At a Glance
- Tasks: Support buyers in achieving sales and profitability targets while learning about product management.
- Company: Join a sustainable food company committed to ethical sourcing and positive impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 33 days holiday, weekly fruit box, and up to 35% discount on products.
- Other info: Enjoy structured training, mentoring, and clear progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in buying while making a difference in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Recent graduate with strong analytical skills and a passion for sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 32000 £ per year.
Reports to
Senior Grocery Buyer
Working hours
Full time (37.5 hours over 5 days, Monday-Friday)
Location
Putney or Andover with regular travel to alternative site. Flexibility to visit suppliers across the country also required.
We have a hybrid working environment, with a minimum of two days in the office required per week.
Role Summary
We are looking for an ambitious and motivated graduate who is excited about building a career in buying and passionate about food, sustainability and making a positive impact through business.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone at the start of their professional journey who is eager to learn, develop new skills, and gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced commercial environment.
You don't need previous buying experience to be successful in this role.
We're looking for someone with the right mindset: curious, proactive, highly organised, and keen to take ownership of their development.
You'll enjoy working with data, building relationships, solving problems, and spotting opportunities to improve how we do things.
You'll also have a genuine interest in food, consumer trends and sustainable sourcing, and be excited by the opportunity to help shape a range that is better for people and the planet.
As a Buying Assistant, you'll work closely with experienced buyers and suppliers, supporting the day-to-day management of product ranges while developing a strong understanding of how commercial decisions are made.
You'll gain exposure to negotiations, product launches, promotions, supplier management, and category performance, providing a solid foundation for a long-term career in buying.
Working with our network of fantastic farmers and producers, you'll learn how to balance commercial success with our ethical and environmental commitments, helping us bring great-tasting, responsibly sourced products to customers' doorsteps.
If you're enthusiastic, resilient, eager to learn, and motivated by the idea of building a career in buying while contributing to a more sustainable food system, we'd love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
- Supporting Buyers in delivering category commercial objectives, including sales, margin and profitability targets.
- Analysing category, customer and market data to identify trends, opportunities and areas for improvement.
- Assisting with new product launches, product reviews and range optimisation activities.
- Supporting the planning and execution of promotional activity in collaboration with Trading and Marketing teams.
- Building positive relationships with suppliers through regular communication and administration support.
- Working closely with the Dry Goods Supply Chain Planning Team to help maximise availability and minimise wastage.
- Supporting the maintenance of accurate product, supplier and pricing information.
- Collaborating with teams across Marketing, Technical, Sustainability, Operations and Customer Services.
- Contributing ideas that help improve our ranges, ways of working and customer experience.
- Acting as an ambassador for our B Corp values by considering the social and environmental impact of decisions and identifying opportunities to use business as a force for good.
What We're Looking For
You don't need previous buying experience to thrive in this role.
Instead, we're looking for someone who demonstrates the potential, ambition and attitude to build a successful career in buying.
Key Requirements
- A recent graduate or someone with equivalent transferable experience and a genuine interest in pursuing a career in buying.
- Strong numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and identify insights.
- Commercial curiosity and an interest in retail, food and consumer trends.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- A proactive and enthusiastic approach to learning and personal development.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- A flexible and positive attitude, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
- The confidence to take ownership of tasks and work independently when required.
- A passion for sustainability and a desire to support Abel & Cole's mission and values.
What We Offer
- Structured training and mentoring
- Clear progression opportunities
- Support towards continued professional development
- 33 days inclusive of bank holidays (FTE)
- A free box of fruit and veg every week
- Up to 35% discount on A&C products
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Contributory pension scheme
- Grant on team sports
- Salary up to £32,000 (FTE), depending on experience
Graduate Grocery Buyer in Putney employer: Abel & Cole
Abel & Cole is an excellent employer that values its employees by offering a supportive work culture and a commitment to professional growth. With flexible working options, generous benefits such as 33 days of holiday, and a contributory pension scheme, the company fosters an environment where financial insights drive meaningful business performance. Join us in a role that not only enhances your analytical skills but also contributes to our mission of delivering exceptional service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Grocery Buyer in Putney
✨Get Visible in Your Community
Retail hiring often happens locally, so don’t hesitate to stroll into shops like Abel & Cole with your CV in hand. Engage with the staff—show them your enthusiasm and ask about any openings. It’s all about making a memorable impression, so don’t shy away from being friendly!
✨Join Retail Job Fairs
Local job fairs are a goldmine for entry-level retail positions. Keep an eye out for events in your area where Abel & Cole might have a booth. This allows us to chat directly with hiring managers and get the inside scoop on what they're looking for!
✨Leverage Your Social Networks
Utilise social media platforms to let your friends and family know you're on the hunt for an entry-level retail gig. You’d be amazed at how many opportunities come from a simple post. Ask if anyone’s heard about openings at Abel & Cole or similar spots—it’s all about tapping into your network!
✨Look for Seasonal Opportunities
Retail often ramps up staffing during holiday seasons, so keep an eye out for temporary positions. Get in touch with Abel & Cole around times like Christmas or Black Friday. Applying for seasonal roles can sometimes lead to permanent positions if you impress!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Grocery Buyer in Putney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, it's all about the customer experience! Make sure your CV highlights any previous customer service roles or relevant experiences. Whether it's a part-time gig or volunteering, include instances where you’ve gone above and beyond for customers to showcase your people skills.
Keep It Clear and Concise:Retail hiring managers sift through tons of applications, so get straight to the point. Tailor your CV to include key information like your availability and any retail experience, but make it easy to read. Bullet points and a tidy layout can make all the difference for those first impressions!
Craft a Friendly Cover Letter:Since this is an entry-level position, let your enthusiasm shine through in your cover letter! Mention why you're excited about working at Abel & Cole specifically—people love to see a genuine connection. Talk about your willingness to learn and how you're ready to take on the challenges of retail.
Research and Refer to Retail Trends:Showing knowledge of the retail industry can set you apart! Briefly mention some current retail trends or issues in your application to demonstrate your interest and understanding of the market. It’ll show that you’re not just any applicant but someone who genuinely cares about the brand and its customers.
How to prepare for a job interview at Abel & Cole
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In the retail world, customer service is king! Get ready to share your experiences dealing with customers, whether it’s from previous jobs or volunteering. Think about examples where you handled tough situations or went the extra mile, as employers like Abel & Cole want to see that you’ve got the people skills to keep their customers happy.
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
Before heading to your interview at Abel & Cole, take a deep dive into their product range. If you have a particular brand or category you're passionate about, bring that enthusiasm to the conversation. Familiarising yourself with their values and bestsellers can really set you apart as someone who's not just looking for any job, but is genuinely interested in retail.
✨Dress the Part – Retail Style
For an entry-level role in retail, your appearance can say a lot about your understanding of the industry. Dress smart but relatable—think about what you'd wear on the shop floor. Showing that you understand the brand image of Abel & Cole through your style can give you an edge right from the get-go.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Retail is all about teamwork! Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a positive team environment at Abel & Cole. Having stories that illustrate how you've worked well with others, whether in school projects or group activities, can showcase your collaborative spirit, which is crucial for an entry-level position.
