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 clear career pathway.
- Other info: Connect with mentors and senior leaders for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Gain valuable insights and skills while working on exciting projects in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Must be on track for a 2:1 degree or above with strong problem-solving skills.
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'll be placed in a hands-on role where you'll 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'll 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'll 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'll 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'll be supported throughout the programme by a dedicated line manager, alongside a mentor. You'll 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'll 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 in London 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, extensive training, and clear pathways for career progression, ensuring you develop the skills and connections needed to thrive in the retail industry. With a focus on personal growth and collaboration, you'll be part of a team that values your contributions and fosters a sense of belonging.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Graduate in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or at events. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Buying Graduate role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the assessment centre by practising your problem-solving skills. Get familiar with case studies related to buying and retail, as they'll likely test your ability to think on your feet.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for Boots and its products during interviews. Share specific examples of how you’ve engaged with their brand or similar products in the past to demonstrate your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Graduate in London
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 align with our values.
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!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing talent we’re looking to bring on board!
How to prepare for a job interview at BOOTS
✨Know Your Categories
Before the interview, dive deep into the categories you'll be working with, like Beauty, Healthcare, and General Merchandise. Understand current trends, key products, and customer preferences. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion and readiness to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in fast-paced environments. Think about times when you had to adapt quickly or find creative solutions. This will highlight your ability to thrive under pressure, which is crucial for a Buying Graduate role.
✨Build Relationships
Since the role involves collaborating with internal teams and external suppliers, think of ways you've successfully built relationships in the past. Be ready to discuss how you can leverage these skills to negotiate effectively and drive category plans.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the programme and the company culture. Inquire about the mentorship opportunities or how success is measured in the role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals.
