Trainee Buyer

Who are we?

Founded in 1946, Arnold Wills is a family run Company based in Uppingham, in the heart of Rutland. We are the UK's leading designer and manufacturer of fashion and lifestyle accessories including belts, bags, small leather goods, braces and gifting.

What will you do?

· Critical path management – accountable for the brands NPD critical path planner. Responsible for diarising key meetings and monitoring team delivery against deadlines/escalating any issues to Head of Brands.

· Sample management – manage the sample library. Responsible for ensuring all new and continuity samples are approved on time, highlighting any issues to the wider team. Manage the co-ordination and development of all proto samples and necessary information to enable product sign off meetings to run efficiently and to ensure deadlines are met. Responsible for requesting and tracking photoshoot samples, SMS and gold seals from suppliers to ensure all critical path dates are met.

· Supplier management – maintain regular communication with suppliers to tackle issues in a timely manner, escalating as necessary to the wider team. Manage the preparation of design product brief sheets in a timely manner and with a realistic and commercial approach, challenging required content. Provide constructive feedback to suppliers after sign off meetings on samples.

· Approvals – working with the Merchandiser and Brand Manager, ensure that all samples and product components are delivered from suppliers and approved on time to maintain delivery dates.

· Barcoding – designing/creating bespoke and in-house barcoding for key customers.

· Market awareness – input into the commercial pricing strategy by conducting competitive shopping analysis including price benchmarking. Awareness of sales analysis to support suggestions/improvements to range and price strategy.

· Range development – based on competitor analysis, provide suggestions for seasonal range strategy to drive new product development and best value for the customer.

· Creative support – providing graphic support to our Brand Manager, assisting on packaging briefs as required. Provide support with marketing/photoshoots alongside our Marketing & Social Media Manager as required. Pull together product presentations for Brand Managers and Sales to support product strategy and selling.

· Selling tools – responsible for the successful delivery of selling tools to support our agent network including the seasonal product catalogue, sales prospecting packs and samples.

• Teamwork – work alongside the sales, creative, procurement and merchandising team as the pivotal link between product and commercial.

What will you bring to the role?

· Market and industry knowledge – creative and innovative with an interest in retail, consumer and product trends.

· Organisational skills – highly organised, must be able to proactively manager a wide range of priorities and responsibilities throughout the development process. Ability to work in a fast paced environment and manage multiple priorities.

· Creative ability – proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office is desirable. Technically capable with a flair for creativity.

· Analytical support – commercially astute with good Excel skills. Able to prepare appropriate data to support product meetings. Able to accurately input data into systems and the range plan as required to support the wider team.

· Passion for product – personal determination and drive to succeed, a passion for products and an entrepreneurial approach. Positive and proactive with a real “make it happen” approach.

· Effective teamwork – collaborative approach and ability to engage effectively and consistently at all levels. Willingness to flex workload to support the wider team. 

• Excellent communication – able to build positive and constructive relationships with colleagues.

What can we offer you?

• 24 days holiday plus bank holidays
• discretionary bonus scheme
• life insurance
• pension
• private healthcare
• staff wellbeing events
• employee assistance programme inc 24/7 GP access
• free on-site parking
• discounted staff sales
• the opportunity to work in a company that encourages engagement, empowerment and growth

Job Type: full time, permanent

Schedule: Monday to Thursday 8 am to 5 pm, Friday 8 am to 4 pm

Location: Uppingham, Rutland, LE15

Salary: Dependent upon experience