Junior Product Specialist

Junior Product Specialist **Would suit a Buying / Business / or similar Graduate seeking their first role in industry or a Buying Administrator seeking the next step** Trafford Park – Hybrid Working Home Textiles Our Client, a leading supplier of home textiles to the retail industry now has an exciting opportunity for a Junior Product Specialist to join their team. This would be a great opportunity for a Buying / Business / or similar Graduate seeking their first role in industry or a Buying Administrator seeking the next step. The Junior Product Specialist provides operational, administrative, and coordination support across Product Development (PD) and Critical Path (CP) activities. The role is responsible for supporting the day-to-day execution of product development projects, supplier coordination, product data management, and sample administration to ensure projects progress efficiently from concept through to launch. This position plays an important role in maintaining accurate product information, supporting internal teams and external customers, and ensuring product development processes are organised, timely, and commercially aligned. Key Responsibilities Supplier & Commercial Support • Request quotations from suppliers and maintain accurate costing records. • Responsible for communication with suppliers regarding specifications, MOQs, timelines, artwork, and approvals. • Assist with costings where applicable. • Create PD specification sheets where applicable, with Product Developer approval. • Ensure structured stage gates and defined ownership across developments. Product Development & Sample Coordination • Coordinate and manage product samples from suppliers and manufacturing partners. • Track sample requests, deliveries, approvals, amendments, and reworks. • Organise, label, and maintain physical sample libraries and storage areas. • Drive improvements in sustainable components. • Support achievement of sustainability targets. Product Administration & Systems Management • Maintain product libraries, shared drives and internal databases. • Ensure product information, specifications, and records are accurate and up to date. • Support data governance activities by maintaining data accuracy, consistency, and version control. • Assist with the creation and maintenance of product trackers and project status updates. Artwork & Approval Coordination • Support artwork update processes and execution activities. • Coordinate artwork reviews and approvals with internal stakeholders and external partners. • Chase outstanding approvals and ensure all documentation is completed within project timelines. Process & Operational Support • Support the creation and maintenance of process documentation and standard operating procedures. • Assist with administrative tasks across PD and CP teams. • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within product development processes. • Support cross-functional communication between Product, Supply Chain, Sales, Marketing and Quality teams. Skills & Experience • Strong organisational and administrative skills. • High attention to detail and accuracy. • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously. • Good communication and relationship-building skills. • Competent in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. • Ability to work collaboratively across departments. • Proactive and solution-oriented approach. • Comfortable managing data and maintaining systems. Apply online or for further information contact one of our specialist consultants quoting reference number: NJR16835