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Assistant Buyer - Beauty

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Selfridges

3mo ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Mid Level
  • Customer Relations
    Product
  • London

AI generated summary

  • You are knowledgeable in beauty, have buying experience, strong analytical and interpersonal skills, are customer-focused, detail-oriented, and can influence stakeholders effectively.
  • You will support the buyer, negotiate supplier terms, analyze performance, assist with range planning, communicate with retail teams, and research trends to drive sales in the Beauty sector.

Requirements

  • Highly knowledgeable. You will have a well-developed understanding of the product/market
  • Buying Experience Required
  • Strategic and operational. With strong analytical skills and experience driving long-term and profitable commercial strategies, you’ll be able to successfully manage projects through to completion.
  • Engaging. Able to influence your stakeholders, retail and brands, you know how to use both data and market trends to drive commercial opportunities
  • Customer focused. Combined with exceptional taste and instinct, you are able to push the boundaries to offer new and exciting product
  • All over the numbers. You are numerate with a highly commercial approach, as well as proficient in excel
  • Collaborative. Working flexibly as part of the wider Buying team you will support in projects and cross functional meetings as appropriate
  • Organised with attention to detail
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to influence
  • An example of our values, a trusted and respected colleague

Responsibilities

  • Supporting the buyer across the Beauty business – ensuring thorough knowledge of product and market
  • Negotiate the best possible terms with suppliers i.e. margin, trade discounts, markdown support, working with the Buyer and Head of Buying where appropriate
  • Forge strong partnerships with our brand partners
  • Work with the Buyer and Buying Manager to ensure that Buying decisions are based on a sound commercial framework to drive sales and profit
  • Monitor and review trade in season, making trading recommendations to the Buyer/Head of Buying where necessary.
  • Support the Buyers Admin with weekly trade packs, feeding back and presenting key findings to Senior stakeholders
  • Assist with range planning, working closely with the Merchandiser and Buyer/Head of Buying
  • Work with the Merchandiser to analyse performance, making recommendations to the Buyer i.e. to keep or discontinue within the business
  • Communicate effectively with retail operations teams, particularly with regard to new season launches and product training
  • Work closely with Marketing and PR and to be aware of promotional opportunities during negotiations with suppliers
  • Be responsible for re-ordering, working within the OTB structure, ensuring decisions are communicated to the Administrator good time
  • Carry out research into key trends and put together look books for the area
  • Where relevant, to supervise the wider team and monitor workload
  • Work closely with VM to ensure product placement optimises the look and performance of the department
  • Ensure effective communication with retail operations teams, particularly with regard to new season launches and product training
  • N/B: in areas where there is a Buyer’s Assistant and an Assistant Buyer, this responsibility will be shared

FAQs

What is the primary responsibility of an Assistant Buyer in the Beauty department?

The primary responsibility is to support the Buyer in sourcing brands and products, negotiating the best terms with suppliers, and ensuring an efficient ordering process compliant with Selfridges processes.

What qualifications or experience are required for the Assistant Buyer position?

Buying experience is required, along with a well-developed understanding of the product and market, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage projects successfully through to completion.

How does the Assistant Buyer collaborate with suppliers?

The Assistant Buyer negotiates the best possible terms with suppliers, including margin and trade discounts, while forging strong partnerships with brand partners.

What role does the Assistant Buyer play in the trading process?

The Assistant Buyer monitors and reviews trade in season, making recommendations to the Buyer and Head of Buying based on performance analysis.

Will the Assistant Buyer be involved in range planning?

Yes, the Assistant Buyer assists with range planning and works closely with the Merchandiser and Buyer/Head of Buying.

What skills are necessary for communication in this role?

Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to influence stakeholders, both retail and brands, are necessary for effective communication in this role.

Is attention to detail important for the Assistant Buyer position?

Yes, being organized with a strong attention to detail is a crucial requirement for the Assistant Buyer role.

How does the Assistant Buyer support marketing and promotional efforts?

The Assistant Buyer works closely with Marketing and PR teams to be aware of promotional opportunities during negotiations with suppliers.

Will the Assistant Buyer have any supervisory responsibilities?

Where relevant, the Assistant Buyer may supervise the wider team and monitor workload in collaboration with the Buyer’s Assistant.

What tools or skills are important for performance analysis in this position?

Proficiency in Excel and a highly commercial approach to numbers are important for analyzing performance and making recommendations.

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Selfridges

A Top 10 Most Loved Workplace in the UK for 2022 By Newsweek International

Retail & Consumer Goods
Industry
1001-5000
Employees
1909
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Selfridges is a high-end department store chain in the UK, known for offering a wide range of luxury products, including fashion, beauty, homeware, and gourmet food. Their ultimate mission is to provide an extraordinary shopping experience that delights and inspires customers. The purpose of Selfridges is to curate an exceptional selection of high-quality and exclusive products, combined with innovative retail experiences and outstanding customer service. They aim to be a leader in the retail industry by continuously evolving, embracing sustainability, and creating a destination where customers can discover the latest trends and enjoy a unique and immersive shopping environment.