is maintained within the ERP system and supporting purchasing records.
- Oversee and support the Purchasing Administrator, including setting priorities, reviewing work and providing day-to-day guidance.
- Work closely with Sales, Marketing, Warehousing and other departments to communicate stock requirements, product priorities and supply issues.
What We're Looking For
- 2–3 years’ experience in purchasing, buying, replenishment, inventory management or a similar role.
- A-Level qualification or degree.
- Good understanding of inventory management, forecasting and replenishment.
- Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Experience working with ERP or inventory management systems.
- Knowledge of international purchasing, freight, landed costs, customs duties and goods receiving would be advantageous.
- Strong numerical and analytical skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Good commercial awareness and problem-solving ability.
- Confidence communicating and building relationships with suppliers, factories and internal teams.
- Ability to manage priorities and take ownership of tasks through to completion.
- Previous experience supervising or guiding a junior team member would be advantageous, but is not essential.
- High level of proficiency in both written and spoken English.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm
Position: Office-based
Pay: £35,000.00-£38,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
