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.