Sales, marketing and procurement

Buying and merchandising assistant - Buying assistant

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Buying and merchandising assistants work collaboratively to contribute to the delivery of department/company sales and profit targets.

Summary

This occupation is primarily found in retail organisations, but also exists across a variety of other sectors that manage the acquisition, planning, and distribution of products, stock and/or goods. These may include wholesale, manufacturing, supply chain and logistics, fashion, food and drink, e-commerce, and other industries with structured buying and merchandising operations. These organisations may serve customers and clientele directly (B2C), operate through intermediaries, or supply other businesses (B2B).

The primary purpose of the role is to support buying and merchandising teams in ensuring the right products/stock/goods are available at the right time and place. Individuals will assist with coordination, data, and administrative tasks across product selection, supplier liaison, stock tracking, and reporting. This occupation features two pathways:

Buying assistants support the selection, sourcing, and onboarding of new products/stock/goods, contributing to the development of the organisation’s portfolio. They assist in managing supplier relationships, coordinating sample testing and/or evaluation processes, and ensure that products/materials/stock are accurately documented and aligned with commercial agreements.

Merchandising assistants monitor performance and availability of products/stock/goods by collating, distributing, and analysing relevant data. They identify trends, demand patterns, and anomalies, using a range of business tools and systems. Their responsibilities may include placing and tracking supplier orders, ensuring availability across channels and distribution points, and supporting inventory management to meet commercial objectives.

Together, they work collaboratively to help achieve organisational or departmental targets for sales, margin, and efficiency. They will normally report to a more senior member of the buying or merchandising team, but this will vary by employer.

Individuals in this occupation typically interact with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including wider buying and merchandising teams, designers, manufacturers, suppliers, planners, logistics, marketing, finance, and IT departments. The role is typically office-based, but may involve hybrid working and travel to supplier meetings, trade fairs, distribution centres, operational sites, and potentially international travel for supplier or factory engagements.

Typical job titles include

Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)

• Knowledge
• Skills
• Behaviours