At a Glance
- Tasks: Own seasonal product ranges, driving growth through data-driven decisions and supplier collaboration.
- Company: Join Argos, a leading digital retailer shaping the future of shopping.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, flexible working, and a performance-related bonus up to 10%.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team creating memorable seasonal experiences for customers.
- Qualifications: Buying experience with a knack for data analysis and supplier management.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Salary: Competitive Plus Benefits
Location: London Store Support Centre and Home, London, EC1M 6HA
Hours: Full time
Contract type: Fixed-Term Assignment
Business area: Argos
Closing date: 29 September 2026
At Argos, we’re a digital-led UK retailer that keeps pushing boundaries to meet every generation with what they want, how and when they want it. As a market leader in general merchandise, serving millions of customers through our website, app, same-day delivery and Click & Collect services, we offer real opportunities to learn, grow and shape your career.
About the team
Our Seasonals team brings some of Argos’ most exciting and customer-loved moments to life, from year-round gifting to the products that make Christmas feel special. Sitting within Argos Commercial & Digital, the team works closely with Merchandising, Design, Product Development, Global Sourcing, Digital, Marketing and suppliers to create relevant, competitive ranges that deliver for customers and the business.
More about the role
As Buyer for Seasonals, you’ll take ownership of assigned ranges across Events & Gifting, translating the category strategy into a customer-focused proposition that delivers profitable growth. You’ll manage range selection and architecture, pricing, supplier activity, forecasts and promotional plans, using sales, margin, stock, availability, digital and customer insight to guide your decisions.
A major focus will be progressing the next Christmas range towards January sign-off. You’ll work with Design, Product Development, Global Sourcing and the Assistant Buyer to develop products and build ranges across areas such as trees, decorations and lighting, while also trading the current Christmas offer. You’ll manage supplier relationships and negotiations, collaborate with Merchandising on budgets and forecasts, and adapt plans in response to performance, market trends and competitor activity.
More about you
- You’ll bring buying experience and evidence of making commercial decisions for a product range.
- You’ll be comfortable interpreting multiple data sources, including sales, margin, stock, customer and competitor insight, and turning that analysis into clear range, pricing or trading actions.
- You’ll also have experience of working with suppliers and cross-functional teams to deliver plans against agreed measures.
- Exposure to both own-brand product development and branded ranges will be important.
- If you are currently an Assistant Buyer, you will need to demonstrate that you have already led decisions and deliverables at the level required to step into a C4 Buyer role.
Buying experience with direct accountability for a product range, or Assistant Buyer experience with evidence of independently leading commercial decisions.
Evidence of using sales, margin, stock, availability, customer and competitor data to make range, pricing or trading decisions against defined targets.
Experience of developing both own-brand and branded product ranges, including product selection and collaboration with design, product development or sourcing teams.
Experience of supplier management and commercial negotiation, including pricing, promotional funding or supplier performance targets.
Evidence of delivering a range or category plan through cross-functional stakeholders in a retail or other complex multi-channel environment.
We are committed to being a truly inclusive retailer, so you’ll be welcomed whoever you are and wherever you work. Around here, there’s always the chance to try something new - whether that’s as part of an evolving team or somewhere else across the business - and we take development seriously and promise to support you. We also recognise and celebrate colleagues when they go the extra mile and, where possible, offer flexible working.
When you join our team, we’ll also offer you an amazing range of benefits. Here are some of them:
- Starting off with colleague discount, you'll be able to get 10% off at Sainsbury's, Argos, TU and Habitat after 4 weeks. This increases to 15% off at Sainsbury’s every Friday and Saturday and 15% off at Argos every pay day.
- We’ve also got you covered for your future with our pensions scheme and life cover.
- You'll also be able to share in our success as you may be eligible for a performance-related bonus of up to 10% of salary, depending on how we perform.
- Your wellbeing is important to us too. You'll receive an annual holiday allowance, and you can buy additional holiday.
- We also offer other benefits that will help your money go further such as season ticket loans, cycle to work scheme, health cash plans, pay advance (where you can access some of your pay before pay day) as well access to a great range of discounts from hundreds of other retailers.
- And if you ever need it there is also an employee assistance programme.
- Moments that matter are as important to us as they are to you which is why we give up to 26 weeks’ pay for maternity or adoption leave and up to 4 weeks’ pay for paternity leave.
Please see www.sainsburys.jobs for a range of our benefits (note, length of service and eligibility criteria may apply).
Buyer – Seasonals (6 month FTC) employer: Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd
As a Customer and Trading Manager on the nightshift at our Bridgend store, you will be part of a dynamic team that values bold leadership and exceptional service. We offer competitive salaries, a generous benefits package including discounts, bonuses, and wellbeing support, alongside a strong commitment to inclusivity and employee development. Join us in creating a rewarding work environment where your contributions directly enhance the shopping experience for our customers.
Contact Details:
Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer – Seasonals (6 month FTC)
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer – Seasonals (6 month FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
