Assistant Sourcing Specialist

About Matalan:
From humble beginnings to disruptive innovations in the retail industry, find out about how Matalan is ever‑evolving. We know as a team, we are stronger together – we champion equality for all and make lasting connections that go beyond work. We thrive off our inclusive culture, encouraging our colleagues to bring their true selves to work and contributing to collective creativity, open‑mindedness and growth.

The role focuses on assisting the product purchaser and managing key line processes, supplier relationships, and data operations to support strategic purchasing decisions.

• Assisting the product purchaser to manage the key line process including utilization of e‑auction technology
• Creating strong relationships across the trading floor
• Developing strong supplier relationships
• Taking ownership of own key lines and supplier negotiation area

• Creation of data summary sheets with excellent level of accuracy
• Managing the sending out of tech packs and samples to all suppliers working with the Trainee Product Purchaser
• Assisting with preparation of any business e‑auctions alongside Product Purchasers
• Help prepare and review any relevant e‑auction analysis and file
• Assist with supplier face‑to‑face meetings and auctions, with a growth plan of owning an area and negotiating that area with the Product Purchaser
• Updating any central documents, letter of intent/email confirmations, and supplier matrix
• Preparing key‑line one‑page analysis after each key‑line season
• Supporting supplier communication and negotiation

• Participating in benchmarking aimed at quality and country of manufacture, preparing presentation to show findings
• Supporting ad‑hoc projects needed from the Product Purchasers
• Gaining fabric and sustainability knowledge through attending training courses and liaising with buying teams/fabric team
• Supporting packaging knowledge for all product areas by working with the packaging teams
• Understanding freight rates and duty by country of manufacture by working with the imports team/using range plans
• Overseeing and supporting sample management of key lines
• Ensuring samples for each key line from suppliers negotiating

• Managing supplier scorecards including set up and regular tracking
• Supporting on supplier strategy
• Supporting with supplier meeting set‑ups and any follow‑up as required

• Supporting Product Purchaser to deliver KPIs
• Working with Product Purchaser and Trainee Product Purchaser on all relevant tasks and projects

Please note:

internally this role is known as Assistant Product Purchaser.

• Background of buying multi‑product areas for a minimum of 1 year
• Excellent Microsoft Excel / PowerPoint skills
• Understanding of Supply Chain Management – including raw material and production trends
• Knowledge of sourcing strategies, supplier management and purchasing best practice
• Strong negotiation and communication skills
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships both internally and externally with a focus on collaboration, tackling issues and managing risk
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, stakeholders and deadlines in a time‑pressed environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail
• Analytical thinking with the ability to provide information and analysis in a clear, concise and impactful way

• 20% staff discount, increasing with length of service
• Thrive Recognition Scheme
• Wellbeing support provided by the Retail Trust
• Life Assurance
• Retail Rewards platform offering discounts for other retailers
• Pension Scheme
• Access to a wide range of career development opportunities
• Additional benefits may apply depending on your role and area of the business