Wine Buying Assistant (Wine Jobs: Sales & Marketing)

  Laithwaites

  London, England

Reports To: Wine Buyer

Overall Job Purpose:
To actively support the Wine Buyers by taking on administrative tasks for them. The Wine Buying Assistant will enhance their knowledge of the Buyers’ wine portfolios and supplier base to enable them to provide seamless support both internally and externally.

 

Key Responsibilities:

Key Tasks

• To set-up all new wines for the Buyers on SAP, AX and the Portal.
• Manage samples for the Buyers; chase suppliers for samples, store samples securely when they arrive and set up and clear away tastings.
• Assist buyers with Creative Briefs by obtaining samples and collating information
• Managing the flow of wine information through the Global business
• Managing contracts on SAP, in conjunction with the Buyer and Supplier; creation of new contracts, extending existing contracts and deleting old contracts.
• Covering the role of the other Buyers Assistants in case of holiday/sickness etc.
• Training the wider team on the use of SAP, AX and the Portal
• Recording medal wins on the Accolades report and on SAP

Other jobs to complete once the key tasks are finished

• When required, attend supplier meetings, trips and events with the Buyer, so as to forge a relationship with key suppliers.
• Make wine recommendations for journalist queries.
• Run sweeps for the Buyers in order to find new wines and new suppliers.
• Help the Buyers to launch new products and learn about successful NPD and brand development.
• Forge a close relationship with local Merchandisers around the world, to better understand their requirements of different wines. Attend Buying & Merchandising partnership meetings on occasion.
• Take part in tastings with the Buyers, to learn how to construct a portfolio and how to handle vintage variances.
• Provide a link to events, shops, Outbound and other areas of the business.
• Support the Buyers by organising meetings, booking rooms, setting up resources, taking minutes, sending invites etc.
• QC and Tastography: ensure tastings are set up and scores are logged and circulated
• Manage photography samples
• Assist with competitor tastings, ensuring samples are available, tastings are set up and scores are logged
• Run the Tasting Room Diary

 

Qualifications:

Essential: 
- Educated to A level
- Clean driving licence

Desired: 
- WSET qualifications
- Educated to degree level

Experience:

Desired: 
- 6 month’s work experience in a similar busy office environment
- Work experience in the wine trade outside of Direct Wines

Preferred: Computer literate with experience of Excel spreadsheets (and SAP/ AX ideally but can be trained)

 

Personal Qualities and Skills:

• Organised and able to work to deadlines
• Ability to work with a team
• Ability to work independently on specific projects
• Some wine knowledge helpful but willingness to learn
• Grounded and good attention to detail
• Quick and accurate
• Able to switch tasks rapidly
• Positive and proactive personality
• Flexible approach to working hours
• French or other languages useful but not essential

---