Overview Our Buying Apprenticeship Scheme is more than just a training programme – it’s the start of an exciting career in Buying for those with a real passion for product! This two‑year journey is designed to give you all the tools, experiences, and support you need to build the foundations of a successful career in Buying. As a future retail leader you’ll be challenged, encouraged, and given plenty of room to grow. Over the course of the programme, you’ll immerse yourself in every aspect of the Buying Assistant role. You’ll be part of a specific department and category Buying team responsible for planning and selecting the products our customers love, both in‑store and online. Working closely with suppliers, you’ll help shape compelling and competitive ranges that make a real impact. Along side the hands-on experience, you’ll study for a Level 4 Buying and Merchandising Assistant Apprenticeship – equivalent to a higher BTEC qualification – giving you the academic grounding to match your practical skills. The programme allows you to earn whilst you learn, and with some hard work you’ll achieve your qualification in 18 months (full programme 2 years). You’ll have 6 hours of dedicated learning time each week, fully paid, alongside 34 hours of hands‑on experience working at Dunelm. 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. What you'll be doing Supporting the team to research trends that aid creating the product range.This involves competitive shopping, sales analysis and reviewing market data. Know the product range inside out ensuring all range build documents / boards are kept up to date along with accurately creating new products on the system. Ensuring cost prices are accurate – this involves chasing prices from suppliers, landing prices from around the world, checking prices on our databases. Manage samples for your Buyer which includes range sign offs, photo studio and mock shop making sure updates are given in the critical path meetings. This role involves the critical path planning which consist of assisting with the coordination of pricing, suppliers, and delivery milestones to keep home product launches on track. Working with the Web team ensuring all content and images are obtained from our suppliers on time Build a good rapport with suppliers as they are dealt with on a day to day basis, in supplier meetings which could include negotiating costs or feeding back on samples. Work with the ME Team (Visual Merchandising) to ensure that planograms are accurate Support the Buyer with promotions including buying special purchases. We’ll also support you through our internal development traineeship, designed to prepare you for progression into a Junior Buyer role. As part of the programme you’ll focus on stage 1 of a three‑stage journey, where you’ll build the confidence, skills, and product knowledge to thrive in your role as Buying Assistant. Apprentices typically spend 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home, giving you the right mix of collaboration and flexibility to support your development. What we'll look for in you Creative and a real passion for homewares and the energy to constantly innovate and drive forward the product offer. Hardworking with a strong “can do” attitude. Excellent communication skills. Highly organised, with clear ability to be able to prioritise workload. Good attention to detail. Curiosity.Willing to listen and learn. Willing to ask for help when it’s needed. Proficient in excel, word and PowerPoint. Strong verbal and numerical skills and interest in data and analysis will be advantageous A minimum of six GCSEs including Maths and English at Grades 4-9 Must be based in England for the duration of the apprenticeship and must have lived in the UK/EEA continuously for the last 3 years. Please note: We will evaluate any applicants who do not have all the relevant qualifications Due to high interest in applications this position may close earlier than advertised. To avoid disappointment, we'd encourage you apply as soon as possible. Making the application process accessible for all is a priority for us. Accessibility allows everyone to have an equal chance when applying and showing off their potential. It also helps us create a more inclusive and diverse team, which brings fresh ideas and perspectives. Should you need it, we have an accessibility tool available on our careers site to support you when you’re completing your application. If you require any other reasonable adjustments during the application and assessment process, you can reach out to our team via earlycareers@dunelm.com