Graduate Buyer

Graduate Buyer

Birmingham Entry level 20000 - 26000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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SF Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team as a Graduate Buyer, analysing trends and supporting product sourcing.
  • Company: We're a growing retail business in Tyseley, focused on innovation and development.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, Monday to Friday hours, and opportunities for career growth.
  • Other info: Work closely with experienced professionals and contribute to exciting market expansion projects.
  • Why this job: Kickstart your career in a dynamic environment with hands-on experience and mentorship.
  • Qualifications: Recent graduates with a 2:1 or above in relevant fields and strong analytical skills are welcome.

The predicted salary is between 20000 - 26000 £ per year.

SF Recruitment have partnered with an established retail business in Tyseley, who are currently on a trajectory of growth and are looking to recruit a Graduate Buyer/Merchandiser. This role is perfect for somebody who has recently graduated, and wants to start their career within an organisation that is growing and will offer brilliant development opportunities.

Salary: £25,000-£26,000

Working pattern: site based Monday to Friday 9am-5.30pm

Responsibilities will include:

  • Market Intelligence: Research emerging retail trends, competitor analysis, and consumer behaviour patterns
  • Buying Support: Collaborate with our experienced buying team to source innovative products from both established UK brands and emerging suppliers
  • Trade Market Development: Help identify product opportunities for our new trade customer segment, analysing what local Birmingham tradespeople and contractors need
  • Data-Driven Merchandising: Analyse sales patterns across our 20,000+ product lines, optimise inventory levels, and support pricing strategies
  • Digital Growth: Support our organic traffic-driven e-commerce platform with product trend insights and competitive positioning
  • Strategic Reporting: Present actionable insights to senior management to inform our expansion into tiles and new market segments

What We're Seeking:

  • Recent graduate with a 2:1 or above in Business, Marketing, Economics, Mathematics, or related analytical discipline
  • Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and data interpretation
  • Commercial awareness and genuine passion for retail trends
  • Excellent communication skills - you’ll work with suppliers, internal teams, and potentially trade customers
SF Recruitment

Contact Detail:

SF Recruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Graduate Buyer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with current retail trends and market intelligence. Follow industry news, subscribe to relevant newsletters, and engage with online communities to stay updated on what’s happening in the retail sector.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the retail industry. Attend local events, webinars, or workshops where you can meet potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the buying process and company culture.

✨Tip Number 3

Brush up on your Excel skills, as they are crucial for data analysis in this role. Consider taking an online course or using tutorials to enhance your proficiency in data interpretation and merchandising strategies.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your analytical skills and how they relate to real-world scenarios during interviews. Think of examples from your studies or internships where you successfully analysed data or trends to make informed decisions.

We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Buyer

Analytical Skills
Proficiency in Excel
Data Interpretation
Market Research
Competitor Analysis
Consumer Behaviour Analysis
Commercial Awareness
Communication Skills
Collaboration Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Understanding of Retail Trends
Inventory Management
Pricing Strategy Support
Presentation Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant skills and experiences that align with the Graduate Buyer role. Emphasise any analytical projects, retail experience, or coursework related to buying and merchandising.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for retail and your understanding of market trends. Mention specific examples of how your academic background and skills make you a great fit for the position.

Highlight Analytical Skills: Since the role requires strong analytical skills, provide examples in your application that demonstrate your proficiency in data analysis, particularly using Excel. This could include projects or coursework where you analysed data to draw insights.

Show Enthusiasm for the Brand: Research the retail business and express your enthusiasm for their products and growth trajectory in your application. This shows that you are genuinely interested in contributing to their success.

How to prepare for a job interview at SF Recruitment

✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills

As a Graduate Buyer, strong analytical skills are crucial. Be prepared to discuss your experience with data interpretation and Excel. Bring examples of projects or coursework where you analysed data to draw insights.

✨Demonstrate Market Awareness

Research current retail trends and be ready to discuss them during the interview. Showing that you understand the market landscape and can identify emerging trends will impress the hiring team.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about how you would approach sourcing products or analysing sales patterns. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly.

✨Communicate Effectively

Since the role involves collaboration with various teams and suppliers, strong communication skills are essential. Practice explaining complex ideas simply and clearly, as this will demonstrate your ability to work well with others.

Graduate Buyer
SF Recruitment
Location: Birmingham
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