Description

An assistant buyer works closely with vendors, maintaining positive relationships while negotiating specs, pricing, and deadlines. They must be able to work independently and prioritize job duties, as well as prepare cost analyses and competitive retail strategies. They must be able to develop sales and profit margin plans, as well as maintain margin and determine turnover objectives. Communication skills are a vital part of being an assistant buyer. They must communicate with merchandise departments, logistics, finance, operations, clubs, and vendors to provide information and problem solve. Assistant buyers, who work in a variety of industries, are expected to communicate with all people involved in the buying process and deal with any problems that may arise. Many assistant buyers are required to travel to different areas to attend vendor meetings and check competitors' pricing. It is important to have transportation and be familiar with the area(s) relevant to their work and purchasing.Most companies expect assistant buyers to have a bachelor's degree in business or equivalent experience; many require a bachelor's or one to three years of experience in retail buying, allocation, or replenishment. Many companies also prefer retail operations experience. Assistant buyers must have organizational skills, as well as the ability to multitask. They must possess a strong knowledge of the Microsoft Office software suite and be able to create specialized spreadsheets through Excel.

Roles & Responsibilities

As an Assistant Buyer with 0-3 years of experience in the AE, your main responsibilities include:

  • Support the Senior Buyer in conducting market research, analyzing trends, and identifying potential suppliers.
  • Assist with the creation and maintenance of purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as merchandising, planning, and inventory management to optimize product assortment and inventory levels.
  • Monitor and analyze sales data to identify product performance, recommend pricing strategies, and contribute to sales forecasting.

Qualifications & Work Experience

A Assistant Buyer aids in the procurement and purchasing process for goods and services for a business. They work with vendors and negotiate contracts, monitor the inventory levels and study the market to make sure of the availability of top-quality products at affordable costs. With an attention to detail and superior organization skills, an Assistant Buyer is essential to the efficiency of the department's procurement by keeping precise documents, streamlining processes and assisting the chief buyer in making informed buying decision.

Essential Skills For Assistant Buyer

1

Business Analysis

2

Product Development

3

Branding

4

Verbal Communication

5

Microsoft Excel

6

Data Analysis

Skills That Affect Assistant Buyer Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Inventory Management

23%

Negotiation

23%

Vendor Management

21%

Career Prospects

The Assistant Buyer role is an important position in the United Arab Emirates industry, suitable for individuals with 0-3 years of experience. If you're looking for alternative roles within this range, here are four options to consider:

  • Merchandise Coordinator: A role that involves coordinating and managing the product assortment, inventory levels, and vendor relationships.
  • Category Analyst: A position focused on analyzing market trends, conducting competitive research, and providing insights to optimize product assortment and pricing strategies.
  • Sales Support Specialist: A role that supports the sales team by providing product information, handling customer inquiries, and assisting with sales order processing.
  • Inventory Planner: A position that involves forecasting and planning inventory levels, monitoring stock movement, and implementing strategies to optimize inventory turnover.

How to Learn

The job role of Assistant Buyer in the United Arab Emirates is projected to experience steady growth in the market. According to a 10-year analysis, there is an increasing demand for this position, indicating a positive trend. With the expanding retail industry and globalization, the need for Assistant Buyers is expected to rise. As per the latest data available from Google, there are numerous employment opportunities expected to emerge in the future. This indicates a promising outlook for individuals seeking career advancements in the field of Assistant Buying in the United Arab Emirates.