Buyers Admin Assistant

Job Introduction

We are looking for a Buyers Admin Assistant to join the busy Buying team at cardfactory providing comprehensive support to the Online Buyer, as well as supporting the wider Buying team. Our team take pleasure and pride in finding the right products for our customers at the right price.

You will play a pivotal role in supporting us to deliver our growth plans and provide our customers with a great range of products at competitive prices. You will support with essential admin tasks, manage the product journey from sample to launch and keep everything on track to ensure on time launch.

As part of this role you will be required to do regular competitive shops therefore a driving licence is preferred.  

We operate a hybrid working model combining some days at our Studio in Wakefield (approx. 3 per week) with some days working from home, depending on business demand. 

Main Responsibilities

• You will support Monday trade activity, by generating relevant reports e.g. Top/Bottom sellers, as well as supporting the Buyer with their Trade meeting preparation
• Completing all admin tasks and range plan requirements necessary for each product to meet critical path deadlines.
• Liaising with suppliers on product selection, sampling and costing ensuring all are in line with the critical path
• Provide support to the Buyer in both internal meetings (e.g. Sign offs/Strategies)  and external supplier meetings  
• Management of samples including obtaining them from suppliers, preparing samples for meetings, sealing samples, storage and disposal.
• Managing the approvals process, viewing approvals through commercial eyes, understanding the vision for the final product and escalating concerns.  
• Building working relationships within the immediate Commercial team and with other key stakeholders across Card Factory;
• Conducting regular store/website visits, understanding and sharing competitor activity with the team.
• Be adaptable to fast-changing environments and stay knowledgeable about market trends, the competitor landscape, and our target customers
• Creating and maintaining data integrity for category SKUs, adhering to buying milestones
• Sample/Sealing process runs smoothly and on time
• Carry out Competitor research, generating product ideas and cost comparison data to share with the Buying team;
• Demonstrates effective Teamwork to deliver the product strategy by collaborating with key stakeholders across Commercial.
• Provides daily and consistent admin support to On line Buyer and wider Buying Team when required

The Ideal Candidate

• Some purchasing /administrative experience within a similar role
• Driving licence is preferred
• Excellent communication skills
• Organised and structured in approach
• Good time management and ability to deliver to strict timescales
• Is innovative and shares ideas with the team;
• Proficiency in Microsoft programmes e.g. Excel. Word and PowerPoint

About The Company

Card Factory is the UK’s leading specialist retailer of greeting cards, dressings, and gifts with over one thousand stores across the UK and Ireland.  In 2020 we launched our exciting 5-year business strategy including our vision of becoming a true Omni-channel retailer.  This strategy sees significant investment into our colleagues across the business creating multiple opportunities to join a fast-paced environment and be part of our exciting journey.  

In return, we offer a wide range of benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial well-being.

Benefits

• 25% Card Factory colleague discount in-store and online
• Save As You Earn scheme
• Financial Wellbeing Support       
  • Financial Education Tools
  • Salary Advance
• Seasonal incentive schemes
• Opportunity to apply for Retail Apprenticeships
• Access to blended learning and development content
• Discounted mobile phone contracts
• Discounts across 100’s of UK retailers
• Employee Assistance Programme – access to tools to support mental, physical, and financial wellbeing

This is an exciting role with genuine prospects for the right candidate. If this role describes you and your career aspirations, click apply now.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy once sufficient suitable applications have been received. We advise applying early to avoid disappointment as applications will be reviewed regularly. 

No agencies, please.