Assistant Buyer

Our client is a rapidly growing retailer with over 180 stores in the UK and a growing online and international business. They have opened over 30 new UK stores in the past two years and have ambitious plans for further growth including partnership retailmodels.They are massively customer centric and really care about their people, customers and the communities in which they trade in.

They are now looking for an Assistant Buyer Spain to be based out of their head office in Amersham.As Assistant Buyer you will be working closely with buying, planning & allocation teams.Your job will be pivotal, providing commercial support for allaspects of the product buying process. This will include following through on buying decisions and being a point of contact and referral for both the business and suppliers.You will be involved in the creation of ranges for partner stores in Spain recommendingon toy ranges and products that could appeal to customers based on sales data and market intel. Additionally, you will work with their Madrid team on sourcing a complementary range of branded local buys.This job offers a great opportunity to fully understandthe role of buying and gain valuable experience and knowledge to support possible buying responsibilities in the future.

The role is based in the Partnerships Buying team in our Amersham Head Office and involves working internationally with our dynamic Madrid office and Spanish suppliers. The role also offers an amazing opportunity for some overseas travel.

**Responsibilities - Assistant Buyer**
- To support the business in the delivery of all relevant KPI’s - sales, profitability, and stock.
- To act as the initial point of contact for both the business and suppliers for buying related requests for the Spanish business.
- Build relationships with local suppliers to develop our business with Spanish suppliers.
- Ensure that all relevant information for product creation is provided for the Buying Administration team to accurately set-up up products and raise purchase orders.
- Provide input on ranging, forecasting and ordering.
- To maximise trading performance and develop a thorough understanding of the Spanish market.
- Support the Buying Administration Coordinator in managing the price changes and price establishment process for the business in Spain.
- To liaise with the Buying, Marketing, Retail Operations and Merchandising teams to support the agreed trading plan.
- To work closely with Marketing and the Promotions Manager to agree promotional plans and catalogue content.
- To provide buying support and share relevant information with the Madrid office.

**Desired Skills - Assistant Buyer**
- Previous experience working in a fast-paced retail buying department is helpful. Preferably with a seasonal trading retailer.
- Natural interest and curiosity in retail trading.
- Excellent level of numeracy and PC literate with excellent Excel skills. Experience in forecasting and ordering would be advantageous.
- Able to develop & manage relationships in a cross-functional international environment.
- Proven track record in delivering high-quality work.
- Commercially aware with strong business acumen.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to multi-task and prioritise effectively with an ability to maintain calm under pressure.
- A good command of conversational Spanish would be amazing to have but is not essential
- An ability to understand business and systems processes.