Buying Assistant

Working with Buyer once product selection is made, and managing buying process end to end
Supporting the Buyer to achieve quarterly production KPIs
Negotiating with vendors and suppliers & building/maintaining relationships
Monitoring stock, forecasting, and reporting on products to purchase to meet future demand. Use data at every step of the way
Reporting on stock levels & stock movement
Pricing/profit strategies & analysis
Creating & maintaining product specifications
Managing tasks around product development - samples, product specifications, product photography, following up suppliers, forecasting sales, and working with marketing/sales team to work on sales strategies & product launches
Communicating with suppliers
Market research (product) - research competitors (globally) and identify gaps, pricing strategy, or potential products
Market research (suppliers) - research potential suppliers to work with, or vet inbound suppliers whether they are suitable to work with. (eg catalogues, samples, etc) Compare vendors, find alternative vendors
Building & maintaining budgets
Vendor meetings (requires travel to trade shows & or/country where supplier is based)
Tracking orders & ensuring timely delivery
Liaise with warehouse & logistics team
Excellent communication skills with strong attention to detail - both written and verbal.
Strong negotiation skills
Highly organised with the ability to work under high-pressure situations
Ability to deal with large volumes of data, interpret numbers and apply learnings
Advanced knowledge of Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel
Experience with market research and ability to present findings with clarity
Preferred hands-on experience with purchasing software or an ERP
Preferred experience as an assistant buyer/purchasing assistant to a Buyer and buying team
Process-driven with an appreciation for the importance of documentation and training
Always looking for ways in which to improve the process
Self-sufficient, self-motivated and able to quickly adapt to change working in a fast-paced startup in an ever-changing environment
A go-getter attitude who is not afraid to pick up the phone and speak with external parties