At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and develop unique gardening products while collaborating with suppliers.
- Company: Join Dobbies, a leading garden centre retailer with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, generous discounts, hybrid working, and professional development support.
- Other info: Collaborative office space with social events and a focus on employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team that champions garden living and makes a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills, commercial awareness, and a passion for retail.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Junior Buyer to join our Gardening team within Buying & Merchandising, based in our Central Support Office in Lasswade.
You will work alongside the Buyer/Senior Buyer to source and develop commercial ranges and unique products that will create the reason for customers to shop at Dobbies.
You will work on developing relationships with suppliers to get the best range and commercial terms for Dobbies.
- Responsibilites
- Build and manage critical path with key business stakeholders
- Develop supplier relationships to ensure product at best price and quality
- Meet company KPIs on sales margin in specific area
- Begin to understand supply chain and work to ensure stock availability
- Review consumer buying patterns to help understand future trends
- Ensure product launch in line with seasonal launch dates
- Attend trade shows and visit suppliers, developing supply base to achieve competitive advantage
- Regularly review performance indicators, such as sales and discount levels and propose actions
- Attend trade fairs to assist in the selection and assembly of new collection of products
- Write reports and forecast sales levels
- Working within multi channel retailing, ensuring product is available and represented across all selling channels
Who we are looking for
- Strong analytical skills
- Commercial awareness
- Creative with an eye for trends and future opportunities
- Comfortable in negotiation
- Ability to cope with the pressure of having to make important decisions and meet tight deadlines
- Positive energy and a strong mind to succeed
- Confident presentation style
- Drive and determination
- Numerical and IT proficient
- A passion for retail
- Can demonstrate our values at all times – we’re one team, getting better everyday. We bring a smile. We live and breathe gardens. We make it work for our customers.
What we offer
- Holiday – enjoy a well deserved break with 33 annual leave days per year (pro-rata for part time)
- Discount – treat yourself with generous uncapped discount across our stores with 50% off in our Restaurants, 25% off in the Garden Centre and 10% off in our food halls
- Hybrid working – a combination of office and home working to help balance your work life balance
- Pension – save for the future with our company contributed enhanced Group Pension Plan
- Season ticket loans – spread the cost of travel with an interest free loan
- Access to Stream – support your financial wellbeing, with ability to access earnings ahead of pay day, save for the future and financial advice
- Access to Retail Trust – seek confidential support, access to a Virtual GP, free counselling service and discounted retail rewards with our employee wellbeing platform
- Access to Dobbies Academy – continue your development with our e Learning platform and development programmes
- Study assistance – invest in your professional development with funded courses and qualifications
- The little things to keep you going through the day – free tea, coffee, and milk
- Collaborative office space – with access to our wellbeing room, learning resources and even a book swap
- Invites to our annual company conference, summer and Christmas social events
About us
At Dobbies, we’re proud to have a history dating back to 1865. We were founded by James Dobbie and are the only garden centre retailer to have stores in every nation across the UK.
Our passion and joy for gardens and plants is what makes us special.
In our stores, we showcase this through own brand and branded products, concession partners and services.
We champion garden living all-year-round.
Many of our stores feature a restaurant or coffee shop, where customers can enjoy refreshments or meals in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
We offer a calendar of events and experiences that bring people and communities together, and we have a national charity partner that both our colleagues and customers raise money for,
We’re committed to being a great place to work.
We’re one team and we encourage our colleagues to be the best version of themselves, every day; to share their wins and celebrate success.
Together, we make it work for our customers.
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Junior Buyer - Gardening employer: Dobbies
Dobbies is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and personal growth. As a Junior Buyer in our Gardening team, you'll benefit from generous annual leave, hybrid working options, and access to professional development through Dobbies Academy, all while being part of a passionate team dedicated to creating memorable customer experiences. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing and a supportive environment, Dobbies is the perfect place for those looking to thrive in the retail sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Buyer - Gardening
✨Get Visible in Your Community
Retail hiring often happens locally, so don’t hesitate to stroll into shops like Dobbies 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 Dobbies 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 Dobbies 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 Dobbies 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 Junior Buyer - Gardening
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 Dobbies 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 Dobbies
✨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 Dobbies 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 Dobbies, 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 Dobbies 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 Dobbies. 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.
