Assistant Buyer

They support the buying team in procurement and the sound running of operations in all areas of business around product, whilst developing skills in management of supplier relationships and range management.

This is an Assistant Buyer-level role requiring autonomy, accountability and sound judgement, well-adapted to dealing with different contacts across different roles and situations.

They proactively manage product cycle from setup through to supply chain and shipment.  The postholder is expected to ensure seamless operations, resolve routine issues independently, escalate more complex matters with clear context and recommendations, and support buyers and range owners through the supply chain with accurate and timely information. 

• Support Buyers, Buying Managers and Range Owners with product, supplier and range activities, including travel and supplier visit planning
• Actively participate in range reviews, supplier meetings, tastings and events, ensuring actions are delivered
• Manage QC and tastings, including sample coordination, set-up and room standards 
• Coordinate samples for tastings, marketing and internal evaluations
• Work closely with internal teams to champion products and maximise commercial opportunities.
• Produce reports, sales analysis and product performance summaries to support commercial decision making 

• Liaise with internal teams on product information and tastings to champion product 
• Process team expenses and resolve any outstanding queries promptly

Supplier & Vendor Management

• Act as a key contact for suppliers and internal stakeholders on product, supply chain and operational queries
• Develop strong supplier relationships to improve responsiveness and delivery of actions
• Take ownership and resolve routine supplier issues, including missing information and documentation 
• Co-ordinate sales development and execution with suppliers for products into range 
• Proactively identify and anticipate buying risks and opportunities ahead of potential impact to the business 

Supply Chain Coordination

• Coordinate with suppliers, internal teams and logistics partners to ensure efficient product flow and prevent operational risk across global markets 
• Identify stock readiness, availability and potential supply risks, ensuring relevant teams are updated and informed 
• Support contingency plans for collection delays and supplier timeline changes

Wine Data Administration & Management

• Manage product lifecycle workflow from setup to collection, ensuring service level agreements are met
• Maintain accurate, compliant data across business systems and reports, ensuring best costs into the business 
• Support buyers with reporting on volumes, reservations and sales, escalating issues with clear recommendations

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with suppliers and partners
• Able to manage multiple priorities, solve problems and work independently 
• Strong numerical and analytical skills, for pricing, volumes and sales analysis and evaluation 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (particularly Excel and PowerPoint) with the ability to quickly learn new systems

Preferred:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent professional experience
• Languages: with preference for Italian and/or Spanish 
• WSET Level 2 or higher, or equivalent wine knowledge, or willingness to work towards this and more

• Experience in a buying, procurement, data coordination, supply chain coordination or commercial support role
• Experience working directly with suppliers or external stakeholders to chase information, resolve issues and progress agreed actions.
• Demonstrable experience managing workload independently and escalating issues appropriately
• Experience managing product data, system updates or ERP processes accurately and to deadline

Preferred:

• Experience within wine, drinks, FMCG, retail buying or supply chain operations.
• Working knowledge of product databases, ERP systems and supplier management processes.

• Strong relationship builder with colleagues, suppliers and stakeholders
• A clear professional passion for wine and the industry 
• Commercially driven, proactive and results focused
• Confident communicator, with considerate balanced judgement and rational for initiatives 
• Self-motivated and proactive, resolving issues before they escalate
• Positive, resilient and adaptable to changing business needs 
• Highly organised, with excellent prioritisation and time management skills
• Strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy of wine information and data
• Effective working independently and collaboratively across multiple teams
• Flexible to travel and work a hybrid schedule, including a minimum of three days per week in the Theale office