Careers

Gardners are one of the world’s largest supplier of books, films and music. We are a family-run business with a large scale operation within Eastbourne constantly re-investing within our growing business.

We have a number of vacancies that have arisen to become a part of our buying team at Gardners. Our buying team are a fundamental part of our business and we are recruiting for stock and administrative controllers to join the team.

Our stock and administrative controllers are responsible for a variety of day-to-day tasks that aide the team and keep the systems moving smoothly. 

We are looking for highly organised and motivated candidates who will be responsible for assisting both our buyers, and our stock control team. 

This position involves administering and controlling stock holding across all areas of the book business on multiple sites.

Working with the buying manager the Controller will assist the buying department by raising order and returns as well as the administration and control of stock entering and exiting the business.

• Working with suppliers and other departments at all levels the position will involve but not be limited to:
• Raising orders and Publisher returns and following up on these to their completion.
• Controlling reorder quantities and stock levels.
• Liaising with Suppliers and other Departments of the business
• Creating and manipulating Excel spreadsheets
• Day to day administration tasks in line with company best practice.
• Chasing suppliers for return authorisation.

Key attributes and skills:

• Strong organisational skills
• Good working knowledge of the Microsoft suite, particularly MS Excel and MS Word.
• Ability to prioritise workload effectively
• Good communication skills, both written and spoken
• Ability to work accurately and efficiently whilst under pressure
• Good communication skills
• Able to work under instruction and using their own initiative
• Able to work with reports and analyse data to produce new reports

The buying team promotes a strong team culture, you will be working with various different members of not only the team, but other departments, publishers and with colleagues at all levels. It is key you are able to work well as part of a team, but also to be able to work on projects alone.

The role is based from our offices in Eastbourne. The hours are from 9am to 5.30pm Monday – Friday.

We are currently recruiting for a Digital Publisher Assistant to support the Head of Digital Content. This position will involve acquiring content from new suppliers, liaising with existing suppliers concerning sales opportunities, suppliers sales reporting, inventory control and liaise with all levels of management both internally and externally.

The successful candidate will also be providing support to our UK, International Sales and Buying teams, working within a dedicated Digital team based in Gardners’ Eastbourne office.

Key Responsibilities

• Liaising with publishers and customers in regard to sales opportunities and promotions.
• Responsible for all aspects of publisher and customer service, for a portfolio of publishers and customers.
• Supporting our UK and International Sales teams for our digital products and services.

Knowledge & Skills

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Computer literate and familiar with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and Outlook).
• Excellent organisation, prioritisation and problem solving skills.
• Self-motivated and able to use own initiative.
• Have the ability to work both independently and as a team member

Experience Required

Previous experience in a sales or buying capacity will be an advantage. This position is ideal for a candidate wishing to establish a career in eBooks and digital services.  Further specific technical and non-technical training will be provided as required.

This position will be based at Eastbourne offices with ability for some homeworking if and when applicable. Salary will be dependent on experience and ability.

If you are interesting in applying, please send a C.V. and covering letter to personnel@gardners.com. Alternatively, you can post to: Personnel, Gardners, 1 Whittle Drive, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN23 6QH.