Trainee Assistant Buyer Review

In my role I have to assist my buyer in the development of ranges which change per season. I have real resposnibilties in my role and I am treated as a normal member of staff. I have to manage critical path, ensure samples are booked in for redand gold sealing with QA staff. Chase suppliers if any issues present to heads of department set up for sign of meetings- which imvolves very close work with visual merchandising team. The whole overall buying wrong and incharge of the admin involved with a buying role

I have developed my professional skills in a huge way. Working in a professional environment and learning how to deal with staff and suppliers. I have gained an amazing set of skills which will prepare me for a buying role in any company in the future. I have grown in confidence and feel like my personal skills have just continued to develop in the best way. Use of industry tools has been amazing as well as being able to gain styling skills on shoots and TV ads

Yes, I was given a huge amount of responsibility which I love. When I first started I wanted to have more responsibility in the first few weeks but as I got used to the role and was fully trained I had full responsibilty of my role. It was on me to complete the jobs I had and to ensure it was done correctly. I had so much support but there was a real chance to show your capabilities too, which I loved

The support I have recieved has been amazing. HR do regular placement catch ups which was good, however the support from my team and everyone on the homeware department was the best ever. I was able to text or call my managers at any time and the relationships i have made has been great. I feel very lucky to be put on such a great team where I was taught so well and was able to develop my skill set but also had so much support and fun at same time

The whole time i have been on my placement year, covid restrictions have been in place so it is hard to commment on as I have never experienced a full office and exeperience the events and fun things that I have been told my peers that Matalan usually put on for staff. Despite the restrinctions I have loved the atmosphere here, I cant comment for other floors/departments but everybody on the homeware team was amazing, so friendly, so helpful and approachable. There is a good culture on homeware.

I have absolutely loved this placement year and I am so sad that it is coming to an end. If i wasnt moving to another city for university I would be asking to stay on here. I have felt so valued and welcomed by everyone here and had the best time and gained so much experience. I feel ready to take on any job role now in buying and possibly into other fields of work. I wish I didnt have to go back to university and could stay here.

Yes

I would say be yourself. Staff members want somebody who they know will work well as a team and is willing to work hard and get on with tasks. They want someone who is easy to get along with, but also willing to learn. It is not a normal office job, in the buying role you are hardly at your desk and always up and about setting up for meetings and organising samples