Buyer

1. Something Different Wholesale has grown rapidly over the past 22 years and is recognised as one of the UK's leading wholesale giftware suppliers and importers.
2. We’re seeking a passionate and dedicated Buyer to join our team.
3. We offer benefits including Free onsite parking, Free refreshments, Employee Assistance Programme - Mental Health Wellbeing and many more.

Work pattern:

• 37.5 hours per week
• Monday to Friday, 8.30 - 16.30 hrs (30 mins unpaid lunch)
• 1 year fixed-term contract
• Office based role

Location: Upper Fforest Way, Llansamlet, Swansea 

About us:

Established by our CEO, a passionate sales person with an eye for giftware, Something Different began over 24 years ago. We are a respected international design & import company, supplying the gift industry. As a medium sized company, we serve a substantial customer base exceeding 12,000 customers. We have a fantastic in-house creative team who design our products, and buyers who work closely with our trusted supply chain to bring our customers unique products.

We are particularly proud of our friendly and supportive working environment, so if you’re looking to join an innovative company where you will be warmly welcomed, we’d love to hear from you. 

Job Description:

We’re seeking a passionate and dedicated Buyer to join our team. Reporting to the Buying Manager you’ll support the development and delivery of exciting new ranges. Maintain the Range Plan, Product Trackers, and support the Buying Assistant with sample management. Ensure product compliance is always adhered to and collaborate closely with the talented Design team, and cultivate strong relationships across Buying, Design, Goods In team, as well as our overseas sourcing partners. 

Key responsibilities:

• Daily communication with direct team and overseas factories and agents.
• Managing the Sign Off planner to ensure all ranges achieve the desirable landed date.
• Support the Buying Manager with the product selection for all new ranges.
• Ensuring product compliance is always adhered to, including safety, quality, and labelling requirements from design concept to production.
• Always assessing and maintaining high quality product standards.
• Problem solving any quality issues that arise and implement improvements.
• Staying up to date with emerging market trends to support the Buying Manager to build and deliver the season.
• Collaborating with the design team and suppliers to assist product development from concept to production.
• Helping suppliers solve technical issues during product design and development, suggesting cost-effective solutions while maintaining design integrity.
• Establishing and nurturing relationships with agents and suppliers, alerting them if quality standards aren’t met. Holding suppliers accountable for manufacturing defects and poor service, aiding in their improvement.
• Liaise with factories and agents to negotiate on cost prices and MOQ’s to achieve our target GP Margin%.
• Ensure the Range Plan is accurate and up to date to meet sign-off deadlines.
• Support the Buying Manager in the preparation of the Bi-annual Strategic Product Development Meetings.
• Support the Buying Assistant with sample management to ensure samples are correct for range sign-off’s and photography.
• Create a monthly Competitor Analysis Report.
• Support the Goods In team with any quality issues on deliveries of stock.
• Assist with visual merchandising tasks as needed for the showroom van and studio.
• Assist the Marketing team with the creation of product catalogues by providing accurate stock lists and proof-reading tasks.
• Support the Buying Manager in delivering department objectives.
• Support the sales team with the development of exclusive products for VIP customers.

Essential Skills:

• Demonstrated buying and product development experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office with good knowledge of Excel.
• Can communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent attention to detail with good numeracy and IT skills.
• Experience working within a busy office environment with tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to make confident decisions.
• Possess excellent problem-solving skills, being solutions-oriented and adept at investigate issues to identify their root cause.
• Experienced administrator.  

Benefits

• 29 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays)
• Birthday Off
• Free onsite parking
• Free refreshments
• Casual dress
• Employee Assistance Programme - Mental Health Wellbeing
• Free Flu Jab
• Free Eye Test
• Great working environment with friendly supportive team

Experience:

Product development: 1 year (required)

Buying: 1 year (required)

Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)