Buyers Assistant - Home - Gardening & Auto Hardware

Company Description

We're looking for a proactive, enthusiastic self-starter to step into an administrative role that truly makes a difference.

Are you passionate about retail and thrive in a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment? Do you enjoy staying organised, taking a hands-on approach, and keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes?

This is an exciting entry-level opportunity for someone looking to build a long-term career in merchandise and buying. You'll join one of our passionate Home Buying teams, gaining valuable experience while learning from industry experts. As you support the team and develop your knowledge of the dynamic world of merchandising and buying, you'll discover that no two days are ever the same.

The Warehouse Group is a Kiwi household name, proudly serving communities throughout New Zealand. As the country’s largest general merchandise retailer across The Warehouse, Warehouse Stationery and Noel Leeming, we continue to strengthen our customer-first, brand-led approach with collaboration and agility at the heart of what we do.  

Job Description

As a Buyers Assistant within our Gardening and Auto Hardware categories, you'll provide vital support to a team of Category Buyers and the wider Merchandise team, helping to keep products, promotions, and processes running smoothly.

This is a fast-paced, detail-oriented role where strong communication, organisation, and accuracy are essential. You'll gain valuable exposure to the buying function while playing a key role in the day-to-day coordination and administration that underpins a successful merchandise operation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Building strong relationships and communicating with global suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure information is accurate and delivered on time.
• Maintaining product data, pricing, and imagery to ensure systems and customer-facing information remain up to date.
• Taking ownership of sample management and administration within your category, including coordinating product reviews, approvals, photography, and advertising requirements within critical timelines.
• Supporting promotional planning and advertising administration.
• Acting as a key point of contact for category-related queries from stores.
• Providing administrative and systems support to Category Buyers.
• Collaborating with the wider Merchandise team and cross-functional stakeholders to deliver seamless outcomes.

This is a permanent opportunity offering ongoing development, exposure to a dynamic retail environment, and the chance to build a successful career within a high-performing merchandise team.

Qualifications

We're looking for someone who brings energy, initiative, and a genuine passion for building a career in merchandise and buying. Experience in a retail, merchandise, or product-focused environment would be advantageous, and an interest in Gardening and/or Auto Hardware is a bonus. Most importantly, you're curious, eager to learn, and ready to grow in a dynamic retail business.

To be successful in this role, you'll bring:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to build effective relationships across a range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Confidence to contribute ideas, ask questions, and learn from feedback.
• A proactive, positive, and solutions-focused mindset.
• Sound organisational and time management skills, with the ability to stay on top of competing deadlines.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the wider Microsoft Office suite.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and teams.
• A genuine enthusiasm for retail and a desire to develop a long-term career in merchandise and buying.

Additional Information

This role is more than just support; it’s a steppingstone into a Buying career it is an opportunity to gain the client-side experience! You’ll be working alongside experienced Buyers one of the largest general merchandise retailers in NZ.

If you’re looking for a role where:

• Every day is different 
• You can build real commercial and product knowledge 
• You’re supported to grow towards a buying career

…then this is the opportunity for you.

This is Warehouse Country, since 1982 - Come work with us as we look to build exceptional retail brands that customers love and our teams take pride in! 

We offer a range of benefits that work for you and your career which include: 

• Team member discounts across our brands 
• Paid birthday day off for permanent team members 
• Free parking, EV charging, onsite gym and café at our Northcote support office 
• We value connection, collaboration & flexibility – Fridays WFH
• 26 weeks paid parental leave for permanent team members 
• A range of wellbeing support and development opportunities 

If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, learn from the best, and make an impact, apply