Assistant Buying Manager

Excellent opportunity for 2 Assistant Buying Managers to join a well-established company based in Watford 2 POSITIONS AVAILABLE. * Assistant Buying Manager - Gifting & Drinkware * Assistant Buying Manager - Apparel Salary: £28,000–£30,000 (DOE) Progression: Up to £35,000 within 12–18 months Job Type: Full-time / 09:00 – 18:00 Monday to Thursday & 09:00 – 16:30 Friday Location: Watford. Free on-site parking Benefits: Casual dress, free on-site parking, early finishes on Fridays, annual leave, clear progression opportunities About the Role The company is seeking 2 proactive Buying Managers. The Buying Manager will support their individual departments as below; Gifting & Drinkware - to support the development and production of licensed gifting products, including stationery, pens, keychains, drinkware, and accessories. Apparel – to support the development and production of licensed apparel ranges for major global brands and retailers. This role is suited to someone with previous experience in buying, sourcing, or production who wants to pursue a long-term career in Buying. You will gain hands-on experience across product development, supplier management, costings, and category planning while working with global factories and retailers, with clear progression opportunities. Key Responsibilities – Gifting & Drinkware Product Development * Support the development of licensed gifting and drinkware products * Assist with materials, specifications, artwork coordination, and sampling * Coordinate product approvals and revisions with suppliers * Ensure products meet retailer and licensor requirements Production & Supplier Management * Liaise with overseas factories in China & other regions. * Track production schedules and maintain critical paths * Identify and escalate production risks or delays * Support packaging, labelling, and compliance processes Buying & Commercial Support * Assist with costings, pricing, and margin tracking * Maintain Excel trackers and buying sheets * Support product selection and range planning General Support * Collaborate with internal teams across design, logistics, and sales * Assist with shipment and delivery coordination * Help improve operational processes and workflows Key Responsibilities – Apparel Product Development * Support the development of licensed apparel products * Assist with fabrics, trims, garment specifications, and sampling * Coordinate approvals, comments, and revisions with factories * Ensure products meet brand, retailer, and compliance standards Production & Supplier Management * Communicate daily with overseas factories in Bangladesh, China, and India * Track production timelines and maintain critical paths * Identify and escalate delays, quality issues, or risks * Support packaging, labelling, and compliance processes Buying & Commercial Support Assist with costings, pricing, and margin tracking Maintain Excel buying sheets and production trackers Support range building and product selection General Support Work cross-functionally with design, sales, and logistics teams Assist with shipment and delivery coordination Contribute to operational and process improvements Requirements Essential 2+ years’ experience in buying, sourcing, or production Strong organisational skills and attention to detail Good Excel skills Strong communication and multitasking abilities Fluent English UK work authorisation with a minimum of 1.5 years remaining Desirable Experience in gifting, stationery, accessories, or drinkware Experience working with overseas factories Understanding of materials and product specifications Knowledge of compliance standards including CE and UKCA Mandarin or additional languages Working Pattern Office-based in Watford (WD24) First 3 months fully office-based Up to 2 days WFH after probation Apply If you already have relevant experience and want to grow your career in Buying within a fast-moving licensed consumer products business, apply now