Application closing date: 19th April 2026
Assessment centre dates: May 2026
Start date: September 2026
Location: Nottingham, Support Office
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Recruitment Partner: Anastasia Walker
About the programme
Our Graduate Programme offers an exciting opportunity to launch your career in Buying. From day one, you'll be placed in a hands‑on role where you will make a meaningful contribution to key business objectives.
This three‑year scheme begins with a 4‑week in‑store placement, giving you valuable first‑hand insight into our customers and the day‑to‑day operations of our retail environment. Following this, you will move into a category specific role in our Nottingham Support office, taking responsibility for the day‑to‑day management of an area.
Over the course of the programme you will complete two role rotations, each lasting 18 months, broadening your experience across two of our core business units: Beauty, Healthcare, and General Merchandise. Each placement is designed to expand your network while giving you real ownership and exposure. You will collaborate with internal teams and external partners to build and deliver category plans.
The programme will help you develop skills and knowledge and provides all the stretch and challenge needed to accelerate a career at Boots. It includes functional specific and certified negotiation training to ensure you are set up for success.
You will be supported throughout the programme by a dedicated line manager, a mentor, and opportunities to connect with senior leaders, expand your network, and take part in development sessions to support your personal and professional growth.
The 3‑year scheme offers a clear and structured development pathway, preparing you to progress into a permanent Assistant Category Manager or Category Manager role upon completion, depending on your performance.
Key responsibilities
As part of a Category team, you will directly influence category plans, performance and growth.
You will build relationships both internally and externally with our large supplier base, working collaboratively to negotiate the most sought‑after products and brands in the market while ensuring you agree on optimum promotional and marketing plans for your category areas.
Demonstrate team management skills, organising and prioritising multiple processes to ensure your category plans land in stores right the first time.
Implement the commercial strategy working towards core budget targets and manage the category profit & loss to achieve these targets.
Work with the marketing team to secure the best possible plans and review potential product and brand launches deciding if they align with Boots strategic priorities.
Work with your Category assistant to support their development and progression.
What you’ll need to have (our must‑haves)
* On track to achieve, or already holds, a 2:1 degree or above
* A strong desire to problem‑solve and adapt in a fast‑paced, changing environment
* Excellent organisational and time‑management skills
* Confidently challenges processes and data to drive efficiencies
* Work well as part of a team and build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders
* Shows drive for self‑development and continuous growth
* Has a genuine passion for our products, brand, and what we do
Rewards designed for you
* Pension membership (PRSA)
* Partial paid maternity leave
* Discretionary annual bonus
* Generous employee discounts
* Flexible benefits scheme
About us
At Boots UK, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, creating a place where everyone feels welcome, supported and free to be themselves. We believe that when our people feel valued and included, they thrive, so we are committed to creating a brilliant Boots for our people so they can make a difference for our customers and colleagues every time.
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