Buying Assistant

Buying Assistant

Location

Hybrid < 1-2 days in the office/Support Centre on Hams Hall Distribution Park, Coleshill.

Become a Buying Assistant

Reporting to the Buyer/Junior Buyer, you will play a pivotal role in the smooth running of a busy Buying department. The team will trust and rely on you to maintain accurate information, organise samples and data and often be the main point of contact between different business functions, the Buying team and our supplier base. This role is ideal for someone looking to learn quickly and develop their career in retail buying.

Ideally you will have previous experience in a retail buying environment, or alternatively some retail ‘shop floor’ experience or a business/retail related degree.

Our Culture 

The Works is an awesome place to… well, work! Our atmosphere is supportive, friendly, and inclusive. A second home-from-home where you can be your best and authentic you. 

Our environment is always moving and full of energy. Yet we still make space to share must-watch TV recommendations and our favourite page-turners. Because even superheroes need some downtime to fuel their imaginations! 

Your Mission

•  Supporting the Buyers to manage supplier performance, identifying potential new suppliers and helping to build long term supplier relationships including liaising with domestic and Far East suppliers.
• Using insight tools to analyse and understand performance issues and opportunities.
• Conducting regular store/website visits and reviewing customer trends to help shape future product and range requirements.
• Helping to build and source ranges and product innovation using your market knowledge.
• Supporting the delivery of trade, promotions and events plan by helping to drive footfall and forecast accurately.
• Running weekly sales data and producing reports for Buyers
• Supporting the Stock Team, helping getting our products in store on time
• Working with suppliers and the QA team to ensure product quality is achieved and maintained.
• General administration tasks including new line set up, purchase order raising, completing landed cost sheets and container fill calculations.
• Providing departmental support with samples, tidying, organising and communicating target costs/product changes/orders/briefing artwork to suppliers, answering Stores and Customers’ general queries.

Skills that will set you apart

• Computer literacy to include working knowledge of Microsoft systems, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Strong numerical skills and ability to analyse data.
• Ability to multitask and prioritise workload alongside good time management.

Behaviours that will set you apart

• PASSIONATE - In everything you do – a positive attitude, motivated and enthusiastic.
• TEAM PLAYER – A collaborative team member who enjoys building and developing relationships with people.
• HIGHLY ORGANISED – You can prioritise tasks and work to deadlines.
• COMMERCIAL MINDSET – You have a strong commercial awareness, able to see opportunities and help make decisions.
• STRONG COMMUNICATOR - whether face to face, by telephone or email
• PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS – great attention to detail and able to work well under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• INNOVATIVE THINKING – an entrepreneurial attitude and way of thinking

Our PERKS really are ‘The Works’

• 25% Colleague Discount! - Plus, exclusive Double Discount days!

• MyWorks - Access exclusive online discounts across hundreds of retailers, holidays, utilities deals, tech and more!
• Holiday –33 days including bank holidays.
• Holiday Purchase - Purchase an additional 5 days.

• Can-Do Academy - Grow your skills and career with instant access to further training and development in areas that interest you.

• Wagestream - Claim early access to 50% of your wages as you earn them – for when ‘life’ happens!
• Share Scheme - Unleash your inner Monopoly mogul and own a piece of The Works!

• 24/7 support for you and your family - Through our partnership with the Retail Trust who provide an Employee Assistance Programme and so much more!
• Healthcare Cash Plan – To support your everyday healthcare costs.
• + Loads more! – Long Service Awards, pension, life assurance, Cycle to Work and optional charity giving.

Our Purpose

To inspire reading. learning, creativity and play - making lives more fulfilled.

Our Values

We are Crafty | We are Caring | We are Can-do