We are thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for four apprentices to join our Buying Department!
If you’re looking to kickstart a career in Buying whilst earning a qualification, this could be the perfect chance for you. Read on to find out more!
Job Title: Buying Assistant Apprentice
Overall, Purpose:
To support the buying team in the purchasing of products for our 1,000-store estate. Offering successful candidates, a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop a career in buying. You will work closely with buyers, suppliers, and other internal departments to ensure that we deliver a high-quality product range to our customers.
Key Responsibilities
- Supporting the category to improve commercial performance through accurate reporting, forecasting and analysis of information as well as raising invoices, preparing information for Supplier meetings and briefs and administrate the New Product Development process.
- Maintaining accurate retail selling prices and promotions to support our stores delivering excellence to our customers
- Assisting with Product Selection: Support the buying team in selecting and sourcing products that meet customer needs and align with company strategies.
- Market Research: Conduct market research to understand current trends, customer preferences, and competitor activities.
- Sample Management: Handle and manage product samples, ensuring they are catalogued and available for review by the buying team
- Data Management: Maintain accurate records of product details, pricing, and supplier information in the company's database.
- Administrative Support: Provide administrative support to the buying team, including scheduling meetings, preparing reports, collating supplier promotional proposals and handling correspondence.
- Order Processing: Assist in the processing of purchase orders and follow up with suppliers to ensure timely delivery.
- Supplier Relations: Communicate with suppliers to resolve issues, request samples, review supply inbound, and negotiate terms under the guidance of senior buyers.
- Sales Analysis: Assist in analysing sales data to evaluate product performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Product Presentations: Help prepare product presentations for internal meetings and external supplier meetings.
- Promotions and Marketing: Collaborate with the marketing team to support product promotions and launches.
- Maintain excellent customer service to all stakeholders
- Go out of your way to help all of the Buying Team outside your category responsibilities
- Work in collaboration with Trading Managers to build wider successful relationships
Specialised Skills & Knowledge
- Knowledge of the retail environment
- Effective communicator
- Strong administrative skills
- Able to multi-task and meet deadlines
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
- IT literate
Make a difference to your career, we expect a lot but you’ll get a lot back in return. We will help you grow and develop your career and give you the freedom to show that you really care.
Alongside this we can offer you:
- 15% discount in Iceland stores
- 30% discount at Club Individual Restaurants
- 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- Pension (NEST)
- Free onsite parking
- Onsite electric car charging ports
- Subsidised staff restaurant and Costa Coffee
- Christmas vouchers
- Refer a Friend Scheme
- Christmas Savings scheme
- Discounted dry cleaning
- Long service awards