Purchasing Assistant

GET TO KNOW US

At Brown Thomas Arnotts, we are Reinventing Retail. Our purpose is to enrich our customer’s lives, which we achieve by living our values – Going Above and Beyond, Driving Creativity and Innovation, and Doing the Right Thing. We are one business with two iconic brands, bringing exciting experience to life through our digital and physical destinations. Our customer engagement sets the bar in service and experiential retail, giving our customers something to love every time.

KNOW THE ROLE

Our Beauty Buying team are looking for a Purchasing Assistant to join the team on a fixed term basis. This role plays a critical operational role within a fast-paced luxury buying office, ensuring purchase orders are placed accurately, efficiently, and in line with stock, inventory, and Open-to-Buy (OTB) controls. The role supports product availability, particularly across Never Out of Stock (NOS) lines, through effective forecasting, replenishment, and stock management, helping to drive sales performance and maintain strong commercial controls.

Key Responsibilities

Place purchase orders accurately and efficiently in line with approved OTB and stock parameters

Execute auto-replenishment orders and ensure timely order processing

Maintain accurate order, stock, and supplier information across relevant systems

Monitor outstanding purchase orders and proactively follow up on delays or discrepancies

Analyse sales performance and historical trends to support accurate forecasting

Use forecasts to inform replenishment decisions and order quantities

Monitor stock levels across core NOS SKUs to ensure continuous availability

Identify and mitigate risks relating to stock shortages, overstocking, or excess inventory

Manage stock-to-sales ratios and support inventory control measures

Maintain visibility of stock commitments, intake schedules, and future stock requirements

Ensure all purchasing activity remains within agreed OTB budgets and financial controls

Escalate stock, supply, or purchasing risks promptly to relevant stakeholders

Provide operational and administrative support to the Buying team, particularly during peak trading periods.

KNOW WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Previous experience in a purchasing, buying administration, merchandising, or stock management role

Experience placing and managing purchase orders within a fast-paced retail or commercial environment

Strong understanding of stock management, inventory controls, and replenishment processes

Working knowledge of Open-to-Buy (OTB) principles and stock-to-sales ratio analysis

Experience using forecasting, inventory planning, and replenishment systems

Confident analysing sales data and translating insights into purchasing decisions

Strong numerical and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail

Highly organised, methodical, and process-driven approach to work

Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively under pressure

Proactive, reliable, and resilient with a strong sense of accountability

Core Skills and Behaviours

Demonstrates strong analytical skills, using sales, stock, and forecasting data to support informed purchasing and replenishment decisions

Maintains a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, ensuring purchase orders, stock records, and system data are consistently correct

Plans and prioritises work effectively, managing multiple orders and deadlines within a fast-paced trading environment

Takes ownership and accountability for completing tasks accurately, identifying issues promptly, and following through to resolution

Applies commercial awareness when making purchasing decisions, balancing stock availability with inventory and budget controls

Uses problem-solving skills to proactively identify and address risks relating to stock availability, order delays, and inventory management

Demonstrates sound decision-making, using data, forecasts, and stock performance indicators to support business objectives

Works collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders, providing reliable support and contributing positively to team outcomes

Remains resilient and adaptable during peak trading periods, maintaining high standards while working under pressure

Embraces systems, processes, and continuous improvement, using planning and inventory management tools effectively to deliver operational excellence.

KNOW WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU

We believe that every team member should have the opportunity to curate a meaningful career that enhances professional and personal development. That is why we foster a culture of belonging and inclusiveness where your voice is valuable. A great customer experience starts with a great people experience, and we’re proud to have been recognised by multiple industry bodies for our progressive workplace culture.

As a Brown Thomas Arnotts team member, you will benefit from

Competitive Salary

Contributory Pension Scheme

Competitive annual leave entitlement

Team Member discount across the world’s most iconic brands

Recognition Days for Volunteering & Wellbeing

Wellbeing Initiatives

Extensive Learning & Development Offerings

Leading Talent Programmes

Flexible Working Model

Additional Benefits

KNOW HOW WE WORK

Experience is our business: Our customer engagement sets the bar in service and experiential retail, giving our customers something to love every time.

We Are More Than Shops: We create enjoyable places, to excite, where people socialise, discover, learn and are inspired, and where local communities are enriched.

We are Curators: Our unique range of product and services are key to the sense of excitement that Brown Thomas Arnotts is renowned for, whether for a special day or every day, things that make our customer’s lives better.

We Care for Our People: We believe a great customer experience starts with a great people experience. That is why we promote a culture where talent is nurtured and where creativity and learning are valued.

We Succeed by Working Sustainably: We are community-focused and our aim is to cultivate retail environments that are conscious, considerate and commercial.

We aim to ensure the candidate experience is accessible to all and every new team member who joins Brown Thomas Arnotts can expect to become part of a progressive community where different backgrounds, views & personalities aren’t just welcomed – they’re positively nurtured. After all, we want you to bring your whole self to work. Please contact us at careers@brownthomas.ie to request accommodation.