Buying Assistant 2025

Home. There’s no place like it. And there’s no feeling like helping people create the joy of feeling truly at home. At Dunelm, that’s what we do.

We’re the UK's number one choice for homewares because we make home life lovelier for our customers. And the caring and supportive culture we've created makes this a place you'll feel right at home too.

Ready to transform your passion for homewares into a flourishing career?

Working as part of our Buying team, you'll work closely with our Merchandisers to ensure our products are in the right place, at the right time. You will support the buying team with the end-to-end range development and ongoing trading of the department.

Working closely with the wider commercial teams you will support in range research and competitive shops to ensure products represent fantastic value for money, offer great quality, are innovative and sustainable.

Personal development

We want you to find your happy place here at Dunelm and have a successful career with us. From the day you start you will have the training and ongoing support you need, and this will continue as you progress in your career.

First, there's the Buying Assistant position, where we offer an 18-month training program to help you transition to becoming a Junior Buyer.

Colleagues have the option to support their career development by completing a Level 4 apprenticeship qualification (company funded). This role is a hybrid opportunity.

We recruit people from all types of backgrounds, who share our entrepreneurial, hands-on approach to work. We are committed to creating a full inclusive environment that is representative of our customers and locations. We recognise the value and importance in inclusion and diversity and welcome applications from all candidates, regardless of sex, age, race, religion, disability, neuro-diversity, gender or sexual identity, socio-economic background or education.

What you'll be doing

• Building Relationships: Foster strong connections with peers in your category to enhance teamwork and boost category performance.
• Research and Analysis: Support your team by researching trends, analyzing sales, and reviewing market data to shape product ranges.
• Product Knowledge: Master the product range thoroughly, keeping all documents up-to-date and accurately inputting new products into the system.
• Price Accuracy: Ensure accurate cost prices by liaising with suppliers globally and cross-checking data in our databases.
• Sample Management: Manage buying samples, oversee range sign-offs, coordinate photo studio sessions, and maintain detailed records in critical path meetings.
• Working Collaboratively: Work collaboratively to support the critical path planning for the department, working alongside the studio and marketing team so packaging and photography to be delivered in a timely and accurate manner to achieve required launch dates.
• Content Coordination: Coordinate with the Web team to obtain supplier content and images promptly for online platforms.
• Supplier Relationships: Develop positive relationships with suppliers, engage in day-to-day interactions, and assist in negotiations or sample feedback sessions.
• Visual Merchandising: Work with the ME Team to ensure accurate plans, collate information, and communicate details to the marketing team.
• Supporting Junior Buyer: Assist the Junior Buyer with promotions and special purchases, including seasonal promotional ranges for campaigns.

What we'll look for in you

• Passion for Homewares: Demonstrated creative flair and a genuine passion for homewares, coupled with the enthusiasm to constantly bring fresh, innovative ideas to the table.
• Proactive Work Ethic: A hardworking individual with a relentless "can do" attitude, ready to tackle challenges and explore new opportunities in the ever-evolving homewares market.
• Exceptional Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, enabling seamless collaboration within the team and effective interaction with suppliers and stakeholders.
• Organizational Skills: Highly organized with a proven ability to prioritize tasks effectively, ensuring that deadlines are met and projects progress smoothly.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in all aspects of the role, from product documentation to supplier communications.
• Curiosity and Eagerness to Learn: A curious mindset, always willing to listen, learn, and adapt. Not afraid to seek assistance when needed, fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, utilizing these tools to enhance productivity and contribute to data-driven decision-making processes.

Work your way

We want our colleagues to feel at home wherever they work, so that they are comfortable and can be their best selves. In addition, we want everyone to feel connected to the business, our strategy and the teams they work with.

Where hybrid working is applicable, colleagues need to strike the right balance to fulfil both of these important factors. You will find the right mix of being at home, in the office & out in the business, bearing in mind business needs, job role and level of responsibility.