Assistant Buying Manager

Assistant Buying Manager – Drinkware & Accessories

Role: Assistant Buying Manager – Drinkware & Accessories (Licenced Products)

Location: Watford, Hertfordshire, WD24

Salary: £30,000–£32,000 (DOE) - Progression: Up to £35,000 within 12–18 months

Job Type: Full-time

Excellent opportunity for an Assistant Buying Manager to join a well-established company based in Watford.

Hours: Monday–Thursday 09:00–18:00 | Friday 09:00–16:30

Benefits

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• Casual dress
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• Free on-site parking
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• Early finish every Friday
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• Annual leave
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• Clear career progression opportunities
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About the Role

We are looking for a proactive and organised Assistant Buying Manager to support the development and production of our licensed hardlines product ranges, focusing on gifting & drinkware, but could include stationery, accessories and other related consumer products.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with previous experience in buying, sourcing or production who is looking to build a long-term career within Buying. You'll gain hands-on experience across product development, supplier management, costings, production and category planning while working with global factories, licensors and major retailers.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development

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• Support the development of licensed gifting, stationery, drinkware and accessory products.
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• Assist with product specifications, materials, artwork coordination and sampling.
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• Coordinate product approvals, amendments and revisions with suppliers.
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• Ensure products meet retailer, licensor and compliance requirements.
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Production & Supplier Management

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• Liaise with overseas factories, primarily in China and other Far East manufacturing regions.
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• Monitor production schedules and maintain critical paths.
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• Identify and escalate production risks, delays or quality issues.
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• Support packaging, labelling and product compliance processes.
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Buying & Commercial Support

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• Assist with product costings, pricing and margin management.
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• Maintain Excel buying sheets, cost trackers and product databases.
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• Support product selection, category planning and range development.
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General Responsibilities

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• Work closely with Design, Logistics and Sales teams.
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• Assist with shipment planning and delivery coordination.
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• Help improve internal processes and operational efficiency.
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Requirements

Essential

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• Minimum 2 years' experience in buying, sourcing or production.
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• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
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• Strong Excel skills.
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• Good communication and multitasking abilities.
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• Fluent English.
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• UK work authorisation with at least 18 months remaining.
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Desirable

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• Experience within gifting, stationery, drinkware, homewares or consumer products.
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• Experience working with overseas manufacturers.
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• Understanding of materials, product specifications and manufacturing processes.
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• Knowledge of product compliance, including CE and UKCA requirements.
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• Mandarin or other languages would be advantageous.
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Working Pattern

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• Office-based in Watford (WD24).
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• First three months fully office-based.
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• Up to two days working from home following successful completion of probation.
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Apply

If you already have experience in buying, sourcing or production and are looking to develop your career within a fast-paced licensed consumer products business, we'd love to hear from you.