Longleat is seeking an organised and commercially aware Assistant Retail Buyer to support in maximising the profitability of Retail at Longleat.
We have an extensive array of retail outlets with products tailored to every guest's preferences, from irresistibly cuddly renditions of our beloved critters to quirky homewares, captivating historical books, and even retro sweets sure to delight the sweetest tooth. As well as maintaining stock levels., we continue to develop product ranges and implement inspiring collections for our guests at Longleat and Cheddar Gorge.
Key duties will include:
Product:
1. Responsible for identifying & sourcing an optimum range of products for selected categories in line with the retail strategy, budgets, quality & price requirements.
2. Assist in managing established ranges and developing new collections to maximise sales and profitability.
3. Report department performance and deliver analytical information on sales to the buyer and Head of Retail identifying key sales drivers and slow movers and present action plans to maximise sales or clear slow sellers whist achieving overall budgeted cost of sales.
4. Place orders to maintain optimum stock levels of established ranges including stock forecasting.
5. Maintain the integrity of EPOS data – inventory management.
6. Understand quality and safety standards to ensure all products are compliant.
7. Attend trade shows and collaborate with the buyer on new product ideas and ranges.
Supplier relationships:
8. Negotiate and agree terms and conditions with new and existing suppliers to continuously improve cost price, lead times and quality and achieve margin targets.
9. Maintain relationships with existing suppliers and help to source new suppliers for future products.
10. Report any significant supply problems to ensure the Buyer & Head of Dept are kept aware of any potential difficulties.
General:
11. Act as a brand ambassador for Longleat ensuring that all work adheres to our brand guidelines/proposition and our vision of a Picture-Perfect site whilst performing the function required.
12. To provide a guest focused service at all times ensuring that all work is completed to the highest standards of the brand.
13. Represent the Company at all times by being smart in appearance and presentable whilst behaving in an appropriate manner in line with our cultural values.
14. Be accountable for own development seeking out opportunities to learn new skills to continuously improve.
15. Work in a responsible and safe manner at all times adhering to Health & Safety, safe working practices and Company Policies and Procedures.
About you
16. Min GCSE English & Maths grade C. Ideally educated to degree level or equivalent.
17. At least 18 months purchasing / product development experience of within a retail business in a fastpaced environment.
18. Some commercial experience in relatable categories such as toys, fashion, gift and souvenir ranges.
19. Must demonstrate a good understanding of the sales environment and appropriate gift ranges for a seasonal, brand specific leisure attraction.
20. Experience of range building, product and supplier management and an understanding of the drivers for guest satisfaction.
21. Some experience of price negotiation.
22. Experience managing stock levels.
You will bring:
23. A passion for product balanced with commercial acumen
24. A clear understanding & experience of sales & profit variables with excellent numerical and analysis capability.
25. An understanding for innovation and creativity.
26. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
A little about us
At Longleat we offer a day out like no other, our guests are invited to step into the Thynn family home where they will find the finest example of Elizabethan Architecture. They are also immersed into the wild side, where they can visit over 120 species of animals by car, foot, train, bus, and boat.
With a core business of around 1 million guests every year, we are passionate about providing unforgettable experiences that bring family and friends together to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Our values
At Longleat, we believe in engaging and inspiring our employees, putting people first, taking accountability, continuously improving, and acting with integrity. We invite everyone who works with us to subscribe to these values, as they truly set us apart as a place to work.
Why join the Longleat team?
In this unique work environment, you will be surrounded by historic landscapes and listed buildings, all whilst listening to our lions roar and wolves howl. You will even have the opportunity to visit our adorable Koalas and cheeky meerkats during your lunch break.
You will receive a rate of £30,000 per annum, in addition to a range of attractive benefits that include;
27. 29 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays.
28. Unlimited free entry to Longleat for our employees
29. Complimentary tickets to Longleat and Cheddar Gorge and Caves, 18 per annum pro rata
30. 50% off Annual passes for Friends and Family
31. Discounts on food and beverages and retail merchandise
32. 20% off VIP Experiences, 10% off Accommodation
33. Discretionary bonus scheme
34. Employee Assistant Programme
35. Employer contributory pension scheme
36. Life assurance scheme
37. Perks at work
38. Range of flexible working schemes
Your contract
You will be on a 37.5 hour contract. Working days will be predominantly Monday – Friday, but with flexibility to work weekends, evenings and bank holidays as required.