Buying Assistant

What’s the role?

We are looking for a Buying Assistant to join our dynamic Buying Team here s exciting role will see you working across a varied portfolio including Homewear, Childrens Toyshop, and Christmas.

• Supporting all stages of the buying cycle under senior team members’ guidance.
• Providing administrative and operational support to the Buyer across assigned categories.
• Raising purchase orders and setting up new products on internal systems.
• Communicating with suppliers via phone and email, handling routine queries professionally and accurately.
• Assisting with seasonal range planning, promotions and product launches by collating required information and documentation.
• Supporting the online range to ensure it accurately represents the in-store offer.
• Carrying out competitor shop reviews and compiling findings for review by the Buyer.
• Collaborating with shop floor, warehouse, Visual Merchandising and Merchandising teams to support product flow, availability and in-store displays.
• Producing regular and ad hoc reports and supporting with data preparation and analysis in Excel.
• Assisting with organising and attending supplier meetings and trade shows, supporting with note‑taking and follow‑up actions where appropriate.
• Helping to monitor sales performance and stock flow by preparing reports and gathering data for review.
• Supporting range reviews and performance analysis.
• Ensuring supplier documentation and product compliance information is collected and stored accurately.
• Acting as a key point of contact for routine supplier and internal queries.
• Building effective relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• Contributing to projects, team development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Handling colleague, customer and supplier data in line with GDPR requirements.
• Demonstrating and promoting the Company Health & Safety culture at all times.
• Maintaining a high standard of presentation, punctuality, and reliability.
• Carrying out any additional ad hoc duties as required to support the Buying Team and wider business.

• Experience working within a buying environment.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and confidence handling data.
• Ability to manage your own admin and prioritise tasks effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.

• Familiarity with stock management or buying systems.
• Experience working with branded products and supplier communication.
• A relevant qualification in Buying, Fashion, Business, or a related field.

Full-time, Permanent contract.

Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm (37.5 hours per week).

This is an on-site role.

We’re a passionate, family‑run business with a long-standing reputation for quality, innovation, and creating exceptional experiences. Since 1937, we’ve grown into a unique lifestyle destination offering everything from garden and home ranges to fashion, gifts, and award‑winning dining.

At Bents, you’re not just part of a business – you’re part of a family. We value creativity, collaboration, and a customer‑first mindset in everything we do.

28 days holiday including bank holidays, rising to 33 with service.

Free onsite parking.

Staff discount from day one + Family & Friends discount days.

Birthday leave and long service awards.

Company pension scheme.

Free colleague & family events.

Onsite Colleague Bistro and fantastic facilities.

Cycle to work scheme.

Discounted gym membership.

Recognition schemes and development opportunities.

Plus so much more!