Junior Buyer

Junior Buyer | Salford Quays, Manchester | £up to £32k DOE

We are currently working with a growing, design-led business seeking a Junior Buyer to support their product development and buying function. This is an exciting opportunity to join a creative and collaborative business, where innovation, speed-to-market and quality are at the heart of what they do!

As a Junior Buyer, you'll play a key part in managing the order book, critical path, and supplier relationships while supporting the Buyer across multiple product categories. You'll work cross-functionally with Design, QA, Product Development, and Sales to deliver compelling, on-trend ranges into market.

Junior Buyer Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and maintain the product critical path and intake tracking

• Oversee purchase orders, shipping dates, and delivery discrepancies

• Lead weekly QA meetings with overseas teams and report to senior stakeholders

• Maintain key trackers including QA status and order documentation

• Raise and manage POs for all new supplier and customer orders

• Set up product codes, barcodes, and maintain range plans

• Coordinate and approve artwork briefs and packaging designs

• Oversee pre-production and sample approval process

• Manage the sample room and deliveries of new product samples

• Understand invoice reconciliation and packing lists

• Support the Buyer to ensure timely shipments align with intake targets

• Support relationship management with overseas suppliers

• Handle communication on non-compliance, delays, or quality issues

• Assist with sourcing and costing for new categories and customer leads

• Drive efficiency and lean ways of working in the buying team

• Work collaboratively across QA, Finance, Sales, Design, and Operations

• Be actively involved in trend research and product innovation alongside PD & Design

Junior Buyer requirements:

• 1-3 years' experience in a Buying or Product Development support role (toys, consumer goods, or retail desirable)

• Strong understanding of supply chain, order management, and supplier communication

• Excellent organisation, tracking and reporting skills

• Confident working with cross-functional teams and international suppliers

• Highly detail-oriented with a passion for product and process improvement

• Strong working knowledge of Excel and order management systems

• Proactive, positive, and adaptable to a fast-paced environment

Why Apply?

• Be part of a fun, product-focused business with exciting growth plans

• Get hands-on experience in end-to-end buying across a varied product range

• Collaborate with creative teams on innovative toy ranges

• Hybrid working and flexibility within a close-knit, supportive team

BBBH33389