Assistant Buyer

Roles and Responsibilities

Vendor and Product Research

• Keep abreast of the latest trends in buying and assess realign the existing processes.
• Support to identify and leverage alternate buying opportunities to source products and to ensure that the company maintains its competitive edge by constant renegotiation.
• Ensure effective communication, collation, and follow-up on various product requirements and findings obtained from the sales/store data.
• Gather information from Industry trade groups or through trade shows/market visits.

Vendor Management

• Support in developing an adequate vendor base for the company through attending fairs & exhibitions.
• Build and maintain relationships with vendors and suppliers and negotiate the best deals with them for procuring merchandise.
• Maintain contact with vendors; update list of vendors for bidding purposes; attend product demonstrations, obtain samples and literature regarding potential products and vendor capabilities, and confer with end users.
• Identify, evaluate, and suggest appropriate vendor mix to achieve business objectives.

Order Management

• Place orders for new items and initiate repeat orders for the category based on the buying plan and planogram. Ensure merchandise is delivered as per the plan based on the agreed service level agreement.
• Follow up with suppliers for production and packaging status.
• Support Category Buyer to implement financial and credit services agreements with the vendor that maximize profit and positively contribute to cash flow.
• Understand the OTB and place orders for new items and repeat orders accordingly for the categories he/she is responsible for based on the buying plan and ensure merchandise is delivered as per the plan based on the agreed service level agreement.
• Monitor sales and movements of the newly launched products and initiate re-orders or de-list the range if it is not moving.

Market & Competition Study

• Conduct market & competition study in categories he/she is responsible and suggest new product ranges accordingly.
• Determine buying requirements and formulate buying plan and budget for the company.
• Help to meet the profit targets by ensuring timely procurement.
• Pursue cost reduction measures through centralized bulk buying and/or selecting appropriate vendor mix.

Desired Candidate Profile

An Assistant Buyer supports the purchasing process within a retail or wholesale environment, assisting the buyer in selecting and acquiring products that meet customer needs while maximizing profitability. Here are the key skills and responsibilities associated with this position:

Market Research

1. Trend Analysis: Researching market trends and customer preferences to inform purchasing decisions.
2. Competitor Analysis: Monitoring competitors to identify potential product opportunities and pricing strategies.

Inventory Management

1. Stock Monitoring: Assisting in tracking inventory levels and ensuring optimal stock availability.
2. Reorder Management: Helping manage reorder levels and initiating purchase orders as needed.

Supplier Relations

1. Vendor Communication: Assisting in communication with suppliers to gather product information, negotiate terms, and resolve issues.
2. Relationship Building: Supporting the buyer in maintaining strong relationships with key vendors.

Data Analysis

1. Sales Reporting: Analyzing sales data to identify trends and inform purchasing strategies.
2. Performance Metrics: Assisting in tracking and reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to product performance.

Administrative Support

1. Order Processing: Helping with the preparation and processing of purchase orders and related documentation.
2. Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate records of purchases, contracts, and supplier agreements.

Product Evaluation

1. Sample Review: Assisting in evaluating product samples and determining their fit for the product line.
2. Quality Assurance: Supporting the buyer in ensuring that products meet quality standards and specifications.