Buying Administrator - Stewarts Christchurch
Stewarts is a family-owned business established in 1742 with a history that can be tracked back eight generations. We have three Garden Centres, a Nursery and a Landscaping division all based in Dorset and Hampshire.
Our aim is to help our community enjoy their garden, home and workplace.
About the Role:
We are seeking a part time (18 hours per week) buying administrator with excellent communication skills to support our buying team based at our Christchurch Garden Centre.
As a Buying Administrator you will report to the Senior Buyer and play a crucial role in supporting our Buyers by efficiently managing administrative tasks relating to inventory management, supplier coordination and purchase order processing. Your attention to detail and strong communication skills will contribute to the smooth operation of our buying process, ensuring that our garden centres maintain a diverse and high-quality product selection.
Responsibilities:
- Creating and processing purchase orders, ensuring all product information is entered into the system promptly and accurately.
- Be aware of the departmental Critical Path, working with suppliers and the buying team to ensure key dates are understood and met.
- Tracking orders and ensuring all issues or delays are communicated clearly and promptly.
- Maintaining accurate records of inventory levels, pricing, current and new supplier information and product specifications.
- Take ownership of the promotional calendar, tracking start and end dates, highlighting slow sales and fast turning stock, keeping an eye on website promotions, ensuring POS is ready and all information is communicated to the buyers in a timely manner.
- Assisting the Buyers with the growth of our website.
- Liaising with internal teams – shop floor teams, marketing, IT and accounts with changes to pricing, promotions and suppliers.
- Monitor inventory levels in store and online and coordinate with the appropriate team to ensure adequate stock levels and timely replenishment.
- Assisting with core replenishment and keeping levels up to date, highlighting any changes required.
- Collaborating with the Buyers to review and analyse sales data, identify product performance trends and make data-driven recommendations for product selection and pricing strategies.
Candidate Requirements:
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, for data analysis and reporting.
- Familiarity with gardening products, plants, and seasonal trends is an advantage.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
If you are passionate about the garden centre industry and have a strong administrative background, we would love to hear from you!
Join our team at Stewarts Christchurch and contribute to our mission of providing exceptional products and services to our customers.
To apply, please send a copy of your CV and a covering letter highlighting your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role to:
HR Department, D Stewart & Son Ltd,
8 Christchurch Business Park, Radar Way, Christchurch BH23 4FL
Or e-mail: [email protected]