About this role
As a Buying Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting the buying team by ensuring the smooth and efficient management of critical path deadlines and key administrative tasks. You’ll help maintain an organised workflow from start to finish, and ensure all documentation is up-to-date and accurate. Your role will involve coordinating approvals, preparing presentations. With your attention to detail, organisational skills, and ability to communicate effectively, you’ll help keep the team on track, enabling them to deliver high-quality product ranges on time. This is a key supporting role within the Buying team that ensures that key deadlines are met throughout the Critical Path to ensure on time deliveries. From internal meetings to supplier meetings, you will play a key role in supporting the team in their preparation of these. Our hardgoods department consists of: Camping Equipment - Tents, Sleeping Bags, Chairs, Tables Travel accessories Hiking Accessories Lighting Walking Poles Water bottles Rucksacks & bags Beach Toys Wet Weather Accessories CRITICAL PATH Critical Path : A strong understanding of the critical path is essential. You should set up and update documents accurately, liaise with suppliers to gather timely information, and lead weekly critical path meetings to ensure all deadlines are met. Approvals : Managing the collection and filing of approvals will be a key responsibility. You will ensure the critical path is updated with approval statuses on time and review old folders for disposal as guided. PPs : You should prepare and update the PP presentation, verifying that all style, shipping, and quantity information is accurate and ready for the Buyer’s review before management meetings. Fits : You will maintain an up-to-date FIT log and ensure relevant fit details are recorded and followed up appropriately after garment tech reviews. Sign Offs & Range Reviews : It will be your responsibility to ensure all required samples are prepared, labelled, and ready in time for meetings. Parcels and Post : You should manage parcel collection, logging, and distribution efficiently, flagging all approval-related deliveries to the relevant team member. Branding Guidelines : You will need to understand the Swinger Tier system, RFID and barcode stickers, FTP system usage, and packaging requirements, ensuring everything is fit for purpose and applied correctly. RANGE BUILDING Competitors, Customer & Demographic : You should have a clear understanding of core competitors. Being aware of the different regions and markets where products are sold will be crucial to supporting commercial decisions. End Use & Seasonality : You will understand the product's end use and ensure that packaging is appropriate and fit for purpose. Any discrepancies should be flagged to the AB/Buyer promptly to maintain quality and consistency. ANALYSIS & TRADING Pricing : You should conduct competitive shopping regularly and effectively benchmark pricing to ensure products remain competitive in the market. Photography/Photoshoot & Web : You will ensure products are photographed on time by managing the intake sheet and overseeing coordination with the studio. Reviewing the web tracker and ensuring relevant information is provided as needed will also be part of your responsibilities. System Skills : Proficiency in Office 365 systems (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams) is essential. You should confidently manage email flow, conduct online meetings, and demonstrate strong skills in Excel formulas. Familiarity with buying systems (BB), dashboard reports, and range planning navigation will be key to completing tasks efficiently and accurately.