Matalan is looking for a Trainee Product Purchaser to join the team in Liverpool.

The Trainee Product Purchaser plays a pivotal role in sourcing and procuring key lines and core products across designated product ranges. This role focuses on delivering the best price, quality, and consistency, ensuring our product offerings meet customer expectations and business objectives.

What the Trainee Product Purchaser will be doing…

Product & Procurement Support:

• Assist the Product Purchaser in managing the key line process, including the utilisation of e-auction technology.
• Demonstrate strong sample and data management skills to support product development and procurement activities.
• Foster strong relationships across the trading floor to facilitate effective communication and collaboration.
• Develop and maintain robust supplier relationships to ensure reliable and quality product sourcing.

 
Data Management:

• Create data summary sheets with a high level of accuracy to support decision-making processes.
• Manage the sending out of tech packs and samples to all suppliers, working closely with Assistant Product Purchasers/Assistants.
• Assist in the preparation of business e-auctions alongside Product Purchasers/Assistants.
• Participate in supplier face-to-face meetings and auctions to support procurement strategies.
• Support the Product Purchaser in drafting letters of intent and email confirmations to suppliers.

Commercial Activities:

• Engage in benchmarking activities focused on quality and country of manufacture to inform sourcing decisions.
• Support ad hoc projects as required by Product Purchasers to drive business initiatives.
• Acquire fabric and sustainability knowledge through training courses and collaboration with buying and fabric teams.
• Develop packaging knowledge for all product areas by working with packaging teams.
• Gain understanding of freight rates and duties by country of manufacture through collaboration with imports teams and utilization of range plans.
• Manage sample procurement for key lines, ensuring samples are obtained from all negotiating suppliers.

Supplier Management:

• Support the setup of supplier meetings and handle any necessary follow-up actions.
• Provide administrative support to the wider team as needed to facilitate smooth operations.

 
Team Collaboration:

• Assist the Product Purchaser in delivering key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Collaborate with Product Purchasers and Assistant Product Purchasers on relevant tasks and projects.
• Attend all scheduled meetings to stay informed and contribute to team objectives.

What Matalan is looking for:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Commercially focused with the ability to work independently.
• Strong communication skills, capable of interacting at all organisational levels.
• Ability to work independently

About Matalan

From humble beginnings to disruptive innovations in the retail industry, find out about how Matalan is ever-evolving here. 

We know as a team, we are stronger together – we champion equality for all and make lasting connections that go beyond work. We thrive off our inclusive culture, encouraging our colleagues to bring their true selves to work and contributing to collective creativity, open-mindedness and growth.

We want give every candidate the opportunity to perform at their best throughout the application and interview process and then ultimately in their role. If you require any adjustments during our recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

In the event that a high volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested. 

Benefits

In addition to competitive salaries, we also offer the following core benefits:

• 20% staff discount, which increases with length of service
• Thrive Recognition Scheme 
• Wellbeing support provided by the Retail Trust 
• Life Assurance 
• Retail Rewards platform offering discounts for other retailers 
• Pension Scheme 
• Access to a wide range of career development  
• Additional benefits may apply depending on your role and area of the business