Buying Assistant

As a Buying Assistant at Immediate, you'll support a dedicated buying team focused on sourcing covermount gifts for our Youth & Children’s division. Your responsibilities will include managing administrative tasks, maintaining system accuracy, overseeing sample management, and ensuring effective communication with internal departments and external partners. You’ll also assist in collating sustainability data and support product development initiatives.

To succeed as a Buying Assistant at Immediate, having a keen interest in buying or merchandising is crucial. While prior experience in these fields can be beneficial, we value a positive attitude, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to build relationships. A passion for toys, stationery, and cosmetics is also essential, along with the enthusiasm to work in a fast-paced children’s publishing environment.

Immediate fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture where Buying Assistants thrive. The atmosphere is friendly and upbeat, encouraging teamwork and shared goals. We believe in supporting each other through clear communication and actively celebrate our victories while also recognizing the importance of work-life balance. Regular team socials, well-being initiatives, and community events further enhance our dynamic culture.

As a Buying Assistant at Immediate, you can look forward to a competitive package including 25 days of holiday, early finish Fridays, and a flexible/hybrid working model. Additional perks include tailored training through our Love Learning platform, enhanced family policies, and a modern working environment with collaborative spaces. Our commitment to employee well-being means you’ll also find support through our mental health initiatives.

Diversity and inclusion are core values at Immediate. We strive to create a workplace where everyone feels included and empowered. As a Buying Assistant, you will be part of an organization that actively promotes a diverse culture, encouraging applications from all backgrounds and supporting those re-entering the workforce. This commitment ensures a supportive environment where every team member can thrive.

When answering this question, focus on specific experiences where you managed administrative duties. Highlight your attention to detail, how you maintained accurate records, and your ability to meet deadlines. Use examples that showcase your organizational skills and your proactive approach to ensuring smooth operations.

To effectively handle a fast-paced environment as a Buying Assistant, discuss your time management techniques. Share how you assess urgency and importance, and talk about tools you use, such as to-do lists or project management software, to keep track of tasks. Emphasize your ability to remain focused and flexible amid changing priorities.

In your response, explain how you communicate and build rapport with vendors. Highlight the importance of transparency and reliability in establishing strong working relationships. Share specific examples of how you’ve previously managed these relationships and any challenges you overcame, demonstrating your interpersonal skills and problem-solving abilities.

As a Buying Assistant, demonstrate your awareness of sustainability issues relevant to product sourcing. Discuss how you ensure that sourced products align with sustainable practices and your commitment to minimizing environmental impact. Providing examples of past initiatives or how you stay informed on sustainable trends will strengthen your answer.

Express your passion for children’s publishing and why it matters to you. Talk about the joy of fostering creativity and learning through engaging products. If you have personal experiences, such as favorite books or memories related to childhood products, share those to create an emotional connection with the interviewer.

Share a specific instance where teamwork was tested. Detail the challenge, your role, and how you collaborated with others to find a solution. This illustrates your problem-solving abilities and how you cultivate a harmonious working environment, an important trait for a Buying Assistant.

Outline qualities such as organization, communication, teamwork, and a proactive mindset. Elaborate on why these are essential in a buying role and how they contribute to achieving common goals in the department. Tailor your answer to reflect Immediate's values of collaboration and openness.

Discuss your approach to handling product samples with care and precision. Highlight strategies such as maintaining organized inventory systems, conducting regular audits, and using checklists to minimize errors. This shows your commitment to upholding high standards in sample management.

Share your enthusiasm for toys and stationery, highlighting any relevant experiences or interests. Discuss what excites you about these categories and how that passion would translate into your work as a Buying Assistant. This can help showcase your cultural fit for Immediate.

Mention specific software or tools commonly used in administrative or buying roles, such as spreadsheets, inventory management systems, or project management tools. Discuss your proficiency with these tools and how they can enhance your efficiency and effectiveness in the Buying Assistant role.