Interim Retail Support Office / Buying Administrator

About Carraig Donn

Carraig Donn is Ireland's leading retailer specializing in Fashion, Jewellery, and Giftware since 1965. Rooted in rich Irish heritage, the company continues to innovate and evolve to offer customers unique, exclusive, and quality products. The brand prides itself on honest customer service and creating memorable retail experiences through its 40 branches nationwide, employing over 500 individuals across retail, central warehouse, buying offices, dispatch, and e-commerce operations located primarily in Westport, Co. Mayo, with additional buying offices in Ennis and Dublin. The company has ambitious growth plans set over the next decade.

Role Overview

The Interim Retail Support Office/Buying Administrator role is designed to assist Buyers and Stock Controllers in managing stock allocation and serve as a key liaison for all giftware-related inquiries. The position requires close collaboration with internal teams, suppliers, warehousing, and retail stores to ensure efficient, smooth operations within a fast-paced environment. This role reports directly to the Gift & Home Buyer.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist Buyers and Stock Controllers in overseeing Carraig Donn brands and branded ranges allocation and stock management.
• Generate purchase orders for both new products and ongoing replenishment to stores.
• Keep the stock database current, including discontinued, active, and new product lines.
• Coordinate delivery schedules so that stores receive stock timely and suppliers meet agreed delivery dates.
• Manage external deliveries to the distribution center including both domestic and international shipments.
• Ensure all stock is appropriately barcoded, collaborating with buyers and suppliers to maintain accuracy.
• Provide suppliers with Carraig Donn barcodes where applicable.
• Reconcile invoiced prices with initially agreed purchase prices.
• Set up product information on Futura retail system for European suppliers.
• Update and maintain supplier templates, liaising with buyers and store teams to communicate product changes.
• Create and update sale packs for stores and maintain corresponding system records.
• Prepare the main content for the giftware seasonal catalogue.
• Manage seasonal cataloguing, including holding and clearing product samples.
• Participate in store and supplier visits as necessary.
• Compile sales performance reports highlighting fast and slow-moving lines for buyer review.
• Maintain daily communication with stores, head office, and external suppliers.
• Provide backup and support to retail stores as directed by Buyers, Operations Managers, or Retail Support Office Manager.
• Oversee office filing systems ensuring prompt and accurate document management.
• Address departmental administrative queries as they arise.
• Perform additional duties assigned by Buyers and Retail Support Office Manager.

Skills and Knowledge Required

• Superior written and verbal communication capabilities.
• Strong attention to detail combined with effective multitasking abilities.
• Ability to meet deadlines with consistent accuracy.
• Team-oriented mindset while also capable of independent work.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel.
• Familiarity with the Futura retail system is advantageous.

Terms and Conditions

This is a fixed-term contract lasting one year, calling for a full-time commitment of 39 hours per week.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary reflecting your experience and skills.
• Flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance.
• Opportunities for career growth supported by mentorship and professional development programs, including paid apprenticeships leading to level 6 certification.
• A supportive, diverse, and inclusive workplace culture.
• Continuous access to learning resources, training sessions, and workshops.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health and wellbeing plans.
• Generous employee discounts on exclusive product lines and participation in an employee referral program.
• Health-focused initiatives such as bike-to-work schemes and access to an Employee Assistance Programme, alongside mindfulness and lifestyle savings platforms.