Buying/Procurement

The success of our products is largely down to the decisions our Buyers make. By using their product knowledge, our customer insight and previous sales results, they source, negotiate and manage our ranges to ensure we continue to give our customers what they want at great prices.

On our Buying Programme, you'll learn how to build relationships and negotiate with suppliers to buy and develop ranges of quality products or services. You'll be supported by our experienced buying teams all the way, and work towards becoming a product expert, eventually managing your own range of products.

Our Buyers work across four key areas:

• Food will always be at the heart of our business and will continue to be a driving force in our future operations. The food division not only covers areas such as fruit and vegetables, dairy and bread but also tinned goods, household cleaners and beers, wines and spirits.
  
  
• Clothing is an area of considerable growth for our business. Our F&F brand, which launched in the UK in 2000, is now sold in 11 countries worldwide, and continues to be at the core of our clothing strategy.
  
  
• General Merchandise and Electrical, which also includes Homeware, toys and TV's, continues to grow from strength to strength as we expand our product ranges to offer wider ranges and great choice for our customers.
  
  
• Corporate Purchasing buys goods and services that we don't resell to our customers - everything from staff uniforms to office equipment and professional services to delivery lorries. They focus on getting the best deals for the business so they can pass these savings onto our customers.
  
  

Based in our Cheshunt and Welwyn Garden City offices, the four departments interact extensively with other areas of the business, including Stores, Supply chain, Distribution, IT, as well as our Suppliers.

What will I be doing?

Your first week will be an introduction to Tesco, familiarising yourself with your surroundings, and providing you with the information you need to get started. You'll also have the opportunity to meet your team, including your line manager and buddy. You'll then completea a store placement, giving you a greater understanding of how the decisions made in Head Office affect our stores and, ultimately, our customers.

Back in the office, you'll be in the driving seat from day one, supporting your manager to make decisions about ranges, prices and promotions. The job will involve building relationships with key suppliers, developing product and negotiating great deals and prices with suppliers across the globe. You'll get involved with analysing market data and competitor activities, launching promotions and ensuring that products land in stores effectively.

Although you are given a great deal of responsibility from the start, you are not expected to do this alone. You will have a great support network in the form of your line manager, mentor, your wider team and other graduates.

Where could it take me?

Our Programme has been designed to give you the opportunity to develop the potential we identified at the assessment centre to become a Buyer, Senior Buyer and a future Head of Buying, managing your own full range. But, it all depends on what you want to do - Tesco can offer you many routes. You can move to other functions, out to store management, or look to take an international opportunity. But remember it requires time, effort and commitment to progress, if you are hard-working and driven, no matter what your career goal is, we'll be there to support you.

What skills do I need?

We are looking for applicants who have the potential to successfully lead a team in the future. You will need to demonstrate that you have a good understanding of our business, our customers and the industries in which we compete.

To be successful in Buying, you'll need:

• A 2.1 BA, BSc degree or equivalent (open to all degree subjects)
• Passion for product
• A highly effective analytical and decision making ability
• Great communication and negotiation skills
• Drive and ambition
• Great organisational skills and the ability to multitask
• The ability to work as part of a team as well as on your own
• A full driving licence