<h3 class="theme-panel-header text-2xl pb-6 theme-vacancy-section-title">About the role</h3><p>As an Assistant Product Purchaser at Matalan, you'll play a vital role in driving commercial success through strategic supplier relationships, process ownership, and data accuracy. Working cross-functionally with the wider Buying, Fabric, Packaging, and Imports teams, you’ll help optimise product sourcing and key line execution, while taking a hands-on approach in managing e-auctions, supplier negotiations, and critical path processes.</p><p>This is a fantastic opportunity for a detail-oriented and commercially focused individual to progress their career in product purchasing, with scope to lead key areas and build deep category expertise.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></em></p><p><strong>Product &amp; Procurement Support</strong></p><ul><li>Support and lead aspects of the key line process alongside Product Buyers, ensuring smooth planning, tracking and execution.</li><li>Utilise e-auction technology to enhance supplier competitiveness and drive best-value sourcing.</li><li>Manage the sending of tech packs and samples to suppliers in collaboration with the Trainee Product Purchaser.</li><li>Assist with the preparation and delivery of business e-auctions, including analysis and follow-up actions.</li><li>Take ownership of defined key lines and negotiation areas, with Product Purchaser oversight.</li><li>Organise and maintain accurate supplier documentation, including matrices and central trackers.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Data Management &amp; Analysis</strong></p><ul><li>Create and manage high-accuracy product and supplier data summary sheets.</li><li>Support e-auction file preparation and performance review post-auction.</li><li>Help compile post-season key line one-page summaries for review and learning.</li><li>Ensure timely updates to all central documents and supplier confirmation communications.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Supplier &amp; Commercial Strategy</strong></p><ul><li>Build and develop strong supplier relationships that deliver long-term value.</li><li>Manage and regularly update supplier scorecards, contributing to supplier performance strategy.</li><li>Support supplier strategy planning and assist in preparation and follow-up of supplier meetings.</li><li>Participate in benchmarking exercises covering quality, country of origin, and pricing, presenting findings to support buying decisions.</li><li>Engage with packaging, fabric, and sustainability teams to gain deep product knowledge and support commercial decisions.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Sample &amp; Operational Management</strong></p><ul><li>Oversee sample management processes for key lines, ensuring full visibility across suppliers.</li><li>Ensure all relevant key line samples are received in a timely and complete manner for comparison and approval.</li><li>Team &amp; Cross-Functional Collaboration</li><li>Work closely with Product Purchasers and Trainee Product Purchasers to deliver category objectives.</li><li>Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Buying, Imports, Packaging, and Fabric to support day-to-day operations and long-term planning.</li><li>Support the delivery of team KPIs and ad hoc projects.</li></ul><div class="absolute bottom-2 right-2"><button onclick="scrollToTop()" class="theme-primary p-2 rounded-lg flex"> <i translate="no" class="material-symbols-outlined"> arrow_upward </i> </button></div>