Junior Buyer

<p><strong>Why join us at ITS?</strong></p><p><br></p><p>ITS are one of the largest independent power & hand tool suppliers in the UK with a hugely successful on-line presence, and retail operation with ambitious plans for future growth and development. Our company prides itself on its strong work ethic, friendly and sociable atmosphere with a management structure who are supportive and keen to encourage internal progression.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Job Title: </strong>Junior Buyer</p><p><strong>Location: </strong>Harlow (Office-Based Role)</p><p><strong>Employment Type:</strong> Full-time</p><p><strong>Reports To:</strong> Head of Core Categories / Commercial Manager</p><p><strong><em>This isn't your typical entry-level buying role...</em></strong></p><p><br></p><p>At ITS, we believe great buyers are developed through curiosity, commercial awareness and hands-on experience.</p><p>As a Junior Buyer, you'll support our Buying and Commercial Team with the day-to-day management of product categories while developing the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to build a successful career in Buying. Working alongside experienced Category Controllers, you'll gain exposure to supplier management, product ranges, pricing, promotions and commercial decision-making within a fast-paced environment.</p><p>We're looking for someone who enjoys analysing data, solving problems and confident in their work, while working as part of a collaborative and ambitious team.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>We Want Someone Who Is:</strong></p><ul><li>Full of energy and enthusiasm to build a career in Buying.</li><li>Commercially curious and eager to learn.</li><li>Organised with excellent attention to detail.</li><li>Confident communicating with colleagues and suppliers.</li><li>Analytical with the ability to interpret data and identify opportunities.</li><li>Proactive, adaptable and willing to take ownership of their development.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Key Responsibilities:</strong></p><ul><li>Support Category Controllers with the day-to-day management of product categories.</li><li>Assist with supplier communications and maintain positive working relationships.</li><li>Support product creation, pricing updates and supplier information.</li><li>Assist with purchase order administration and stock management.</li><li>Analyse sales performance, stock levels and market trends.</li><li>Support promotional planning across online and retail channels.</li><li>Assist with competitor research and product range reviews.</li><li>Maintain accurate product and commercial information within internal systems.</li><li>Work closely with Marketing, Retail and Warehouse teams to support commercial activity.</li><li>Contribute to projects and initiatives across the Buying Team.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>What The Role Involves:</strong></p><ul><li>Working with Microsoft Excel and internal systems to support commercial decision-making.</li><li>Learning how pricing, promotions and stock management influence business performance.</li><li>Analysing sales reports and identifying commercial opportunities.</li><li>Supporting supplier negotiations and promotional activity.</li><li>Managing multiple priorities within a fast-paced environment.</li><li>Developing product knowledge across a wide range of leading brands.</li><li>Working collaboratively across departments to deliver successful commercial outcomes.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Desirable Experience:</strong></p><ul><li>Experience within retail, sales or e-commerce.</li><li>Previous buying, purchasing or commercial administration experience.</li><li>Strong Microsoft Excel skills.</li><li>An interest in tools, hardware or construction products</li></ul><p><br></p>

Back to blog

Other Jobs To Apply

No other job posts for this day.

Common Interview Questions And Answers

1. HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR DAY?

This is what this question poses: When do you focus and start working seriously? What are the hours you work optimally? Are you a night owl? A morning bird? Remote teams can be made up of people working on different shifts and around the world, so you won't necessarily be stuck in the 9-5 schedule if it's not for you...

2. HOW DO YOU USE THE DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION TOOLS IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS?

When you're working on a remote team, there's no way to chat in the hallway between meetings or catch up on the latest project during an office carpool. Therefore, virtual communication will be absolutely essential to get your work done...

3. WHAT IS "WORKING REMOTE" REALLY FOR YOU?

Many people want to work remotely because of the flexibility it allows. You can work anywhere and at any time of the day...

4. WHAT DO YOU NEED IN YOUR PHYSICAL WORKSPACE TO SUCCEED IN YOUR WORK?

With this question, companies are looking to see what equipment they may need to provide you with and to verify how aware you are of what remote working could mean for you physically and logistically...

5. HOW DO YOU PROCESS INFORMATION?

Several years ago, I was working in a team to plan a big event. My supervisor made us all work as a team before the big day. One of our activities has been to find out how each of us processes information...

6. HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE CALENDAR AND THE PROGRAM? WHICH APPLICATIONS / SYSTEM DO YOU USE?

Or you may receive even more specific questions, such as: What's on your calendar? Do you plan blocks of time to do certain types of work? Do you have an open calendar that everyone can see?...

7. HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE FILES, LINKS, AND TABS ON YOUR COMPUTER?

Just like your schedule, how you track files and other information is very important. After all, everything is digital!...

8. HOW TO PRIORITIZE WORK?

The day I watched Marie Forleo's film separating the important from the urgent, my life changed. Not all remote jobs start fast, but most of them are...

9. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A MEETING AND PREPARE A MEETING? WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING DURING THE MEETING?

Just as communication is essential when working remotely, so is organization. Because you won't have those opportunities in the elevator or a casual conversation in the lunchroom, you should take advantage of the little time you have in a video or phone conference...

10. HOW DO YOU USE TECHNOLOGY ON A DAILY BASIS, IN YOUR WORK AND FOR YOUR PLEASURE?

This is a great question because it shows your comfort level with technology, which is very important for a remote worker because you will be working with technology over time...