- Location
- St Helier, Jersey
- Department
- Retail
- Seniority
- Entry
- Clearance
- Not required
- Closing date
- Today
Description
Trainee Buyer - Retail
Application Deadline: 9 November 2026
Department: Retail
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Jersey, Channel Islands
Reporting To: Gavin Murphy
Description
The Trainee Buyer supports the day-to-day management of an assigned product category, working closely with the Buyer and Head of Retail to deliver commercial, operational and customer objectives.
The role involves assisting with stock control, purchase ordering, pricing, supplier administration, and promotional activity. It also includes developing commercial knowledge and buying expertise needed for progression within the Buying team. This is a development role with a structured progression pathway to Junior Buyer and Buyer.
Key Responsibilities
Buying and Category Support:
- Support the management and development related to a specific product category.
- Assist with range reviews by analysing product performance, finding opportunities and highlighting underperforming lines.
- Build knowledge of products, customers, market trends and competitor activity.
- Support daily trading decisions and category planning activities.
- Monitor competitor pricing and market developments and share insights with the Buying team.
Stock Management and Forecasting:
- Maintain stock availability through effective replenishment and purchase order management.
- Raise and monitor purchase orders within agreed authority levels.
- Support demand forecasting and stock planning activities.
- Track supplier deliveries and raise potential supply issues where required.
- Monitor slow moving stock and support stock clearance initiatives.
Commercial and Supplier Management:
- Support pricing reviews and prepare recommendations for approval.
- Assist in monitoring sales, stock performance and category profitability.
- Build effective working relationships with suppliers and vendors.
- Manage routine supplier communications, including order queries and product information requests.
- Support supplier meetings and commercial discussions as the need arises.
Promotions and Customer Support:
- Support the delivery of promotional and seasonal activity within the category.
- Work with Digital and Marketing teams to ensure products are promoted accurately and optimally.
- Source products and manage special order requests.
- Support business customer enquiries by acquiring accurate product and pricing information.
- Maintain effective communication with customers and colleagues regarding order progress and availability.
Reporting and Development:
- Produce accurate reports on sales, stock and margin performance.
- Maintain accurate product, supplier and purchasing records.
- Identify and escalate commercial risks, stock issues and operational concerns.
- Take ownership of personal development and actively build buying and commercial knowledge.
- Seek feedback and work towards advancement within the Buying career pathway.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Skills:
- Strong numerical and analytical skills.
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Positive relationship building and stakeholder management skills.
- Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Excel.
Knowledge:
- Knowledge of Powerhouse products, customers and retail operations.
- Understanding of stock management and replenishment processes.
- Awareness of pricing, promotions and commercial performance measures.
- Interest in retail trends, products and customer behaviour.
- Understanding of the Technology category would be advantageous.
Experience:
Essential:
- Experience working within a retail or customer focused environment.
- Experience handling information accurately and working with data.
- Familiarity with Powerhouse products, customers, or operations.
Desirable:
- Experience supporting stock management or ordering activities.
- Experience working with suppliers or external partners.
- Experience using Excel and reporting tools.
- Exposure to pricing, promotions or category management activities.
Job Benefits
Jersey Electricity provides excellent benefits, catered towards financial, physical and mental wellbeing. Starting with private medical insurance, discounted electricity rates, discounts within our Powerhouse shop, subsidies on EVs, gym memberships, on-site Mental Health First Aiders, organised sports and activities groups.
We offer competitive salaries combined with an attractive pension. We are family-friendly and strive to give you a life work blend to both love your job, do excellent work and spend meaningful time with your family and friends. We are an equal-opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability status.
Skills
Excel