Assistant Buyer - Retail & Professional Services

Why join us Joining Sainsbury's as an Assistant Buyer means being part of a dynamic and purpose-driven organisation that is dedicated to delivering outstanding results. As part pf this role you will embark on a 2-year programme, where you will have the opportunity to gain exposure to various aspects of procurement and supplier management, developing a strong foundation in research, category planning, tenders, and negotiation. You'll also have the chance to contribute to strategic initiatives, understanding the true impact of your work and driving meaningful change. With a focus on collaboration, curiosity, and continuous learning, you'll be supported in your professional growth and development. By the end of the programme, you'll emerge as a skilled and confident professional buyer, equipped to make a real difference. Join us and be part of a team that embraces innovation, values accountability, and creates an inclusive and engaging work environment. What you'll do You’ll play a crucial role in delivering great results for the business through your passion, purpose, and determination. Over the course of a 2-year programme, you will gain exposure to different aspects of procurement and supplier management through rotations that will provide you with a well-rounded understanding of the field. Your responsibilities will include supporting procurement managers and senior buyers in executing sourcing strategies, conducting research and analysis within your category area, and assisting with the management of key suppliers. You will work cross-functionally, collaborating with various internal teams to ensure alignment with Sainsbury's Procurement and Supplier Management Policy. Your ability to prioritise tasks, demonstrate a growth mindset, build relationships with stakeholders, and think creatively will enable you to succeed in this role. Ultimately, your contributions will contribute to the achievement of business objectives and reinforce the importance of integrity and the Sainsbury's values in all your actions. Who you are As an Assistant Buyer, you are a driven and ambitious individual with a passion for procurement and supplier management. You have a strong interest in understanding how the broader business operates and are eager to build a successful career in procurement. With your excellent organisational skills and experience in managing projects, you effectively balance multiple priorities and deliver results. Your ability to work with data and turn it into meaningful insights allows you to understand trends and make informed decisions. You possess strong communication skills, confidently engaging and influencing internal and external stakeholders while explaining complex ideas in a clear and concise manner. As a collaborative team member, you build trusted relationships and actively contribute to discussions. In an ever-changing and fast-paced environment, you are resilient, adaptable, and demonstrate a curious mindset, always seeking opportunities to learn and grow. Essentials Experience of managing a project and balancing multiple priorities with excellent organisational skills Shows an interest in Procurement and Supplier management, with a desire to build a career in Procurement, as well as an interest in how our broader business operates Demonstratable experience of working with data, turning it into insights to help you understand trends and commercial impact Can demonstrate good verbal and written communication skills, confidently influencing and engaging internal and external stakeholders, explaining complex issues in a simple way Experience of working as part of a team, taking opportunities to connect with others and build trusted relationships Desirable Ability to apply and analytical and methodical approach to problem solving Naturally curious, demonstrating the confidence to ask questions and contribute honestly to discussions Resilient and adaptable – effectively operating in a dynamic, fast paced environment