Trainee Buyer

RKW is looking to add Trainee Buyers to our Category Specific teams. No direct buying or procurement experience required - as our previous hires have come from a range of customer focused or administrative careers.

An appreciation for the retail market, merchandising or sales, could all prepare you for a role in Buying - making the most of our excellent internal Training Scheme.

This fantastic opportunity for someone who would like to further their career as a Trainee Junior Buyer, progressing through the company with the potential to become a Buyer, Senior Buyer and beyond.

Working alongside the Category Buyer(s) and Director(s) on a day-to-day basis sourcing products for customers and pulling together ranges in the above categories under the Tower brands, other brands, along with customer own brands.

They will have excellent communication skills and the ability to work within a driven and focused team.

They will have the ability to meet deadlines and understand business priorities.

**Responsibilities and Duties**
- We are looking for someone that is keen to learn and develop within the role. You will be fully trained in all aspects of the role and allied roles around this position.
- Develop an understanding of the product development and SPL buying process from sourcing products to approving artworks and packaging to launch.
- Work with the Category Buyer(s) and Director(s) to source, setup, compile and market new products and ranges.
- Maintain and managing products samples for range reviews, quality and usage tests, and production development. Ensure all detail on quotations are correct and align with the samples.
- Interact with the products within the category to gain a better understanding of specifications/functions, Pros and Cons to enable informed range decision making.
- Provide support to the Category Buyer(s) and Director(s) to compile market research and competitor information in order to present competitor packs highlighting key issues with conclusions and recommended actions.
- Follow through product selection, sampling and marketing to the final stage of product launch, liaising with various departments within the business.
- Participate in new item set-up and maintaining accurate product details and pricing on the systems.
- Build good supplier relationships by being a key contact for day-to-day supplier related issues.
- Check through product details on artworks and key marketing materials to ensure the integrity of all information published.
- Participate in the organising and implementation of Trade Shows in UK and EU. (NB This could include involvement with product sampling, stand layouts and marketing materials, physical merchandising/breakdown, and reconciliation post-show)
- There may also be foreign travel involved to our manufacturing bases in India, China, and Europe
- **About you**_
- A good understanding of Microsoft Office Pack Applications and strong in Excel and PowerPoint.
- High Attention to details, an eye for detail and accuracy in your work.
- Be a team player who thrives in a fast paced, busy, and challenging environment.
- To be organised and be able to prioritise workload to deliver tasks in a timely manner.
- A positive, pro-active approach to all aspects of work that may come to you.
- Able to communicate with key stakeholders at all levels across various departments.
- Eager to learn and develop a varied skill set.

**Company Benefits**
- 33 days' annual leave (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
- Salary uplift post-probation completion
- Free parking on all sites
- Complimentary drinks
- Mobile Sandwich Van
- Staff discount on all our products
- Employee Assistance Program
- Refer a Friend Scheme
- Training and development
- Eye care allowance
- Exclusive discounts on cinema, holidays, days out, eating out and much more
- Long service incentives and rewards
- Annual company bonus scheme based on company/individual performance

Come and join us to celebrate 30 years of business

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £22,500.00-£24,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Employee discount
- On-site parking

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person