H&T Group Ltd
Assistant Buyer
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Job Purpose
To provide comprehensive administrative, commercial, and operational support to the Buying Team.
Assisting the buyer in identifying opportunities for new products, innovation, and continuous range improvement. The role builds and maintains effective supplier relationships, supporting negotiations on pricing, lead times, and product specifications, while ensuring accurate product information is captured, maintained, and communicated across the business. You will manage an allocated product range from concept through to launch and in-season performance under the guidance and direction of the Buyer.
Key Responsibilities
Range Building & Product Selection
- Manage and maintain an allocated product range from product selection through to launch and in-season performance, under the guidance of the Buyer.
- Collaborate on category strategies, identifying opportunities for new products, innovation, and continuous range improvement.
- Contributing to the overall achievement of departmental objectives and wider business goals.
- Assist Buyer in the preparation of presenting ranges for sign off with the relevant functions.
- Proposals to assist in driving sales in your relevant department by reviewing sales and constantly looking for opportunities.
Supplier & Vendor Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating pricing, lead times, and product specifications within agreed parameters.
- Confident in attending supplier meetings and selecting product independently.
- Oversee the sample management process from product selection meetings with the help of the admin assistants.
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Critical Path Management
- Oversee the product lifecycle from initial product selection and purchase order approval through to successful launch in stores.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date delivery schedules for all purchased stock, ensuring key milestones are met and product availability is effectively managed.
- Attend weekly update meetings with the charge on, distribution and marketing team to coordinate weekly intake requirements and support successful product launches.
Trend & Competitor Analysis
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and pricing to identify emerging opportunities, product innovations, and customer trends.
- Use market insights to recommend new products and continuous range improvements, ensuring the product offering remains commercially competitive, relevant, and aligned with customer needs.
- Conduct competitor research through store visits, attend trade fairs and carry out regular online research.
Cross-functional Collaboration
- Build effective working relationships with Merchandising, Marketing, Distribution Centre, Retail and Finance teams to ensure accurate product information is communicated, stock availability is maintained and product launches are successfully executed.
- Attend regular photoshoots and drive social media marketing content to ensure key product features across all channels.
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Compliance & Product Testing
- Ensure all products meet company quality standards, legislative requirements, and ethical sourcing policies. Including all necessary testing is carried out both internally and by suppliers, to ensure full compliance with current REACH regulations.
- Coordinate and manage the audit critical path, ensuring supplier compliance is maintained and all audit requirements are completed within agreed timescales.
Essential Requirements
- Must possess at least 2 years' assistant buying experience in a retail environment
- Pro-activity in proposing new ideas and inspiration.
- Strong commercial awareness and ability to drive profit.
- Highly numerate and a logical thinker.
- Effective supplier relationship and negotiation skills.
- A great multi-tasker who is organized and self-motivated.
- Analytical skills, excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills.
- Customer focused with a high attention to detail.
- A good standard of education.
Desirable Requirements
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Previous Jewellery Buying Experience
- An interest in jewellery, fashion or lifestyle products.
- Knowledge of consumer trends and competitor analysis.
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