Due to an expanding division within the Paragon business, we are looking for a Junior Buyer to join their London office.
As the Junior Buyer, you will be involved in all aspects of the purchasing process, from supplier selection, management, and pricing through to managing projects from initial concept to delivery.
You will gain experience in buying and project-managing production from UK and European importers, wholesalers, and manufacturers. You should have the drive to lead the product evaluation, development, and sampling process through order management to delivery, following strict delivery guidelines.
You will work closely with the promotions team to provide buying support, obtaining prices from approved suppliers and ensuring internal account managers’ requirements are met. You’ll also be responsible for submitting accurate quotes back to the internal account managers. Support will be provided by the team to enable your growth and development.
Main duties:
- Source the most appropriate suppliers for each brief to deliver the best combination of capability, price, lead time, and quality
- Add value through detailed briefing of client requests to suppliers
- Manage the sampling process to ensure accurate samples and proofs are delivered quickly and efficiently
- Proactively manage costs in line with required profit margins and budgets
- Produce and provide accurate delivered prices to internal account managers
- Manage the product development process accurately to enable account sign-off of proofs and samples
- Ensure a full written documentation trail is maintained in accordance with company procedures
- Propose products in response to briefs from internal account managers
- Raise formal purchase orders through the order processing system
- Ensure all company records are accurately maintained
- Gain a thorough understanding of customers, their brands, and their requirements.
No product is the same, so you must be able to quickly learn and understand different product categories and their applications — both as promotional products and functional merchandise.
Required experience and skills:
- Previous experience in buying
- Mandarin language skills (speaking/understanding) would be beneficial
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to challenge, influence, and persuade suppliers
- Excellent time management and organisational skills, with strong attention to detail
- Ability to use procurement systems
- IT proficiency, including experience with Microsoft Office 365
- Confidence in demonstrating creative ability; a commercial mindset and strong spreadsheet skills are essential.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm
Hybrid: Office near Liverpool Street, London
Please note that due to the high volume of responses we receive, only successful applicants will be contacted.
We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of gender, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or marital status.
Salary: £30,000
Contract: Permanent
Location: London (Hybrid)