Buying Admin Assistant

At GO Outdoors our purpose is strong and clear; “to inspire and equip everyone for life outdoors”. That’s because we passionately believe in the positive benefits of the outdoors, whether that be the daily dog walk or hiking Ben Nevis, horse riding or cold‑water therapy, we provide the best equipment for all outdoor activities, always at the best price guaranteed Our values aren’t just posters on the wall, we live them every day; ‘One Team’ we are stronger together, ‘Responsibility’ we take ownership, ‘Passion’ we believe in what we do, and ‘Integrity’ we do the right thing. We are a national favourite outdoor retailer aiming to be the nation's favourite, and we are looking for a Buying Assistant – Outdoors to join JD Outdoors in Bury, Greater Manchester. As a Buying Assistant at JD Outdoors, you'll support the Apparel Buying team in developing a compelling product range that meets customer demand and enhances the JD Outdoors brand. Working alongside Buyers and Merchandisers, you'll assist in sourcing, selecting, and managing products across outdoor categories, ensuring ranges are commercially viable, on‑trend, and aligned with business goals. This role demands strong organisation, attention to detail, and a passion for outdoors and retail. You'll handle product samples, maintain accurate system data, liaise with suppliers, and manage critical‑path timelines from concept to launch. Staying informed on competitor activity, customer trends, and market developments, you'll help create innovative ranges that inspire adventure and drive growth in a competitive landscape. What You’ll Be Doing Assisting with the delivery of analysis and preparation of future strategies Providing administrative support for the buying team across all relevant systems Ensuring accurate data entry within the relevant critical path Seasonal preparation of photographic range catalogues Gaining an understanding of the top‑line company strategy and how it affects the department Developing an understanding of the outdoor market, suppliers and competitors Maintaining supplier database, workbooks, price lists etc. Managing buying team branded samples – ordering, recording, returns Ensuring sample availability for marketing, online, photography etc. Developing and maintaining an excellent relationship with suppliers Gaining and maintaining an understanding of the systems and processes utilised within JD Outdoors Supporting buyers / liaising with product development teams as necessary Supporting online teams as necessary (branded assets, product data, copy) Supporting trading meetings as appropriate – sales samples, new lines Tracking competitor activity and documenting ranging, pricing, promotion etc. Sharing best practice within the team Giving and receiving regular feedback Maintaining a 'can do' attitude Learning from mistakes and using them to shape future plans Striving for a 'right first time' approach in all we do Being responsible for the culture of the office – if we don’t like something, we change it Skills / Experience / Knowledge Passion for outdoor activities and product would be advantageous Previous retail experience within an established outdoor retailer would be advantageous, however not essential Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint) Ability to prioritise workload and tasks Ability to foster working relationships both internally and externally Flexible working approach during peak periods of the year Application Process Due to the high volumes of applications our opportunities attract, it takes time to review them all. If you don’t hear back within two weeks of applying, please consider your application to have been unsuccessful on this occasion. Applications that meet the skills criteria will be contacted for a 1st‑stage meeting with the talent team. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to interview with the hiring manager. Thank you again for your time. #J-18808-Ljbffr