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