Buying and Trading Assistant

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Buying and Trading Assistant to support the planning, execution, and optimisation of product ranges across our merchandise and grocery categories. In this role, you will assist with range planning, monitor sales performance, and help maintain accurate product information across both in-store and ecommerce platforms. You will work closely with various teams, including trading, branding, and location store managers, to ensure smooth product launches, seasonal promotions, and effective merchandising. Additionally, you will contribute to data-driven decision-making by analysing sales trends, tracking stock performance, and helping develop strategies that maximise sales and margins. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about retail and looking to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Buying and Trading Assistant Responsibilities:
+ Range Planning Support: Assist in the planning and organisation of product ranges, including seasonal selections and category updates for the merchandise and grocery categories.
+ Sales and Stock Analysis: Report on retail performance vs budgets across our locations, including product performance, sales trends, and fast-moving or slow-moving items. Use this data to support decisions on range updates or stock adjustments.
+ Bay Planning Documentation: Maintaining all locations range and bay plan documentation, ensuring accuracy and timely communication with our on-site retail teams.
+ Pricing, Promotion and Seasonal Plans: Support the trading team in developing competitive pricing strategies, promotional and seasonal plans for our retail category to maximise sales and margins.
+ Visual Merchandising: Assist in planning and executing product displays both in-store and online, ensuring they are attractive and aligned with brand guidelines.
+ Ecommerce Product Management: Ensure that products available for purchase through the pre-sell journey are accurate and coordinate the timely addition of new products in line with campaign launches.
+ Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with on-site store managers to maintain a strong feedback loop. Additionally, collaborate with the brand and trading teams to support seamless product launches and successful campaigns.
+ Supplier Relationships and Opportunity Management: Regularly communicate with suppliers to stay informed on new products, promotions, and market trends, ensuring we are not missing out on key offerings that could enhance our product range and sales performance.
+ Market Research: Stay informed on industry trends, competitor activity, and customer preferences to support future buying decisions and product development.

Essential:
+ Previous experience in buying, merchandising, retail, or the grocery sector.
+ Basic knowledge of Excel and other reporting tools.
+ Strong organisational skills with an eye for detail.
+ A proactive and problem-solving attitude.
+ Willingness to travel regularly for supplier and store visits.
+ Full driving license required.
Desirable:
+ Previous experience in visual merchandising.
+ Knowledge of ecommerce systems and processes.

We have an exciting opportunity available for Buying and Trading Assistant to join our team working on a full time permanent basis, 37.5 hours per week. In return we will offer you a competitive salary of £27,000 pa, a place to develop your skills as part of the Support Centre team in a thriving company and the chance to work in some of the UK's most stunning forest environments.
About Forest Holidays, As our Buying and Trading Assistant we can offer you:
+ 15% annual bonus available on personal/company performance
+ Save on cabin breaks - pre-book a break with up to 20% off or travel last minute for just £75 a cabin. You also get a friends and family discount giving them 15% off all breaks.
Forest Holidays is a Certified B Corporation, recognised globally as a business that's a force for good. We provide holidays that are good for people and the planet.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to join our fantastic team!