Assistant Buying Manager

Assistant Buying Manager – Drinkware & Accessories

Role:  Assistant Buying Manager – Drinkware & Accessories (Licenced Products)

Location:  Watford, Hertfordshire, WD24

Salary: £30,000–£32,000 (DOE) - Progression: Up to £35,000 within 12–18 months

Job Type: Full-time

Excellent opportunity for an Assistant Buying Manager to join a well-established company based in Watford.

Hours: Monday–Thursday 09:00–18:00 | Friday 09:00–16:30

Benefits

Casual dress

Free on-site parking

Early finish every Friday

Annual leave

Clear career progression opportunities

About the Role

We are looking for a proactive and organised Assistant Buying Manager to support the development and production of our licensed hardlines product ranges, focusing on gifting & drinkware, but could include stationery, accessories and other related consumer products.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with previous experience in buying, sourcing or production who is looking to build a long-term career within Buying. You'll gain hands-on experience across product development, supplier management, costings, production and category planning while working with global factories, licensors and major retailers.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development

Support the development of licensed gifting, stationery, drinkware and accessory products.

Assist with product specifications, materials, artwork coordination and sampling.

Coordinate product approvals, amendments and revisions with suppliers.

Ensure products meet retailer, licensor and compliance requirements.

Production & Supplier Management

Liaise with overseas factories, primarily in China and other Far East manufacturing regions.

Monitor production schedules and maintain critical paths.

Identify and escalate production risks, delays or quality issues.

Support packaging, labelling and product compliance processes.

Buying & Commercial Support

Assist with product costings, pricing and margin management.

Maintain Excel buying sheets, cost trackers and product databases.

Support product selection, category planning and range development.

General Responsibilities

Work closely with Design, Logistics and Sales teams.

Assist with shipment planning and delivery coordination.

Help improve internal processes and operational efficiency.

Requirements

Essential

Minimum 2 years' experience in buying, sourcing or production.

Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

Strong Excel skills.

Good communication and multitasking abilities.

Fluent English.

UK work authorisation with at least 18 months remaining.

Desirable

Experience within gifting, stationery, drinkware, homewares or consumer products.

Experience working with overseas manufacturers.

Understanding of materials, product specifications and manufacturing processes.

Knowledge of product compliance, including CE and UKCA requirements.

Mandarin or other languages would be advantageous.

Working Pattern

Office-based in Watford (WD24).

First three months fully office-based.

Up to two days working from home following successful completion of probation.

Apply

If you already have experience in buying, sourcing or production and are looking to develop your career within a fast-paced licensed consumer products business, we'd love to hear from you.