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Assistant Buyer

Employer
ZSL
Location
Regent's Park, London
Salary
£24,904 Inclusive of London Weighting (plus benefits)
Closing date
3 Jun 2019

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who is keen to work in a fast-paced environment and will work well in a team.

Position: Assistant Buyer
Contract: Full-Time/ Permanent
Salary: £24,904 Inclusive of London Weighting (plus benefits)
Location: ZSL London Zoo - NW1

About Us:

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a charity founded in 1826, is a world-renowned centre of excellence for conservation science and applied conservation. ZSL’s mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. This is realised by carrying out field conservation and research in over 50 countries across the globe and through education and awareness-raising at our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, inspiring people to take conservation action.

Job Overview:

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who is keen to work in a fast-paced environment and will work well in a team. The Assistant Buyer will be instrumental supporting the Junior Buyer in maximising the profitability of ZSL, within the Buying and Merchandising function through effective sourcing, developing product concepts and buying fit for purpose ranges for the ZSL visitor, within budgeted parameters relating to sales, stock margins and markdowns. With guidance the role will require collaboration with the Merchandising team to assist with the overall delivery of a profitable and commercial range, that maximises every sales opportunity. In addition, you will also support the Junior Buyer in the delivery of purchasing, and development of the product categories for ZSL store portfolio.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

  • Assists in selecting a range that represents a Good, Better, Best offer and a robust pricing architecture.
  • Assists in ensuring products are ordered for key commercial/product launch dates.
  • Supports the Buying team in maintaining the product development calendar and critical path for the department and categories whilst adhering to the range plan.
  • Sets up products in the system ensuring all attributes, cost prices and selling process are updated and maintained.
  • Maintains constant communication with the Merchandising team on new products to be added to the Range Plan.
  • Assists in presenting new products and ensures samples are available for Range sign offs.
  • Takes ownership of a small range of products with the support of the Junior Buyer as an introduction to buying ranges and for own personal development.
  • Sets up and maintains the critical path with the supply base for the flow of new products.
  • Creates initial purchase orders and ensures all orders are sent to the supply base in a timely fashion.
  • Liaises with the supply base to ensure all production samples are received in order for final sign off prior to production runs.
  • Conducts Supplier Reviews and Performance Meetings with the Merchandising Team as appropriate.
  • Contributes to the sourcing plans for categories in sourcing suppliers that can work on required MOQ’s and lead times.

Person Specification

  • Educated to degree standard in a relevant subject or equivalent qualification or equivalent work experience.
  • Have prior experience with Product development and delivering solid levels of supplier income.
  • Previous experience with packaging approvals and working to brand guidelines.
  • Have prior experience with compliance and product testing and good knowledge on the subject
  • Ability to identify problems and implement appropriate solutions.
  • A creative flair for idea generation on product, promotions, displays, deals etc.
  • Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages with numeracy and IT skills.
  • Sharp analytical skills and strategic knowledge with credibility of driving change, influencing senior stakeholders and implementing best practice where necessary.

Please note: whilst the role is based at London Zoo the functional nature of the job may require the post holder to also work at Whipsnade Zoo where our warehouse is located. The job may also require visits to external agencies, consultancies and organisations as and when necessary, as such a Full UK Driver’s License is advantageous.

Benefit Package

This role offers a competitive salary plus a comprehensive benefits package including 25 days holiday, stakeholder pension where the employer minimum contribution is 7%, complimentary zoo tickets and more.

Closing date for applications: Midnight (23:59) Sunday 12th May 2019

To Apply and for More Information:

If you would like to find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website where you can complete your application.

We are committed to the principle of equal opportunities in employment.

The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.

No agencies please.

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