Group Junior Buyer - 12 months Fixed Term Contract in Doncaster

Were home to DFS, Sofology, and The Sofa Delivery Company – three distinctive brands with a shared mission to bring great design and comfort into every home, affordably, responsibly, and sustainably.

At DFS Group, everyone plays a part. Whether youre supporting our brands or serving our customers, youre helping shape the future of furniture retail. Each brand has its own identity and creative direction, but were united by a culture that puts people and purpose at the heart of everything we do.

What will your day to day look like?

• Full ownership of product set up, maintaining accurate data entry

• Maintain the new product development critical path to ensure new product launches on time

• Complete competitor comp shops and become an expert in market knowledge and identify product gaps and opportunities

• Meeting preparation for all Product Sign Off meetings, including presentation and sample management

• Management of product walk arounds and preparation for key meetings with other stakeholders such as marketing/creative

• Support the Buyers & Senior Buyers with price negotiations

• Ensure samples and swatches are requested on time for new product photography

• Engage with stores and digital on new product launches by providing engagement training packs

• Support the business on product queries

• Resolve invoice queries for all suppliers

• Support the Buyers & Senior Buyers with supplier sample review meetings including note/minutes taking and key action follow ups with the suppliers

• Build and maintain a strong relationship with suppliers

• Work with cross functional teams across the business including Quality, Marketing, Online, Photography and Commercial department

• Understand and be able to differentiate product ranges across two group brands, ensuring clear identity, positioning, and target customers

• Retail pricing ranges ensuring accuracy and working to tight deadlines

• Cost price management with suppliers with clear documentmentation

• Checking the website and brand pages for accuracy once live

• Ensure presence in store for all new launches and take ownership of the retail comms feedback with recommendations to Buyers/Senior Buyers

• Support the Buyers in managing stocked product ranges

• Support Buyers on ad hoc tasks and requests

• Drive sale campaign opportunities working with the Marketing/ Web team creating strong cross functional relationships.

• Work with the merch team and use data to make strong recommendations to the Buyer/Senior Buyer

• Accountable for all buying admin, ensuring all data is stored in relevant places and updated accordingly

• Deliver high quality briefs with clear direction and detail to bring to life with suppliers

Ideal experience:

• Past buying experience would be beneficial

• Passionate about home interiors, furniture, or homeware retail sector

• Numerate with good analytical skills

• Strong organisational skills

• High levels of attention to detail

• Excellent PC skills, in particular Excel, Google drive

• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written

• Ability to build relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders

• A determination to succeed whilst showing empathy

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment and to tight deadlines

• Resilient, self-motivated and able to work well under pressure

• Confident, assertive and round thinking

• Develop a strong understanding of the systems and recommend ways to improve

• Creative whilst having strong commercial acumen and exceptional attention to detail.

• Comfortable presenting to wider business.

What\’s in it for you?..

• Sharesave
• Annual Bonus Scheme: Contribute to our success and get rewarded for it
• Growth and Training: Learn new skills and develop your career with us
• Leave: Enjoy a great holiday allowance, with the option to buy 5 extra days. Take advantage of our enhanced leave for Maternity, Paternity, Shared Parental, and Adoption, plus a paid volunteering day each year
• Discounts: Get 30% off DFS and Sofology products for yourself, plus discounts for friends and family – and savings at big brands like Sainsburys, ASOS, and IKEA
• Wellbeing Perks: Access healthcare services, an Employee Assistance Programme, and discounted gym memberships
• Pension and Savings: Join our Group Pension and Sharesave schemes
• Life Assurance & Sick Pay: Peace of mind with Life Assurance and Company Sick Pay