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Buyer Development Programme

Job Introduction

We have some new and exciting opportunities to join our Buying team, with our first ever cohort on our Buyer Development Programme where you could kick start your buying career in one of the fastest growing discount retailers in the UK!

As part of the role you will complete an 18 month Level 4 apprenticeship in Buying and Merchandising through SCL Education Group, where you will finish with an industry-recognised qualification and the chance to take on your own product category and continue to build your buying career with us. 

This role will allow you to experience the buzz of the fast-paced retail industry, and provide you with invaluable hands on experience in the full product lifecycle from conception to being stocked in our 600 stores nationwide. This is a rare opportunity to learn from inside a unique organisation that has been built on innovation and commercially minded buying. 

We are investing in our future and into our next generation of buying talent. With a Category Manager as your mentor, you will work alongside experienced Senior Buyers and Buyers to generate ideas for new ranges, analyse market data and trends and liaise with suppliers to deliver the best product ranges for our customers. 

You will be fully site based in our Liverpool Head Office throughout the course of your apprenticeship, and will have dedicated time during your working week to attend virtual workshops, tutor meetings and complete other tasks that contribute towards your off-the-job hours, which are all part of your overall learning and course completion.

This is the perfect opportunity if you have a passion for product, being hands on and creative and thrive in a fast-paced environment. We are also looking for individuals who have an analytical mind, are meticulous with detail and have good commercial understanding. 

With a continually growing and evolving product range in stores and a determination to deliver the best to our customers, there is no better place to join and start your buying journey than here!

We are now accepting applications for intakes in both January/February 2024 and May/June 2024. 

  • Salary Competitive salary
  • Reference DS/LW/BuyingApp/0923/EW
  • Contract Type Full Time
  • Closing Date October 22, 2023
  • Category Head Office
  • Business Unit Office (Liverpool)
  • Location Axis Business Park, Portal Way, Gillmoss, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Role Responsibility

  • Develop on the job working and learning alongside an experienced Buying team, playing an active part in the whole buying process
  • Manage and liaise with suppliers to ensure they deliver on quantity, quality and on time for customers
  • Input into the development and review of the team's category plan to support the Company's growth strategy for stores and eCommerce 
  • Deliver category objectives against a set % margin and sales volume against agreed robust pricing, promotion and merchandising plans
  • Monitor compliance, quality of products and changes to legislation that impact my product range
  • Proactively review sales data, store and market insights to ensure my objectives support the category plan
  • Help my team solve difficult supply, pricing and quality problems that impact operational colleagues and customers

The Ideal Candidate

Essential

  • At least 18 years of age
  • Level 2 Functional Skills in English, Maths and ICT or GCSE grade C or equivalent. In the absence of such qualification an initial functional skills assessment will be completed prior to apprenticeship enrolment in order to assess skill level. Functional skills learning will then be planned into the apprenticeship programme.
  • Must have lived in England for at least 3 years 
  • Cannot have previously achieved a qualification in or relating to Buying at degree level 
  • Experience in retail or merchandising is advantageous but not essential 
  • Experience of working in a team

Skills and Competencies

  • Methodical and logical approach to dealing with and presenting work 
  • Commercially astute with good negotiation skills
  • Analytical and able to problem solve 
  • Ability to influence and persuade 
  • Ability to work with cross functional teams 
  • Organised and able to prioritise action 

Package Description

  • Competitive salary
  • Office-based in Liverpool Head Office, with the occasional requirement to visit stores, trade fairs and suppliers and overseas travel
  • 5.6 weeks paid holiday per year including bank and public holiday allowance rising to 6.6 weeks upon 5 years' service
  • Contributable Company pension scheme

Employee benefits: 

  • MyHB employee benefits platform with access to:
    • Retail and leisure discounts plus hundreds more 
    • Free Financial Advice 
    • Bank your savings into an ISA
    • 24/7 confidential counselling and advice line 
    • Low cost voluntary insured health plans
  • Onsite subsidised Health and Fitness Centre
  • Onsite canteen
  • 10% store discount
  • Access to social and sporting events
  • Free car parking
  • Death in Service Benefit (subject to 12 months complete service)
  • Long Service recognition scheme

About Us

TJ Morris Limited trading as Home Bargains is a privately owned family run discount retailer selling top brands at the lowest possible price on the UK high street.

Having started 45 years ago in Liverpool our customers continue to be at the heart of everything we do and throughout our 600 stores we have over 5 million customers each week.

With plans to increase our store portfolio to 1,000 stores throughout the UK we are a fast-paced retailer opening 50 stores a year (nearly one every weekend) - and we wouldn't have it any other way!

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