Finlay Marsh
Chippenham,Wiltshire
Summary
Accomplished Assistant Buyer with expertise in category management and sales analysis, leveraging strong skills in forecasting and supplier relations/negotiations to drive business success.
Demonstrates a deep understanding of retail systems within TGJones, including Teradata and True Margin, complemented by proficiency in Microsoft Office applications such as Excel and PowerPoint. Committed to enhancing category performance through fresh ideas and out-of-the-box thinking, supporting decisions with comprehensive sales analysis and market research.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Assistant buyer
WHSmith/TGJones
Swindon, Wiltshire
03.2023 - Current
- Collaborated closely with Buyers in developing and managing books ranges and promotions across multiple categories.
- Engaged with suppliers during in-person and virtual meetings, including participation in industry events such as London Book Fair, to strengthen professional relationships.
- Assisted in creation of sales forecasts to aid buying decisions, utilising product knowledge and TCM data.
- Analysed sales data, market trends, and customer demand to support buying decisions.
- Managed administrative tasks effectively, contributing to organised workflow within the buying team.
- Maintained accurate product information and pricing within internal systems.
- Negotiated favourable terms for firm sale product, achieving cost savings for the company.
- Produced comprehensive sales and performance reports for trade meetings and promotional sign-offs.
Customer service assistant
Reel Cinema
Chippenham, Wiltshire
04.2021 - 03.2023
- Managed time efficiently during peak hours to limit customer waiting periods.
- Adapted quickly to changes in store layout or product range, minimising disruption to service delivery .
- Collaborated well within a team setting, fostering a positive working atmosphere .
- Prioritised tasks during busy periods for maximised productivity .
- Resolved complex customer issues by employing strategic problem-solving techniques.
- Assisted in the training of new staff members, ensuring consistency in service delivery.
Store design executive
WHSmith
Swindon, Wiltshire
08.2019 - 12.2019
- A work-from-home FTC to provide work experience within store layouts and management
- Worked independently to categorise and label multiple store layouts, ensuring task accuracy and knowledge of categories.
- Ensured timely completion of project milestones with strict deadline management.
- Communicated effectively with the project manager at all times.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Media
University of Portsmouth
Portsmouth 09.2016 - 07.2019
Skills
- Category management
- Sales analysis and forecasting
- Supplier relationship management
- Negotiation support
- Market research
- Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint
- Retail systems within TGJones (Teradata, True Margin)
- Publishing industry knowledge
- Commercial awareness
Timeline
Assistant buyer
WHSmith/TGJones
03.2023 - Current
Customer service assistant
Reel Cinema
04.2021 - 03.2023
Store design executive
WHSmith
08.2019 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Media
University of Portsmouth
09.2016 - 07.2019