At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Small Electricals team and manage iconic kitchen brands.
- Company: Be part of the UK's largest employee-owned business with a focus on retail excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, night premium pay, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Exciting growth opportunities and a supportive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Kickstart your buying career in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Strong admin skills, a passion for retail, and teamwork experience.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 38900 € per year.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Are you ready to kickstart your buying career alongside the biggest names in kitchen tech? We are looking for a talented, retail obsessed Buying Assistant to join our fast-paced Small Electricals team. From the iconic curves of SMEG and KitchenAid to the everyday reliability of Russell Hobbs, you’ll be at the heart of the team managing the brands that define the modern British home. If you’re a collaborative spirit who thrives in a high-energy environment, this is your chance to put your stamp on an iconic retail brand.
In addition to your contractual pay, any time worked between 22:00 - 06:00 will attract Night Premium at a rate of £4.25 per hour. This will also apply to existing Partners who have enrolled onto Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements.
Salary: £28,000.00 - £38,900.00 per annum
Expected salary: Up to £31,000 depending on skill and experience
Contract type: This is a permanent opportunity
Location: This is a hybrid working role. The normal place of work for this role is our London Central Office in Pimlico. The expectation is a minimum of 3 days per week in the office as team collaboration is critical in this role - core days are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Key responsibilities:
- Managing milestones and adhering to standard processes
- Supporting, buying and executing the administrative tasks required across critical path management, pricing, range building, marketing, and trading activities for your assigned category
- Taking responsibility for the complete competitor and assortment analysis, working with supplier and internal teams to collate and deliver events, marketing activities, samples, range building and assortment reviews
- You will take pride in executing work in a right first time and accurate manner. You will be able to flex to the ebb and flow of seasonal demands, including supporting additional categories as the need arises
- Externally you will maintain operational relationships with our Suppliers
- You will propose actions to your category group and execute their decisions within their critical path, assortment, marketing and range plans templates. You will manage exceptions to these processes with the relevant stakeholders
- You will be responsible for coordinating with Suppliers and internal teams to deliver digital assets and samples required for marketing activities/events online and in branches
- You will be responsible for executing administrative tasks to support packaging development and pricing activities where required
Essential skills and/or experience you’ll need:
- Strong administration skills
- A willingness to learn
- A passion for retail and enthusiasm for collaborative working
- A true people person with experience of using the Google Suite
Desirable skills and/or experience you may have:
- Retail experience/Buying experience
Closing Date: May 17, 2026
Pay: £28,000.00 - £38,900.00 Annual
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours of Work: 35 hours a week, Monday to Friday
Job Level: Partnership Level 9
Where You'll Be Working: London Central Office, 1 Drummond Gate, London, SW1V 2QQ
ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP
We’re the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees, we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to our future, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us. We’re ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify. Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food-lovers in Waitrose. As Partners we all share the responsibility of ownership and in its rewards. We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through the good and challenging times, holding true to our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect. We all own making the Partnership somewhere we belong. Embracing our differences and creating an environment where we’re free to be ourselves and can THRIVE. Growing ourselves individually, and as a collective. As Partners, we make all the difference. And, we all own it.
Important points to note:
It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third-party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles.
We also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early if we see a high number of applicants. We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.
Buying Assistant, Small Kitchen Appliances employer: John Lewis
Join a dynamic team at the heart of retail innovation in our London Central Office, where you'll have the opportunity to work with iconic brands and contribute to a collaborative culture that values every Partner's voice. With a strong focus on employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to creating a supportive environment, we empower you to thrive both personally and professionally while enjoying competitive benefits including a Night Premium for late shifts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying Assistant, Small Kitchen Appliances
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at the company you're eyeing. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the brands you'll be working with. Knowing your SMEG from your KitchenAid will show your passion for retail and impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want you to sound genuine and enthusiastic about the role, so let your personality shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying Assistant, Small Kitchen Appliances
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Retail:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for retail shine through! Share any experiences or insights that highlight your love for the industry and how it aligns with our values at StudySmarter.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our Small Electricals team, so be clear about your relevant background!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read and understand your key achievements and skills. Remember, clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis
✨Know Your Brands
Familiarise yourself with the brands you'll be working with, like SMEG and KitchenAid. Understand their unique selling points and how they fit into the modern British home. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion for retail during the interview.
✨Show Off Your Admin Skills
Since strong administration skills are essential for this role, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed tasks in previous jobs. Be ready to discuss your experience with tools like Google Suite, as this will show you're equipped to handle the administrative side of the job.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
This role requires a collaborative spirit, so think of instances where you've worked effectively in a team. Share stories that highlight your ability to communicate and work well with others, especially in high-energy environments.
✨Be Ready to Adapt
The job involves managing seasonal demands and flexing to support additional categories. Prepare to discuss how you've adapted to changing circumstances in past roles, showcasing your flexibility and willingness to learn.
