Buying Admin Review

My role involves working closely with suppliers and commercial team to achieve sales target by selecting products, setting them up in our system and assisting merchandiser to select stores. My day to day role involves communicating with suppliers to ensure the product will be delivered on time, in the right quantity and then manage distribution of stocks in stores. Once product is launched then monitor and record sales so next range change. Recording data in pre set format is also a main part of my role.

The key skills I believe are important in my role are commercial awareness, staying up-to-date with current trend, teamwork, communication skill, numerical and analytical skill, decision making and organizational skill, IT skill like knowledge of Excel. Some of these skill I developed in my previous roles and some I learned in this role. There are training materials online for practicing but there are also learning sessions where I learn new skills and stay on top of existing skills.

The program is quite diverse and intense. I have to stay on top all the time otherwise I will stay behind. In that manner the program is quite hectic but having said that, if someone likes a fact paced environment, the program is quite enjoying. There is opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people. Once you develop your skill and the team notices that, you have the opportunity to build a career on top of this program.

The program structure consists of theoretical learning and on job training. With theoretical learning there is mapping between the knowledge and skills with my role requirement which helps me to understand my role and its impact on the wider business. And with on job training it helps me to grow more confident in doing my day to day role. My coach is there to support me on the theoretical side and helps me when I face any issue. For on job training, it is up to me to book when it suits me and is beneficial to me.

My employer allows me to have time off from work when I have to complete my learning. I also receive on job training from my employer in the form of mentoring, shadowing and participating in different lectures. The team is aware that I have commitment on the program, so when it gets too busy, my team supports me in completing my program. Besides that I also get support for mental and physical wellbeing and take part in other activities.

My training provider provides learning materials. My coach also guides me on my day to day activities to achieve the maximum. Combining those two helps me to upskill myself. Having said that, some skills I have to develop myself and the training provided cannot do much in those cases like how to manage time and task that brings out the most positive energy in myself. I have to look towards my friends and family to guide me there.

Learning will open up new opportunities, to see a situation from a different angel. It will also boost confidence to face a challenges. Through the process I can find out what I am good at and where I need to focus. This program will not prepare me for all the hardship I will face in life, but at least will give the confidence to face the challenge. Even when the programs ends, I will have to confidence to carry on.

Everyone is learning to face the new way of life. So is my employer. There may not be much opportunity have social gathering but that does not mean there are no opportunity to have extra-curricular activities. We can still meet virtually and share or thoughts. There are online quizzes to take our mind off from the grim situation. There is also opportunities to support good cases by donating and volunteering. Regular networking events takes place.

Yes

As one of the major retailer in the industry, my employer provides a lot of opportunities to learn and develop a career. There are good training programs and employees are encouraged to take full advantage of the program. The skill and experience of employees are also evaluated to create further opportunities of growth for the employee. At the end of the day it sits on you, how you want to develop and what opportunities you want to utilize.

Get a thorough understanding of the role you are applying for. if you can, talk to people on similar role to see if you will enjoy day to day performing those tasks. you may not be an expert on everything that is required from you but you need to have the basics to develop on, otherwise there will be times when you will question your ability to carry on. So my advise would be get as much information about the role you possible could before you apply.