At a Glance
- Tasks: Launch your career in Buying with hands-on experience and real impact on business objectives.
- Company: Join Boots, a leading retailer with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, employee discounts, flexible benefits, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Structured development pathway with opportunities for mentorship and networking.
- Why this job: Gain valuable insights and skills while working on exciting projects in a dynamic retail setting.
- Qualifications: Must be on track for a 2:1 degree or above and have a passion for problem-solving.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Application closing date: 19th April 2026
Assessment centre dates: May 2026
Start date: September 2026
Location: Nottingham, Support Office
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Recruitment Partner: Anastasia Walker
About the programme
Our Graduate Programme offers an exciting opportunity to launch your career in Buying. From day one, you will be placed in a hands-on role where you will make a meaningful contribution to key business objectives. This three-year scheme begins with a 4-week in-store placement, giving you valuable first-hand insight into our customers and the day-to-day operations of our retail environment. Following this, you will move into a category specific role in our Nottingham Support office, taking responsibility for the day-to-day management of an area. Over the course of the programme, you will complete two role rotations, each for the duration of 18 months, to broaden your experience across 2 of our core business units: Beauty, Healthcare, and General Merchandise. Each placement is designed to expand your network whilst giving you real ownership and exposure. You will collaborate with both internal teams and external partners to build and deliver category plans. The programme will help you to develop skills, knowledge and provides all the stretch and challenge needed to accelerate a career at Boots. The programme will include functional specific and certified negotiation training to ensure you are set up for success. You will be supported throughout the programme by a dedicated line manager, alongside a mentor. You will also have opportunities to connect with senior leaders, expand your network, and take part in development sessions to support your own personal and professional development. The 3-year scheme offers a clear and structured development pathway, preparing you to progress into a permanent Assistant Category Manager or Category Manager role upon completion, depending on your performance.
Key responsibilities
- As you will be placed within a Category team, you will have a direct opportunity to influence category plans, performance and growth.
- You will build relationships both internally and externally with our large supplier base, working collaboratively to negotiate the most sought-after products and brands in the market whilst ensuring you agree the optimum promotional and marketing plans for your category areas.
- Demonstrating your team management skills, organising & prioritising multiple processes to ensure your category plans land in stores right first time.
- You will also implement the commercial strategy working towards core Budget targets and managing the category Profit & Loss to achieve these targets.
- You will work with the marketing team to secure the best possible plans and reviewing potential product and brand launches and deciding if they align with the Boots strategic priorities.
- Work with your Category assistant to support their development and progression.
What you will need to have (our must-haves)
- On track to achieve, or already holds, a 2:1 degree or above
- A strong desire to problem-solve and adapt in fast-paced, changing environment
- Demonstrates excellent organisational and time management skills
- Confidently challenges processes and data to drive efficiencies
- Work well as part of a team, and to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Shows drive for self-development and continuous growth
- Has a genuine passion for our products, brand, and what we do
Rewards designed for you
- Pension membership (PRSA)
- Partial paid maternity leave
- Discretionary annual bonus
- Generous employee discounts
- Flexible benefits scheme
Equal Opportunity
At Boots UK, we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, creating a place where everyone feels welcome, supported and free to be themselves. We believe that when our people feel valued and included, they thrive, so we’re committed to creating a brilliant Boots for our people so they can make a difference for our customers and colleagues every time.
Buying Graduate employer: BOOTS
Boots UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic Graduate Programme that empowers you to kickstart your career in Buying within a supportive and inclusive work culture. Located in Nottingham, our three-year scheme provides hands-on experience, structured development pathways, and opportunities for personal growth, all while fostering collaboration with internal teams and external partners. With benefits like flexible working arrangements, generous employee discounts, and dedicated mentorship, Boots is committed to nurturing talent and ensuring every employee feels valued and included.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Graduate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn, especially those in buying roles. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the assessment centre by practising common interview questions and role-play scenarios. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the brand! Research Boots’ products and values, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals. This will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Graduate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buying Graduate role. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our team right from the start!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for buying and why you’re excited about this opportunity at Boots. Let us know what makes you tick and how you can add value to our team.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples where you've demonstrated problem-solving abilities. We love candidates who can adapt and thrive in fast-paced environments, so share those stories with us!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the programme there!
How to prepare for a job interview at BOOTS
✨Know Your Buying Basics
Before the interview, brush up on the fundamentals of buying and merchandising. Understand key terms and concepts related to category management, supplier relationships, and promotional strategies. This will show your enthusiasm and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully tackled challenges or improved processes. Highlight how you adapted to changing situations, as this is crucial in a fast-paced environment like buying.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key in this role, think of instances where you worked effectively within a team. Be ready to discuss how you built relationships with colleagues and external partners, and how you contributed to achieving common goals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the graduate programme and the company’s approach to buying. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values and career aspirations.
