At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the home accessories category while building strong brand relationships.
- Company: Join the dynamic team at Very, a leading digital retailer.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 30 days holiday, and a £1000 benefits allowance.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with a focus on personal development and team success.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced environment with real ownership and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience as an Assistant Buyer or Category Assistant, preferably in homeware.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
About Us
We're the team behind digital retailer Very. Our purpose, helping families get more out of life, powers everything we do. And we want our people to get more out of life too! If you're high-performing, ambitious and make the most of every opportunity, we want to hear from you. In return, you'll enjoy heaps of flexibility, great perks and benefits, and the freedom to be yourself, keep learning and take your career wherever you want it to go.
About The Role
This Junior Buyer role brings real ownership. You will lead and develop an Assistant Buyer while taking responsibility for delivering the branded home accessories category, working with some of the biggest homeware brands in the market and hitting key trading milestones. Working closely with the Buying Manager, you will play a key part in shaping the category strategy and how it supports the wider retail vision. The Home team has gone from strength to strength, built on brilliant brand partnerships and a collaborative way of working. But there is still scope to deliver more, so this role needs someone self‑motivated and driven to land constant improvements on the category, to ensure we are giving our customers the best offer possible. Developing your team is important here but so is your own growth. You will regularly step in for the Buying Manager in leadership forums, making this a brilliant opportunity for an established Junior Buyer ready to stretch and step up, particularly with experience in Home.
What you will be doing
- Building and maintaining strong brand relationships in line with our values
- Communicating category performance clearly to senior stakeholders
- Deputising for the Buying manager in key leadership meetings
- Taking ownership and making confident decisions, even under pressure
- Leading face to face brand meetings, including negotiations and showroom visits and QBRs
- Owning end to end ranging decisions and backing up decision making with clear interpretation of data
- Staying close to market trends, competitor activity and price positioning
- Identifying and onboarding exciting new brands
- Creating range frameworks and brand plans alongside merchandising partners
- Contributing to cross functional projects beyond the immediate team
About you
- Previous significant experience of operating at a high-level Assistant Buyer / Category assistant as a minimum
- Previous experience within the home category preferable
- Previous experience of working with brands preferable
- Ability to work under pressure and in a fast‑paced environment
- Champions what is right for the business, team and customer
- The ability to support and engage a high performing team
- Solutions and delivery focused
- Strong negotiation and influencing skills
- Logical approach to thinking of innovative solutions
- Ability to work on a variety of systems cohesively
- Strong organisational, analytical and communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
Benefits
- Flexible, hybrid working model
- Inclusive culture and environment
- £1000 flexible benefits allowance to suit your needs
- 30 days holiday + bank holidays
- LinkedIn learning access
- Bonus potential (performance and business-related)
- Up to 25% discount on Very.co.uk
- Matched pension up to 6%
- More benefits can be found on our career site
Diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities
We're building a culture of everyday inclusion, and welcome applications from anyone who believes they can do the job. We don't discriminate based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We want our recruitment process to be accessible to everyone. If you need reasonable adjustments to apply, interview, or perform a role, let us know via talentacquisition@theverygroup.com. We'll be happy to support you. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer and have nine brilliant colleague networks – including DAWN (Disability Awareness at Very) and Think (Neurodiversity at Very) – that are helping us make Very an even more inclusive place to work.
Junior Buyer - Home (12 month fixed term contract) employer: The Very Group
At Very, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions flexibility and personal growth. Our inclusive culture fosters collaboration and innovation, allowing you to thrive in your role as a Junior Buyer while enjoying a wealth of benefits, including a generous holiday allowance and a flexible benefits package tailored to your needs. With opportunities for leadership development and a commitment to diversity, you'll find a rewarding environment where you can truly make an impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Buyer - Home (12 month fixed term contract)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Very's values, mission, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to the Junior Buyer role. Think about how your past experiences align with the responsibilities listed in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Very team and ready to take on the challenge!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Buyer - Home (12 month fixed term contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Home:When you're writing your application, let your love for home accessories shine through! Talk about any relevant experience you have in the home category and how it aligns with our mission at Very. We want to see that you're genuinely excited about this role!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your previous roles and achievements, especially those that relate to buying and brand relationships. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your potential.
Highlight Your Team Spirit:Since this role involves leading an Assistant Buyer, make sure to showcase your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've supported or developed others in your past roles. We value collaboration and want to know how you can contribute to our team culture!
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 the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Very!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Very Group
✨Know Your Brands
Before the interview, do your homework on the homeware brands you'll be working with. Understand their market position, recent trends, and how they align with Very's values. This will show your genuine interest and help you speak confidently about potential partnerships.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to make decisions in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've interpreted market trends or competitor activity to inform your buying strategies. This will demonstrate your logical approach and solutions-focused mindset.
✨Practice Negotiation Scenarios
Since you'll be leading brand meetings and negotiations, practice common negotiation scenarios. Think about how you would handle tough conversations or push for better terms. This will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
✨Emphasise Team Development
Highlight your experience in supporting and developing team members. Share specific examples of how you've engaged a high-performing team or contributed to their growth. This aligns with the role's focus on leadership and collaboration within the buying team.
