At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Meat and Fish team as a Buyer, collaborating to achieve shared goals.
- Company: Waitrose & Partners is the UK's largest employee-owned business, dedicated to quality and customer service.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary up to £55,000, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Other info: Roles may require pre-employment vetting; apply early as vacancies can close quickly.
- Why this job: Be part of a culture that values creativity, collaboration, and making a positive impact.
- Qualifications: Experience as an Assistant or Junior Buyer, strong data skills, and a continuous improvement mindset required.
The predicted salary is between 39600 - 77000 £ per year.
About the role
Waitrose & Partners prides itself on being different. Our intention is to combine the convenience of a supermarket with the expertise and service of a specialist food shop. Add this to our unswerving dedication to our customers and the highest respect for our suppliers (the provenance and traceability of our food is vital) and, of course, the environment and you can start to see we\'re a bit more than just\' a supermarket. As a Buyer for Waitrose & Partners (Level 7), you will be: Working in a Category Pod, consisting of but not limited to Buyer, Merchandiser, Supply Planners, Technologist, Product Developer, deliver shared KPIs for the pod through collaborative working. Support Category Pod to deliver individual accountabilities (Indirect Shared KPIs) Facilitate horizontal working across Category Pods This role would suit someone who is self motivated, with an ability to influence internal stakeholders and inspire our suppliers to invest in Waitrose. It would be ideal for a confident, motivated person, with good communication and numerical skills. The ability to work in a matrix way across the boundaries of hard line reporting is crucial. Creativity and an enthusiasm for products are also desirable.We are recruiting for a permanent role and possibly a fixed term/ secondment opportunity to join the Meat and Fish team as a L7 Buyer. This role will report into a Senior Buyer.
At a Glance
Salary - up to £55,000, depending on experience
Contract type - We have permanent and fixed term ( secondment) positions available
Working pattern/flexible working - The Partnership has adopted a hybrid working approach, meaning you\'ll be able to work a mixture between the office and home based upon your personal needs whilst balancing the needs of the business. The team aim for around 3 days a week in the office to connect and on a more ad-hoc basis to attend key meetings.
Location - This role is based at our Bracknell Head Office.
Some of your key responsibilities will include:
Appropriate assessing and reporting on Commercial performance and delivery of KPIs to line manager and other stakeholder
Responsibility for annual terms preparation and negotiation
Proactive cost price management, accurate financial forecasting
Operate in line with GSCoP, Competition Law and Anti-Bribery, effectively negotiate business terms
The category covers both branded and own-label assortments and so management of both will be required
Essential skills/experience you\'ll need
Experience working as an Assistant Buyer, Junior Buyer or equivalent in a similar environment
Expertise in utilising data for strategic choice processes
Continuous improvement mindset
Effective performance management skills
Experience of working together across boundaries
Ability to empower others
#LI-HEADOFFICE#LI-CS1#LI-HYBRID#LI-REMOTE
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.
#J-18808-LjbffrBuyer (Waitrose & Partners) in Bracknell employer: Waitrose & Partners
Waitrose & Partners is an exceptional employer, offering a unique blend of supermarket convenience and specialist food expertise, all while prioritising sustainability and customer satisfaction. As part of the largest employee-owned business in the UK, employees are not just workers but Partners, enjoying a collaborative work culture that fosters personal growth and innovation. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to inclusivity, Waitrose provides a supportive environment where every Partner can thrive and contribute to a shared purpose.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer (Waitrose & Partners) in Bracknell
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Waitrose & Partners' values and mission. Understanding their commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer service will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Waitrose & Partners. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations for the Buyer role, which can be beneficial in your conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've used data to drive strategic decisions in previous roles. This is crucial for demonstrating your expertise and ability to meet the KPIs outlined in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your creativity and enthusiasm for products during interviews. Think of innovative ideas or improvements you could bring to the Meat and Fish category, as this will highlight your proactive mindset and fit for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer (Waitrose & Partners) in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Buyer position at Waitrose & Partners. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, such as experience in a similar environment and effective performance management skills.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience that aligns with the role. Emphasise your background as an Assistant Buyer or Junior Buyer, and showcase your expertise in data utilisation and strategic decision-making.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that reflects your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific examples of how you have influenced stakeholders or managed supplier relationships in the past, demonstrating your ability to inspire and collaborate.
Highlight Your Skills:In your application, clearly outline your communication and numerical skills, as well as your creativity and continuous improvement mindset. These are essential traits for the Buyer role, so make sure they stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Waitrose & Partners
✨Show Your Passion for Products
As a Buyer, it's essential to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the products you'll be managing. Be prepared to discuss your favourite food items and how you think they could fit into Waitrose's offering. This will show your creativity and genuine interest in the role.
✨Highlight Your Data Skills
Since the role requires expertise in utilising data for strategic choices, come ready to discuss specific examples of how you've used data in previous roles. Whether it's forecasting or performance management, showcasing your analytical skills will impress the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Given the emphasis on working within a Category Pod, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others. Be ready to explain how you can influence internal stakeholders and inspire suppliers, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Company Values
Familiarise yourself with Waitrose & Partners' commitment to sustainability, customer service, and employee ownership. During the interview, align your answers with these values to show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.
