Buying Assistant (Production Team)
About &Open
We’re the global gifting platform for companies that care.
Our platform sends gifts globally at scale, while our team guides the process with taste, thought and attention to detail.
As a B Corp-certified company, we’re all about less waste, more impact. At the end of the day, it’s not how much you send, it’s how you make people feel that matters.
Our customers include OpenAI, Hubspot, Revolut and Intercom.
Come and grow with us.
About the team
Our Buying team is expanding. You’ll report directly to our Buyer, together our task is to create, source and bring thoughtful gifting moments to life . We determine clients’ needs, locate the best regional partners and help deliver gifts that resonate. While executing the above, we also make decisions that protect the planet, helping preserve vs destruct when it comes to product development and materials. Come help drive &Open forward with memorable unboxing experiences for customers worldwide.About the role
We’re seeking an experienced Buying Assistant to join our growing team. A strong background in product development is essential and production management, ideally within a faced paced retail environment. This role is heavily focused on supply chain execution. Once products have been approved by clients, you’ll be the primary point of contact for suppliers, managing production timelines, coordinating approvals, and ensuring every order passes smoothly through manufacturing. Working alongside our creative and logistics teams, you’ll review multiple production schedules simultaneously, keeping suppliers accountable, identifying risks early and ensuring products arrive on time and to the highest quality standard, with the support of the buying administration team.What you'll do?
Production management. Lead the production process from client sign off through to shipment, ensuring all orders progress smoothly, on time and to specification.
Critical Path Management. Manage production timelines across multiple suppliers, ensuring lab-dips, strike-offs, artwork proofs and samples are submitted, reviewed and approved within agreed timelines.
Supplier Management. Build and nurture relationships with suppliers through regular communication, monitoring production progress, resolving issues proactively and ensuring manufacturing milestones are achieved.
Product Approvals. Work closely with the Buying and Creative teams to coordinate artwork approvals, sample reviews and product sign-off before production begins.
PO Management. Raise and maintain purchase orders, monitor payment terms, shipping milestones and supplier documentation while ensuring all systems remain accurate and up to date.
Quality and Attention to Detail. Review product specs, samples and production updates to ensure products meet &Open's quality standards, escalating risks or issues before they impact delivery.
Team Collaboration. Partner closely with Creative, Logistics and Account Management teams to provide production updates, manage timelines and communicate any risks throughout the supply chain.
Sample Management. Support the buying team with organising samples, approvals and product libraries while maintaining accurate records across multiple projects.
Operational Excellence. Maintain accurate documentation across Google Sheets and internal systems, ensuring production information is always current and easily accessible.
Flexibility & Adaptability. Operate confidently in a fast-growing environment where priorities can change quickly, managing multiple production schedules simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
What you'll need
3+ years' experience in a Buying Assistant or Product Development role within apparel in a fast-paced retail environment.
Experience managing products through the full production lifecycle and working to critical paths.
Strong understanding of garment construction, product specs and production processes.
Experience working directly with overseas suppliers and manufacturers.
Excellent organisational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
Strong commercial awareness and confidence in making informed decisions.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Highly proficient in Google Workspace, particularly Google Sheets.
Ability to manage multiple deadlines while remaining calm under pressure.
A proactive mindset with excellent problem-solving skills.
Passion for beautifully made products and sustainable production.
Benefits
Competitive Salary
Hybrid Working Model
Company Pension
Healthcare cover
25 days Annual Leave + 2 Company Days
Maternity and Paternity Paid Leave
Exciting experience in a fast-paced start-up environment
Employee Stock Options Plan