Buyer / Purchasing Assistant / Procurement

Job Description

Purchasing Assistant / Junior Buyer with experience of product selections and range planning within a relevant retail environment, strong analytical, numerical and negotiation skills is required by a well-established Charity in Reading,Berkshire.SALARY: £28,988 - £35,199 per annumBENEFITS: 26 Days Holiday plus Bank Holidays. A generous pension scheme, life assurance and enhanced pay for parenting and sickness leave. In addition, an Employee Assistance Programme, flexible benefits package and discounts and cashbackscheme.LOCATION: Reading-based role which will involve hybrid office and home workingJOB TYPE: Full-Time, PermanentWORKING HOURS: 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week (reasonable part-time hours will be considered for the right candidate)APPLICATION PROCESS:Once weve reviewed your CV, we will email over some extra details regarding the application process that you will need to complete as soon as possible. Please keep an eye out for our email.JOB OVERVIEWWe have a fantastic new job opportunity for a Purchasing Assistant / Junior Buyer with experience of product selections and range planning within a relevant retail environment, strong analytical, numerical and negotiation skills.As the Purchasing Assistant / Junior Buyer you will select and develop commercial, relevant and appropriate retail products, which are on brand, within budget, and meet audience expectations.This is an exciting opportunity for a Purchasing Assistant / Junior Buyer with a go-to, entrepreneurial approach to put their stamp on a growing online and mail order business for a much loved, well-known brand.DUTIESYour duties and responsibilities as the Purchasing Assistant / Junior Buyer will include:

• End to end responsibility for managing selected ranges to meet agreed spend, margin, income, and business plans

• Source and develop new products which meet range requirements

• Create detailed financial plans for all new products and ranges

• Maximise the overall financial performance of product categories

• Undertake in depth analysis of sales and margin to understand the trading position

• Generate new ideas to continue to grow categories and ranges

• Lead projects to trial new promotional ranges

• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to drive sales and total profitability

• Work with the Commercial team to ensure all lines are delivered on time and in full

• Work with the merchandiser to undertake annual range reviews and review existing products

• Work with the merchandiser and marketing officer to identify digital marketing opportunities and optimise campaigns

• Work with the merchandiser and marketing officer on the design and content of catalogues and other print marketing

• Undertake trend and competitor analysis to ensure the Charitys Shop remains relevant and able to capitalise on commercial opportunities

• Attend trade shows to source new products and suppliers and spot relevant future trends

• Develop design briefs and provide creative direction and clear, constructive feedback to designers

• Present new products and ranges to senior managers for approval and sign off as required

WORKING AT THE CHARITYWorking at the Charity is much more than just a job. Through the values that guide their work, they make a real difference, and change lives.They believe that wellbeing at work is about creating an environment to promote a state of contentment which allows all employees to flourish and achieve their full potential for the benefit of themselves and for the Charity.CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

• Degree or equivalent in Marketing / Digital / Business / Retail / Economics or equivalent experience

• Experience of product selection and range planning within a relevant retail environment

• Experience of bespoke product development and brand guardianship

• Experience of driving growth in sales and profit through commercial range development for eCommerce and Mail Order

• Experience of supplier relationship management

• Experience of working with designers and illustrators, developing creative briefs and critiquing artwork

• Experience of identifying and capitalising on trends and commercial opportunities

• Strong analytical, numerical and negotiation skills and keen commercial awareness

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability and willingness to network and influence people

• Creative flair and an eye for design

• Eligibility to work in the UK

As this role requires an Enhanced Disclosure check the start date for the successful candidate will only be confirmed upon receipt of the check.The Charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom they work. They expect all of their employees and volunteers to fully share this commitment.Please note: we reserve the right to close any of our vacancies early.HOW TO APPLYAPPLICATION PROCESS: Once weve reviewed your CV, we will email over some extra details regarding the application process that you will need to complete as soon as possible. Please keep an eye out for our email.CVs of Job Applicants meeting this requirement may also be submitted to our Client for consideration. By submitting your job application to us you are hereby giving us your express consent to submit your details to our Client for this purpose.JOB REF: AWDO-P8329Full-Time, Permanent Jobs, Careers and Vacancies. Find a new job and work in Reading, Berkshire. Multi-Job Board Advertising and CV Sourcing Recruitment Services provided by AWD online.AWD online specialise in sourcing candidates and advertising vacancies on multiple job boards for companies on a non-commission basis. AWD online operates as an employment agency.