Assistant Buyer / Junior Merchandiser

Working as part of a small, friendly product development team, this role supports the buying function from initial product concept through to launch. It involves managing the critical path, maintaining strong communication with UK and Far East suppliers, analysing sales performance, and providing data-driven recommendations to optimise the range.

Key Responsibilities

1. Critical Path Management

• Develop and manage the critical path for all product launches across the company range and own-label collections, ensuring timelines are met from concept to delivery.
• Track progress across all supply chain stages, maintaining clear communication between suppliers and internal teams.
• Monitor key milestones including gold seal approvals, packing sign-off, and customer range review samples.
• Create and complete specification files for all products, ensuring accuracy before passing to the QC team and updating all information within the critical path.
• Manage photography samples and track progress in line with studio timelines.

2. Buying Strategy & Supplier Management

• Support the creation of costing sheets and customer quote packs, including product photography for the sales team.
• Assist the buyer with supplier communication, gathering pricing, lead times, and MOQs while ensuring quality and margin targets are met.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers through daily communication.

3. Range Analysis & Sales Management

• Analyse sales data to produce meaningful reports covering sell-through, profitability, category mix, and SKU counts.
• Identify opportunities to optimise the range and prevent overstock or understock
• Work closely with the merchandising team to support accurate forecasting and replenishment planning.
• Manage clearance and discontinued lines, preparing costings and photography for the sales team.

4. General Duties

• Prepare detailed PowerPoint presentations covering market trends, promotional lines, and trade fair insights.
• Support trade fair preparation, including sample organisation, ticketing, and pricing
• Prepare samples and presentations for customer meetings, both on-site and externally.
• Collate competitive shop reports and monitor wider market trends.

Key Skills & Experience

• Experience in merchandising or buying
• Strong understanding of critical path management tools and processes.
• Analytical mindset with a passion for market research and trend analysis.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with proven supplier management experience.
• Proficiency in Excel, PLM systems, and project management tools.
• High attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
• Passion for product and enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced, hands-on buying and merchandising environment.