Buying Assistant - Own Brand

About the company

Working for IronmongeryDirect is not just a job, but an opportunity to develop a career with the largest supplier of specialist ironmongery to builders, joiners and shop fitters. We have been established for over 50 years and are growing year on year.

We are looking for a Buying Assistant - Own Brand to assist the Senior Category & Direct Sourcing Manager. The role is responsible for assisting in the planning and development of our direct sourced Own Brand portfolio with particular focus on the product quality tracking and resolution elements.

This is a varied role which requires close work with the Category, Quality, Merchandising, Purchasing, Contact Centre & Distribution Centre teams. This role requires excellent communication skills, attention to detail, an enthusiastic approach, and a can-do attitude.

Key responsibilities and accountabilities:

• Identify and assist with product Non-Conformance and quality issues.
• Manage and track reporting on product quality, returns and replacements issues taking appropriate corrective action.
• Document and raise Corrective Action Preventative Action reports (CAPA's) to overseas agents, following the process through to product quality resolution stage.
• Respond to quality queries within the agreed 48-hour SLA.
• Respond to Bazaarvoice reviews that relate to product quality issues taking any appropriate corrective action.
• Manage Quarantined stock issues to ensure stock held is in process of a resolution.
• Assist with market research, ensuring up to date information is available, helping to make the best decisions with regards to product development.
• Assist with customer research ensuring that any product decision we make is right for our customer base.
• Assist with competitor research, helping us to stay one step ahead and maintain our competitive position in the market.
• Sample management to the factories and collation of samples sent to the UK.
• Assist on any new direct sourcing project requirements, including specification sheets, target cost pricing and communication with the factories.
• Assist with the discovery and partnership of new sourcing factories and opportunities.
• Liaise with our Far East agents and factories to ensure all projects are on track.
• Liaise closely with the purchasing team ensuring clear communication on new projects.
• Collate information on raw material costs and trends that aid in sourcing and negotiation decisions.
• Track and review the direct sourced product portfolio to ensure performance is in line with expectations.
• Maintain the critical path for all direct sourced projects.

Skills and experience

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent time management and organisation skills
• Excellent teamwork skills
• Attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills

About the team you will be joining:

• Dynamic and hardworking
• Supporting and encouraging that helps you achieve your tasks/goals
• Challenge each other
• Responsive by gIving positive feedback
• Enthusiastic and friendly environment

In return we offer a minimum of 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays), pension, social events and subsidised healthcare