About the role

We have a great opportunity for an Assistant Buyer on a fixed term contract for up to 12 months, covering maternity leave.

Role Responsibilities

• To select a product range under the guidance of the Buyer, which maximises sales opportunities and anticipates and exceeds customer needs – including branded products

• Responsible for managing suppliers and brands, attending trade shows and attending buying appointments whenever possible

• Responsible for all web briefs- Set-up, manage and follow through to ensure product availability for live dates

• Review the market place and latest trends in pulling together samples and colour swatches from potential suppliers and in regard to price products of trends

• Manage stylist briefs meetings for the department in absence of buying manager. Work with design to develop styling and looks.

• Assist the Buyer to create and compile detailed briefs for new developments and liaise with relevant markets

• Source merchandise to ensure product quality, value and continuity of supply in line with departmental aims

• Assist in range building and product selection

• Develop close relationships with suppliers to ensure timely and accurate samples are produced, work closely with QA to ensure  procedures and approval process is to agreed policies and best practice standards

• Manage the critical path dates and schedules to ensure samples are available for photography on time, chasing where necessary

• Write product copy and loading cross-sells

• Liaise with Web Content Team and E-Commerce to ensure product copy and photographs reflect the product accurately and offer suggestions for improvement where necessary

• Collate information on the supplier’s performance in preparation for the supplier review including Brands both stock and Direct Despatch.

• Manage the sample room and sample process, ensuring the sample room and basement storage is kept tidy and samples are available for photography and PR opportunities when required

• Set up manage and follow through all buying administration systems and procedures to ensure product availability and on-time delivery

About you

• Proven experience of working within a Buying Team in a retail environment

• Demonstrate understanding of different customer types and end-use of offer

• Working knowledge of buying processes

• Proven track record for developing effective working relationships

• Competitor knowledge and understanding in both retail and online

• Excellent organisational skills

• Ability to prioritise effectively whilst working at pace

• Previous experience of working with furniture/textiles or homewares is desirable but not essential.

• A creative flair and an interest in the homewares market.

• Competent with Microsoft Office

Why FGH?

Our staff enjoy competitive benefits including staff discount, generous annual leave, healthcare cash plan together with a vibrant, colourful, creative and flexible working atmosphere. With our competitive benefits, and supportive teams our staff enjoy helping us on our mission and benefit greatly from the challenges that come with working for a successful retailer.

About us

Freemans Grattan Holdings (FGH) is based in West Yorkshire and is part of the OTTO Group – one of the world's largest online retailers.

Home to familiar brands such as Freemans, Grattan and Kaleidoscope, we have over 100 years of experience. 

We're on a mission to help our customers live their best lives through a choice of quality basics, the brands they love and credible exclusive product supported by easy and rewarding ways to pay.

We offer excellent service and delivery seven days a week, with so much going for us - why not be part of the story.

We have over 600 UK employees working for us in various functions, including Marketing and Creative, Customer Experience, Warehousing and Logistics, Financial Services, Transformation, Buying and Merchandising, IT and Support Services. 

Our values of Resilience, Empathy, Ambition, Commitment, and Honesty underpin our vibrant and dynamic culture.

We're heading for some exciting and challenging places, so why not join us and be part of our vision to create a modern, digital retailer with powerful customer brands, exciting product and compelling financial services.