Buying Assistant

Buying Assistant

Reporting To: Demand Planner

Location: Bird & Blend - Goring by Sea

Contract Type: Full Time

Hours per week: 40

Who are Bird & Blend tea co? 

Bird & Blend Tea Co. is an eco-conscious, people-focused, award-winning & B Corp-certified Tea Mixology company on a mission to spread happiness & reimagine tea!

Bird & Blend was set up & is run by Krisi & Mike, who met whilst studying Politics (of all things!) at university. Building Bird & Blend from scratch while staying true to their ethos & values has been Krisi & Mike’s passion for over 10 years.

From the early days of packing tea in their bedroom & attending markets, to now, with an awesome team, multiple retail stores & a thriving international online store, Bird & Blend is leading the way in tea innovation in the UK.

Bird & Blend has grown out of a core belief in doing business in a better way. This is ultimately our why - it’s why we are in business & what we believe in. Of course, we want to welcome as many people as possible into our Magical World of Tea but fundamentally it’s what we care about other than great tea that makes us magical.

You can read heaps more information about us and our mission here: https://www.birdandblendtea.com/pages/our-story 

About this Role:

Join our Operations team in this exciting new role, perfect for someone passionate about retail, detail-oriented and eager to kickstart a career in Buying. As a Buying Assistant, you'll collaborate closely with the Product and Operations teams in managing supplier relationships and ensuring the smooth and efficient running of our purchasing processes. You will be responsible for a range of administrative tasks, data management and communication, contributing to the overall success of our product strategy.

What are the responsibilities?

• Cultivate and maintain strong supplier relationships, serving as the primary point of contact for inquiries and ensuring clear communication
• Proactively manage the department's Critical Path, collaborating with the Product Team to track key milestones and ensure timely product launches.
• Work with Brand & Creative team members to bring new product ideas to fruition,
  delivering on the vision while ensuring products are commercially viable & delivered on time 
• Generate and process purchase orders with precision, meticulously tracking order progress and coordinating with suppliers for on-time delivery. 
• Conduct thorough competitor shopping reports, analyzing market activity, pricing, and trends to provide actionable insights for the Product Team.
• Accurately update and maintain the Product Bible, ensuring all product information is readily available for new launches to strict deadlines.
• Organise and track incoming and outgoing product samples, maintaining an organised sample library.
• Support the Product Team with ad-hoc projects and administrative tasks, contributing to the team's overall strategy.

 About you:

• You are commercially minded, with a keen interest in retail and a genuine enthusiasm for exciting products
• Your strong organisational skills, time management and keen attention to detail ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.
• You are a great communicator with the ability to build positive relationships at all levels across the business.
• You're eager to learn and grow, ready to embrace the opportunities that come with being part of our dynamic team.
• Proven experience in an administrative role, ideally within a buying or supply chain environment is a plus.
  

Are there any perks?

Of course there are, for all the hard work you will get:

• Friendly and supportive team culture: Enjoy working alongside a team of like-minded individuals who value collaboration, camaraderie, and fun in the workplace.
• Membership of company pension scheme (if applicable): Secure your financial future with enrollment in a company-sponsored pension scheme, ensuring peace of mind and financial stability in retirement.
• Holiday accrual that grows with loyalty: Enjoy 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays ) as a token of appreciation for your dedication and loyalty to the organisation, providing you with ample opportunities for rest and relaxation. This entitlement increases with service.
• Life Insurance & Income Protection: providing financial security and peace of mind for you and your families.
• Health Cash Plan: after one year service we will enrol you into our Health Cash Plan which will allow you to claim back money for dental, optical, prescription charges etc. Specific information on this scheme will be shared with you all..
• Life Happens Leave: Sometimes life can throw unexpected challenges our way, we offer paid leave specifically dedicated to these situations to provide employees with the time and space needed.
• Complimentary drinks and snacks: Stay refreshed and energised throughout the day with a variety of free drinks and snacks provided in the office.
• Monthly tea allowance and generous staff discount: Indulge in your favourite teas while benefiting from a discount on company products, fostering a culture of enjoyment and appreciation.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Access confidential and professional mental health support services to prioritise your well-being and address any personal or work-related challenges.
• Bike to Work and Electric Vehicle Schemes: Take advantage of a sustainable transportation option, contribute to environmental conservation, and benefit from tax-efficient savings.
• Paid volunteer days: Make a positive impact in our community by participating in volunteer activities during dedicated paid volunteer days, fostering a culture of corporate social responsibility and giving back.
• Dog-friendly office: Bring your furry friend to work and enjoy a pet-friendly environment that promotes work-life balance and companionship.
• We also have enhanced family friendly policies, offer flexible working and are always open to discussing your individual circumstances!

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all, applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you throughout the application or interview process please let us know.