Buying Assistant in Nottingham

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Closing date: 7th August 2026

Our sourcing team brings a broad and diverse range of products to life for our retailers, brands and most importantly, our customers. Our global sourcing operation is the power behind The Boots Group retailers and brands. Our team of more than 400 people are located throughout Asia, and the UK, putting us at the heart of the markets we serve and close to our suppliers. The combination of the team’s expertise and the breadth and diversity of our supplier base enables Global Sourcing to bring to life an extraordinarily broad range of products from beauty and healthcare to groceries and toys, with a specialty in the development of owned brand and consumer brand products.

With a razor-sharp focus on product quality, the Global Sourcing team supports delivery against our ambitious sustainability targets through initiatives such as packaging reduction and the eradication of single-use plastic. We also reduce the volume of goods shipped around the world by manufacturing products locally in the regions where they will be sold. Critically, we ensure we only work with suppliers that consistently demonstrate compliance with our ethical sourcing requirements.

The Buying Assistant is a critical role within the EU Global Sourcing team and is responsible for supporting the Buying team in all aspects of managing sourcing and commercial activities. Reporting to a Buying Manager, you will initially be responsible for a wide range of key activities supporting the sourcing/buying team, such as data analysis, supplier negotiation preparation, execution of tenders, supplier performance reporting and working with cross-functional teams.

The ideal candidate will be a cross-functional team player, who is analytical in approach, has excellent Excel skills and presentation capabilities, and is able to demonstrate clear communication and organisation, showing enthusiasm and flexibility.

• Gather and analyse data to support reporting
• Support with cost-saving opportunities
• Support the buying team with the generation and issuing of buying documentation i.e. RFI, RFQ information
• Support with cost-saving initiatives to help deliver category targets
• Administer cost price queries, business award letters, recording of supplier key information
• Develop and maintain close working relationships with all areas to ensure cross-functional/business-working initiatives are delivered
• Contribute to the development & implementation of Best Practice for continuous improvement
• General sourcing team administrative tasks

• Will be of A level standard or equivalent, or holds GCSEs with 2 years’ experience, some office environment experience preferable but not essential
• Excellent organisation and communication skills are essential
• Computer literate and proficient in working with Microsoft Office applications particularly Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
• You should be numerate, have great attention to detail whilst working within a process framework
• Be a team player; use your own initiative, work to deadlines and able to prioritise workload
• The successful candidate will need to be capable of building strong relationships and be comfortable working with the challenge of a changing environment and supporting a diverse team
• Multi-tasking and flexibility are a requisite for this position

• Any buying or commercial experience would be an advantage but not essential.

• Boots Retirement Savings Plan (up to 12% company contribution)
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Generous employee discounts for you and a family member
• Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave pay and gift card for anyone expecting or adopting a child
• Flexible benefits scheme including option to buy additional holiday, discounted gym membership, life assurance, activity passes and much more.
• Access to free, 24/7 counselling and support through TELUS Health, our Employee Assistance Programme.

At Boots, 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.

If you apply, our team will be in touch to let you know the outcome of your application or to arrange next steps. Where a role is advertised as full-time, we are open to discussing part-time and job share options. If you require additional support as part of the application and interview process, we are happy to provide reasonable adjustments to help you be at your best.

This role requires the successful candidate to complete a pre-employment check after receiving an offer. Depending on your location, you will be asked to submit either a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service), PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) or an Access NI Check.

Boots is a Ban the Box employer and will consider the suitability of applicants with criminal convictions on a case-by-case basis.