Graduate Grocery Buyer

Reports to:  Senior Grocery Buyer

Working hours:Full time (37.5 hours over 5 days, Monday-Friday)

Location: Putney or Andover with regular travel to alternative site. Flexibility to visit suppliers across the country also required.  We have a hybrid working environment, with a minimum of two days in the office required per week.

Role Summary:

We are looking for an ambitious and motivated graduate who is excited about building a career in buying and passionate about food, sustainability and making a positive impact through business. This is an ideal opportunity for someone at the start of their professional journey who is eager to learn, develop new skills, and gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced commercial environment.

You don't need previous buying experience to be successful in this role. We're looking for someone with the right mindset: curious, proactive, highly organised, and keen to take ownership of their development. You'll enjoy working with data, building relationships, solving problems, and spotting opportunities to improve how we do things. You'll also have a genuine interest in food, consumer trends and sustainable sourcing, and be excited by the opportunity to help shape a range that is better for people and the planet.

As a Buying Assistant, you'll work closely with experienced buyers and suppliers, supporting the day-to-day management of product ranges while developing a strong understanding of how commercial decisions are made. You'll gain exposure to negotiations, product launches, promotions, supplier management, and category performance, providing a solid foundation for a long-term career in buying.

Working with our network of fantastic farmers and producers, you'll learn how to balance commercial success with our ethical and environmental commitments, helping us bring great-tasting, responsibly sourced products to customers' doorsteps.

If you're enthusiastic, resilient, eager to learn, and motivated by the idea of building a career in buying while contributing to a more sustainable food system, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supporting Buyers in delivering category commercial objectives, including sales, margin and profitability targets.
• Analysing category, customer and market data to identify trends, opportunities and areas for improvement.
• Assisting with new product launches, product reviews and range optimisation activities.
• Supporting the planning and execution of promotional activity in collaboration with Trading and Marketing teams.
• Building positive relationships with suppliers through regular communication and administration support.
• Working closely with the Dry Goods Supply Chain Planning Team to help maximise availability and minimise wastage.
• Supporting the maintenance of accurate product, supplier and pricing information.
• Collaborating with teams across Marketing, Technical, Sustainability, Operations and Customer Services.
• Contributing ideas that help improve our ranges, ways of working and customer experience.
• Acting as an ambassador for our B Corp values by considering the social and environmental impact of decisions and identifying opportunities to use business as a force for good.

What We're Looking For:

You don't need previous buying experience to thrive in this role. Instead, we're looking for someone who demonstrates the potential, ambition and attitude to build a successful career in buying.

Key Requirements:

• A recent graduate or someone with equivalent transferable experience and a genuine interest in pursuing a career in buying.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and identify insights.
• Commercial curiosity and an interest in retail, food and consumer trends.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• A proactive and enthusiastic approach to learning and personal development.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A flexible and positive attitude, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• The confidence to take ownership of tasks and work independently when required.
• A passion for sustainability and a desire to support Abel & Cole's mission and values.

What We Offer:

• Structured training and mentoring
• Clear progression opportunities
• Support towards continued professional development
• 33 days inclusive of bank holidays (FTE)
• A free box of fruit and veg every week 
• Up to 35% discount on A&C products
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Grant on team sports
• Salary up to £32,000 (FTE), depending on experience