Job Description

OverviewHome. 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 we've crafted a workplace that feels just as welcoming - where you can bring your ideas, be yourself, and feel right at home.



With us, buying isn't about chasing bargains and merchandising isn't about pushing an endless parade of promotions. We do things differently. With us, it's about creativity, instinct, and a real passion for home. We're experts at understanding trends and performance - making quick decisions that keep our products and layouts perfectly timed, perfectly designed and perfectly marketed.



Get stuck in from day one, and you'll make a real difference. You'll learn as you go, grow in confidence, and start taking small steps towards owning your own ranges. It's lively, rewarding, and full of opportunities to learn and shine.



At Dunelm, we want you to feel right at home -- happy, supported, and excited about where your career can go. From your very first day, we'll make sure you have the training, tools and guidance you need to settle in and start growing. And the support doesn't stop there -- we'll be with you every step of the way as you progress.



This role is a first step on merchandising career path. You might start as a Merchandise Assistant, where you'll join our 18-month training programme designed to help you confidently move into a Junior Merchandiser role. From there, you could step up into a Merchandiser position, with access to brilliant, tailored courses and sessions to help you keep developing your skills.



We believe in helping you become the best version of yourself -- and making the journey enjoyable along the way.


What you'll be doing
What we'll look for in you
D&I statement


Dunelm is committed to becoming a fully inclusive business that is representative of our customers and locations. We recognise the value in diversity and welcome applications from all candidates regardless of sex, age, race, religion, ability, gender or sexual identity, socio-economic background or education. We are committed to making Dunelm a place where everyone can enjoy a successful career and have systems in place to support all our colleagues. We are seeking applications from candidates who share our values and celebrate diversity in all its forms.
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.





Wellbeing is more than just a buzzword here


From our Wellbeing Buddies and Mental Health First Aid training to our progressive parental leave, menopause policies and Colleague Support Fund, we're committed to supporting our colleagues in every area - and at every stage - of their lives. Through our partnership with the Retail Trust, everyone at Dunelm has free access to a 24/7 Virtual GP, as well as therapy and counselling, plus information, guidance and advice in all areas of financial, emotional and physical wellbeing.




Dazzling design


At Dunelm, we love every aspect of the design process. We're continually researching new developments in packaging, materials and production methods, tapping into new data insights and keeping track of changing lifestyle trends. We're hugely collaborative in the way we work. Together, the teams here have a direct impact on our success, creating amazing products that drive sales and delight our customers, as well as providing direction for our wide and varied range of brands.




Keep on growing


We want you to get as much out of working with us as possible. That's why we'll do everything we can to engage you in the process of learning, and encourage you to explore new opportunities around your particular skills and interests. For you, this includes:

Housewarming & Settling In

where you can find out more about the wider business, our culture, behaviours, networks and wellbeing support

Thrive, our learning and skills platform

which gives you a blended, bite-sized, social learning experience with learning relevant to your role

Our Enterprise Leadership Programme

designed specifically for our strong growth potential Heads of Department to help them reach the next level in their career

Our INSPIRE Programme

designed for our strong growth potential senior managers across the business to enhance their leadership capability

Our EXPLORE Programme

designed to prepare our next generation of Line Managers

Personal Effectiveness

workshops and self-led learning, also delivered through Thrive

Apprenticeships opportunities

relevant to your role - from level 2 (equivalent to GCSE) through to Level 7 (equivalent to Masters)

Colleague Development Fund

to support colleagues in accessing external training relevant to your role

Coaching and mentoring opportunities

to support you in your current role and help you prepare for the next

Functional academies

that offer training to support you in the technical aspects of your role

Self-awareness tools

to help you understand what really matters to you, and where your own talents and ambitions lie

Progress conversations

that reflect on how you're doing and define your focus areas for the coming months

Career conversations

that explore what you want from your career, in light of your current capabilities, potential and future aspirations

Along with competitive salaries, we offer a range of other great benefits to recognise the unique contribution you bring.

Salary Advance

so you can access up to 50% of the money you've earned during the month, rather than having to wait until pay day

Instant discounts

with a range of other companies to help you stretch your budget

Pension contributions

to help you save for your retirement

ShareSave scheme

that enables you to save monthly and buy Dunelm shares at a discounted rate, building up your investments for a rainy day

Continuous training and coaching

to ensure you feel confident in your current role and ready for any new challenges

Access to wellbeing support

as and when you need it, including an online GP for you and your immediate family

Colleague networks

that give everyone a voice and create an environment where we all feel at home

Outstanding development opportunities

and all the support you need to grow your career the way you want

33 days annual holiday

plus your birthday off to celebrate, and another day when you move home, so you can get settled in

Generous discounts

on all our own products, in-store and online to help you make your house a home

Cycle to work scheme

to help you keep your fitness up and your travel costs down

Charity day off

(paid, of course) so you can volunteer for a charity that matters to you

Free on-site parking

(excluding London office) and good public transport links




How did we get here?


Today, Dunelm is a leader in the 11bn UK homewares market. With over 170 stores across the country and a successful online operation - dunelm.com - we offer over 60,000 products across a broad range of categories. But where did it all begin?




1979


Founder, Bill Adderley and his wife Jean take on a stall in Leicester Market selling curtains. Within a month, they make 600% profit.


1984


First bricks-and-mortar store founded in Churchgate, Leicester.


1988


With momentum growing, first flagship store opens in Leicester, East Street, offering warehouse facilities for expansion across the region.


1991


First superstore opens in Rotherham, offering premium brands such as Dorma, which the company goes on to acquire.


1996


Bill's son Will is appointed CEO of the company, following in his father's footsteps.


1999


Now a household name in the Midlands, Dunelm Mill opens a head office with warehouse facilities in Syston, Leicestershire.


2001


The acquisition of a small custom-made curtains business marks the start of Dunelm's made-to-measure service.


2002


A landmark year as Dunelm Mill opens its 50th store and a new central warehouse in Burton. The company goes on to open new stores at a rate of 10 each year.


2005


A fully shoppable website goes live, with a dedicated warehouse below our Radcliffe store


2006


Dunelm floated on the London Stock Exchange, marking the beginning of a new era for the company.


2010


In Liverpool, the company opens its 100th store, having celebrated its 30th birthday in 2009.


2011


To accommodate continued growth, Dunelm builds a new head office in Syston.


2013


Company rebrands from 'Dunelm Mill' to 'Dunelm' - reflecting what our customers have called us for years.


2016


Our family grew to include Worldstores.


2018


Nick Wilkinson joins the business as our new CEO.


2021


To accommodate our continued growth, Dunelm opens a fourth warehouse in Daventry.


2022


Launch of our 'Conscious Choice' collection - homeware that lasts longer and is made from more sustainable materials.


2022


Our third Delivering Joy Christmas campaign, with stores supporting over 700 local community causes and donating more than 61,000 gifts.