Company: Recruitment Helpline
Location: Digswell
Posted: May 14th, 2026
Excellent opportunity for 2 Assistant Buying Managers to join a well-established company based in Watford
2 POSITIONS AVAILABLE.
Assistant Buying Manager - Gifting & Drinkware
Assistant Buying Manager - Apparel
Salary: £28,000–£30,000 (DOE) Progression: Up to £35,000 within 12–18 months
Job Type: Full-time / 09:00 – 18:00 Monday to Thursday & 09:00 – 16:30 Friday
Location: Watford. Free on-site parking
Benefits: Casual dress, free on-site parking, early finishes on Fridays, annual leave, clear progression opportunities
About the Role
The company is seeking 2 proactive Buying Managers. The Buying Manager will support their individual departments as below;
Gifting & Drinkware - to support the development and production of licensed gifting products, including stationery, pens, keychains, drinkware, and accessories.
Apparel – to support the development and production of licensed apparel ranges for major global brands and retailers.
This role is suited to someone with previous experience in buying, sourcing, or production who wants to pursue a long-term career in Buying. You will gain hands-on experience across product development, supplier management, costings, and category planning while working with global factories and retailers, with clear progression opportunities.
Key Responsibilities – Gifting & Drinkware
Product Development
Support the development of licensed gifting and drinkware products
Assist with materials, specifications, artwork coordination, and sampling
Coordinate product approvals and revisions with suppliers
Ensure products meet retailer and licensor requirements
Production & Supplier Management
Liaise with overseas factories in China & other regions.
Track production schedules and maintain critical paths
Identify and escalate production risks or delays
Support packaging, labelling, and compliance processes
Buying & Commercial Support
Assist with costings, pricing, and margin tracking
Maintain Excel trackers and buying sheets
Support product selection and range planning
General Support
Collaborate with internal teams across design, logistics, and sales
Assist with shipment and delivery coordination
Help improve operational processes and workflows
Key Responsibilities – Apparel
Support the development of licensed apparel products
Assist with fabrics, trims, garment specifications, and sampling
Coordinate approvals, comments, and revisions with factories
Ensure products meet brand, retailer, and compliance standards
Communicate daily with overseas factories in Bangladesh, China, and India
Track production timelines and maintain critical paths
Identify and escalate delays, quality issues, or risks
Support packaging, labelling, and compliance processes
Assist with costings, pricing, and margin tracking
Maintain Excel buying sheets and production trackers
Support range building and product selection
Work cross-functionally with design, sales, and logistics teams
Assist with shipment and delivery coordination
Contribute to operational and process improvements
Requirements
Essential
2+ years’ experience in buying, sourcing, or production
Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
Good Excel skills
Strong communication and multitasking abilities
Fluent English
UK work authorisation with a minimum of 1.5 years remaining
Desirable
Experience in gifting, stationery, accessories, or drinkware
Experience working with overseas factories
Understanding of materials and product specifications
Knowledge of compliance standards including CE and UKCA
Mandarin or additional languages
Working Pattern
Office-based in Watford (WD24)
First 3 months fully office-based
Up to 2 days WFH after probation
Apply
If you already have relevant experience and want to grow your career in Buying within a fast-moving licensed consumer products business, apply now.