Job Description

Job Category: Finance
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About The Role:
Based at our distribution centre in South Elmsall we're on the lookout for a driven and detail-focused Assistant Category Buyer to support our Commercial Services team. Reporting to the Category Buyer, you'll help manage a 13m spend across key product areas including warehouse packaging, MHE, plastics, and steel-fabricated goods.
The role is offered on a 12 month Fixed Term Contract ideally to start mid February 2026
Working closely and supported by the Category Manager, this is a varied role where you'll assist with supplier sourcing, tenders, contract management, and spend analysis. You'll build strong supplier relationships, support commercial negotiations, and help ensure we get the best value, quality, and service.
This is a great opportunity for someone who is just starting out, or is looking to make the next step in their 'buying' career
What you'll do:

• Support sourcing and onboarding of suppliers through RFQs and eTenders

• Assist in contract creation, supplier scorecards, and performance reviews

• Liaise with internal teams to resolve issues and maintain service standards

• Help manage budgets, purchase orders, and spend reporting

• Stay on top of industry trends and competitor activity

About You:

• 1-2 years' experience in purchasing, retail, or commercial admin

• A proactive, analytical mindset with strong communication skills

• Solid time management and the ability to work on your own initiative

• CIPS qualification (or working towards it) is a plus but not essential

This is a great opportunity to grow your buying career in a supportive, fast-paced environment where your input will make a real impact.
#LI-DC1
About Us: You know Next, but did you know we're a FTSE-100 retail company employing over 35,000 people across the UK and Ireland. We're the UK's 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we're the market leader. At the last count we have over 500 stores, plus the Next Online and it's now possible to buy on-line from over 70 countries around the world! So we've gone global!
About the Team:

• 25% off most NEXT, MADE*, Lipsy*, Gap* and Victoria's Secret* products (*when purchased through NEXT)
• Company performance based bonus
• Sharesave scheme
• On-site Nursery available; OFSTED outstanding in all areas
• 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty
• Early VIP access to sale stock
• Access to fantastic discounts at our Staff Shops
• Restaurants with great food at amazing prices
• Access a digital GP and other free health and wellbeing services
• Free on-site parking
• Financial Wellbeing - Save, track and enhance your financial wellbeing
• Apprenticeship - Grow and develop on the job whilst gaining a qualification
• Direct to Work - Discount online and instore, collect your items the next day for free from your place of work or local store
• Support Networks - Access to Network Groups to empower and celebrate each other
• Wellhub - Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships, with apps, PT sessions and more

Conditions apply to all benefits. These benefits are discretionary and subject to change.
We aim to support all candidates during the application process and are happy to provide workplace adjustments when necessary. Should you need support with your application due to a disability or long-term condition, feel free to get in touch with us by email headoffice_careers@next.co.uk (please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call us on 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.

Skills Required