Job Description

Buyer

Pro-rata Salary: 21,000 - 28,000 per year, depending on number of days worked

Hours: 8:45am to 4:45pm, 3-4 days a week (days to be agreed)
Location: Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire

About Us

LBS is one of the UK's leading B2B suppliers of watch batteries and straps to over 2,000 high street shops. We're a family business with 30+ years' experience, a team of 20 colleagues, and a culture built on reliability, teamwork, and service. Many of our staff have been with us for years, and we're proud of the supportive, friendly environment we've created.

The Role

Due to business growth, we're looking for an experienced

Buyer

to help us continue to expand and improve. As Buyer, you'll manage the sourcing and purchasing of products, maintain stock levels, and build strong supplier relationships. You'll play a key role in ensuring we offer the right products at the best prices while keeping quality and reliability high.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Supplier Management

Build and maintain long-term supplier relationships to ensure consistent product supply and service levels. Source and select reliable suppliers and manufacturers in the UK and overseas. Negotiate prices, payment terms, delivery schedules, and quality standards.
Product & Range Management

Maintain an up-to-date range of watch straps, batteries, and accessories that meet customer demand and market trends. Monitor product performance and recommend adjustments to the range when necessary. Research and introduce new products, styles, and materials to keep the range competitive.
Stock Control & Planning

Manage inventory levels to meet demand while minimising excess stock and storage challenges. Forecast purchasing requirements based on sales data and patterns. Liaise with warehouse staff to ensure timely deliveries and resolve stock discrepancies.
Pricing & Margin Control

Evaluate supplier quotes and ensure best overall cost, factoring in import duties, freight, and packaging. Support management in setting target margins and reviewing cost prices. Monitor currency movements where relevant and adjust purchasing strategies as needed.
Quality Assurance & Compliance

Ensure all products meet internal quality standards and relevant UK regulations. Handle any product or supplier issues promptly, including returns, defects, and complaints. Maintain accurate purchasing records and ensure all import documentation is correct.
Cross-Department Collaboration

Work closely with sales, warehouse, and customer service teams to coordinate product launches, promotions, and stock planning. Provide product and supplier information to support catalogue or online listings. Communicate any supply issues or product changes promptly to relevant teams.

Continuous Improvement at LBS

At LBS, we believe in continuous improvement -- making consistent, small changes that add up to big results. As Buyer, you'll be expected to embrace this approach, keeping an open mind to change and helping the wider team work smarter every day.

You'll also have the opportunity to visit and tour other businesses to see best practices in action, bringing fresh ideas back to our business and implementing them with the support of the team.

About You

Previous experience in buying or purchasing essential (wholesale or retail). Strong negotiation and organisation skills. Confident using Excel and stock management systems. Knowledge of importing and logistics (advantageous). Interest in watches or consumer accessories a plus.

What We Offer

Work-life balance

Monday to Friday hours - no weekend or evening work 28 days holiday (including bank holidays), increasing with length of service (pro-rata) On-site parking Company pension
Culture & Perks

Takeaway Fridays once per month Monthly social drinks, paid by the business 1 paid volunteering day per year to support a charity of your choice 1 day paid leave for your birthday Supportive friendly working environment where your contribution is valued Opportunities to progress as the business expands
Development & Growth

External visits to other businesses to learn and apply best practice Be part of a stable, growing family business where you can make a real impact
If you're an experienced Buyer looking for a part-time role with a supportive and growing business, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now to join the LBS team.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 35,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person