At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a lean Procurement team and shape sourcing strategies across diverse categories.
- Company: Argos, a well-known brand with a start-up mentality.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, flexible working, and a performance-related bonus.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth and development in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact from day one in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, contract management, and supplier negotiations.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Argos is entering an exciting new chapter, and we're building a dedicated Procurement team to help shape it. This is a rare chance to join a lean team right at the start of its journey. Think start-up mentality inside a well-known, established business: there's plenty to inherit, and even more to build, challenge and improve.
The role is based in London or Coventry, with hybrid working – typically two days a week in the office on average.
As a Buyer, you'll support the development and delivery of commercial sourcing strategies across a blend of categories rather than one narrow area. You'll work closely with Procurement Managers, Heads of Procurement and stakeholders across Argos to make sure every sourcing decision gets the balance of cost, quality and risk right.
Day to day, you'll prepare and run sourcing activities, negotiate with suppliers, manage contracts and provide the analysis behind category plans, all in line with Procurement Policy. A big focus will be the legacy contracts moving across and helping Argos get its cost base in order. That means finding ways to reduce cost, bringing creative thinking and questioning how things have always been done. In a lean team, your contribution will be visible from day one.
You'll bring a solid grounding in procurement and the hands-on experience to hit the ground running, including contract management, which is central to this role. You're comfortable managing suppliers and stakeholders, working across functions and owning your workload with limited supervision. You're curious about supply markets, methodical in how you solve problems and energised by pace, change and the chance to challenge the status quo.
Experience from any fast-paced, complex organisation would be a great fit. Breadth gained in a smaller business, where you've worked across a range of categories, would also be a real plus. It would be great, though not essential, if you have category experience in technology and digital or logistics, or in marketing or property.
Essential criteria
- Demonstrable knowledge of procurement principles, sourcing techniques and category planning.
- Proven experience of preparing and managing sourcing activities, including supplier negotiations and contract management.
- Proven ability to analyse commercial and supply-market information, solve problems methodically and prioritise work with limited supervision.
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 save 10% on your shopping online and instore at Sainsbury's, Argos, TU and Habitat, and we regularly increase the discount to 15% at points during the year.
- 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 up to an additional week's 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, salary 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).
Procurement Buyer - Argos in London employer: Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's in Torquay offers a vibrant work environment where teamwork and customer service are at the heart of everything we do. As a Night Shift Trading Assistant, you'll benefit from comprehensive training, opportunities for personal growth, and the chance to make a real difference in our community by ensuring our store is well-stocked and welcoming. Join us for a rewarding experience in a supportive atmosphere that values your contributions and encourages career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Buyer - Argos in London
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Sainsbury's.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Buyer - Argos in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Sainsbury's:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Sainsbury's. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Sainsbury's.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sainsbury's
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Sainsbury's!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Sainsbury's. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Sainsbury's's culture.
