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- Up to £35,000
- Hertfordshire
Thriving, creative company, that specialises in developing commercial ranges for global retailers is recruiting for an Assistant Buyer to join their product team. This business is experiencing impressive year-on-year growth, so it is an exciting time to join! Whether you have a background in product development or experience in retail buying and are looking to transition to the supplier side, this role could be the perfect next step in your career.
As Assistant Buyer / Assistant Product Developer, you'll manage the coordination of repeat, refreshed, and made-to-order product lines, working closely with their global suppliers to ensure products are delivered on time and meet all specifications. If you have a passion for product and are eager to work with a dynamic team in a successful international business, this is an exciting opportunity not to be missed.
Key responsibilities for Assistant Buyer:
- Come up with new product ideas that are suitable for the company’s target market.
- Identify opportunities to improve existing product lines and implement enhancements.
- Create and manage critical paths tailored to both customer and business requirements, ensuring optimal resource allocation.
- Negotiate product costs with suppliers to secure the best prices and maximise profit margins.
- Assist in selecting the most suitable factories for specific product lines.
- Brief design teams on artwork updates and ensure changes are actioned accurately.
- Review and approve final artwork before submission to factories.
- Coordinate, inspect, and approve samples, components, and cutter guides.
- Collaborate with account managers, product developers, and logistics teams to resolve any product-related issues.
- Help identify and implement sustainable solutions that meet customer needs.
- Update and approve product specification sheets, ensuring all product data is accurate and up to date.
- Attend regular production meetings to help maintain consistency across the process.
Required skills and experience:
- Proven experience in product development, product coordination, production, buying, supply chain, or operations roles.
- Experience working with overseas suppliers and product portals is a distinct advantage.
- Strong knowledge of the production lifecycle, including critical path creation and management.
- Experience managing critical paths for 50+ SKUs in a single season would be ideal.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Outstanding organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask.
- Positive and proactive approach, with strong relationship-building skills across departments.
- Passion for product development and a commitment to working with a successful and dynamic team.
