Job Advert: Assistant Buyer

Kings Seeds has been trading since 1888 and sells seeds to Hobby gardeners, Garden centre retailers
and Commercial growers. Kings Seeds is known for offering high quality seed, all tested for germination
in its own seed laboratory by its own Qualified Seed Analyst. King’s Seeds main priorities have always
been Quality Seed, Quality customer service and excellent value products. Resulting in a high
percentage of customer loyalty, many of whom have traded with Kings Seeds for many years, building up
a personal rapport with its staff.

We are a small but passionate team with a strong can-do attitude. We show respect to one another and
are keen to work together on our respective areas of expertise and willing to help each other. We work
hard but we don’t forget to have fun.

As an Assistant Buyer at Kings Seeds, you will support the Horticultural Director with
administrative tasks relating to sourcing Seeds and other Horticultural products from various
suppliers all over the world.

Core Responsibilities:

• Assist in the Procurement of Seed, and other Horticultural related products.
• Prepare reports that aid the purchasing team in their forecasts and negotiations with suppliers
• Place and track purchase orders to ensure products arrive on time.
• Track shipments and provide information for APHA if required.
• Arrange Collection of Shipments, dealing directly with carriers, customs agents, and track and
  chase each shipment from pick up to destination arrival ensuring all paperwork is correct, to
  ensure a safe and speedy arrival.
• Plan monitor and assist with maintaining accurate stock levels
• Working with the Horticultural Director to assist in the planning of seasonal demand, choosing
  new season ranges and volume requirements.
• Assist with collation of product information needed for catalogue and website copywriting,
  including product features and benefits, technical information and images
• Attend appropriate Flower and Vegetable trials, with the Horticultural Director to grow your
  product and supplier knowledge base within the UK and Europe to support new product
  development and innovation.
• Other ad hoc duties related to the role, depending on the business needs

We are looking for someone who has accurate, efficient administrative skills and who is practiced in
working with and compiling data sheets. You will demonstrate practical knowledge of procurement and
demonstrate:

Essential:

• Excellent attention to detail and organisation skills
• Effective communication skills
• Methodical and structured approach to work
• Effective IT skills including Excel and Access data base.
• Ability to work under pressure and react to changing demands, prioritising workload and tasks to
  best achieve the overall plan and meet deadlines
  Additional requirements for role
• A good Horticultural knowledge and a passion for gardening
• A good telephone manner, as will be expected to speak to customers and take orders over on the
  phone.
• Ability to help and give advice to customers on the phone and assist the Customer service team
  over the phone with sound and reliable gardening advice.
• A willingness to learn from Horticultural Director, and retain as much information of his 40 plus
  years in horticulture to help you within your role.
• To assist Seed Laboratory team, with germination queries and contacting suppliers if purchases do not meet our quality standards to gain replacements or credits from suppliers.

Desirable:

• To have good writing skills to assist with Copy writing for seed catalogue and packet copy.
• Ability to work on own if required
• Clean Driving Licence
• Willingness to stay away on Business trips as and when required

Will be office based in Essex, offering a competitive salary, we offer Death in Service of 2.5 x annual
salary
22 days holiday plus BH
Pension scheme
Closing date 30 June 2026