Buying Graduate - Sept 2027

Buying Graduate
Contract type: Permanent
Location: Hatfield (Hybrid working - 3 days in the office)
Working hours per week: 40 hours
Level: Entry level - Graduate
Starting Salary: £30,000
Application Closing Date: Sunday 1st November 2026
Scheme commences: September 2027
About us
Our mission is to deliver joy in every shop, through unbeatable choice, unrivalled service, and reassuringly good value.
We’re Ocado Retail, a market-leading joint venture between Ocado Group and M&S, and the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket, ocado.com. Not only is Ocado.com the only place to shop a full range of M&S food online, it’s also the home to the widest online supermarket range in the UK and champion of small, independent brands. We’re also the brains behind Zoom by Ocado, our same-day grocery delivery service.
About the team and the role
The buying team is responsible for putting the customer at the heart of everything we do, truly living and breathing what our customers want to see when they shop with us!
Our team of buyers curates their ranges to deliver the unique customer experience gleaned from the largest range in the industry. They analyse consumer buying patterns, predict future trends, and work alongside our suppliers to maximize our offering to our customers. All of this is coupled with regularly reviewing performance indicators and profitability to manage the performance of their categories.
No day is the same as our buyers continually work to ensure we offer the right products, at the right time in the right place!
What you’ll do
The 24-month buying scheme consists of rotations across our buying division
Within each rotation, you’ll be an integral part of the team, delivering a project and developing your skills to be a strong commercial buyer
You will be negotiating with suppliers, finding amazing products to stock on Ocado, and making sure we offer our customers fair value while you do it
You will learn from our expert buyers whilst having the responsibility to drive your own category with the support of your line manager
We’ll give you a strong foundation in the skills you need to become a buyer including negotiation, category management, data analytics and e-commerce training
Who you are
A market-focused thinker who is passionate about tracking customer trends to keep Ocado as the UK’s top online supermarket.
A data-driven collaborator who easily builds strong relationships—internally and with suppliers—to deliver for our customers.
An innovative problem solver who generates fresh ideas to drive sales, profitability, and market share growth.
A confident negotiator who enjoys securing a great deal and isn't afraid to navigate difficult conversations for the best outcome.
A product enthusiast who loves discovering the next big innovation in food and household goods.
An adaptable agile thinker who stays quick on their feet and constructively challenges the status quo.
What you need to apply
A 2:2 degree or higher from a UK accredited University
The legal right to work in the United Kingdom upon scheme commencement and duration of the scheme (2 Years)
What’s in it for you
By joining Ocado Retail, you’ll have the chance to experience life at the world’s largest online retailer, work with an amazing bunch of people who challenge what’s possible each day, and grow your skills and career in online retail.
If that’s not enough to tempt you, you’ll also get access to loads of great benefits to sweeten the deal. Here’s a taste of what we offer:
Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance with option to add your family, Digital GP appointments, market-leading family policies, mental health support, discounted gym memberships, dental insurance, and more.
Spend & Save: Annual bonus scheme split between personal and business objectives, recognition with reward platform, up to 7% matched pension contributions, 15% Ocado discount, 20% M&S discount, free breakfast every day in the office, electric vehicle leasing scheme, and free shuttle bus from Hatfield station to the office.
Never miss the moments that matter: Hybrid working, 26 days holiday plus 8 flexible bank holidays, options to buy extra holiday, 2 weeks work from anywhere, and lifestyle break opportunities.
Your Application and AI
In the spirit of innovation, we welcome you to use AI tools in your application, just as we use them in our own business at Ocado Retail. However, as you leverage this technology, please don't lose sight of the most important element: your unique self. Your experiences, passions, and personality are what truly set you apart. Ensure that your application still authentically conveys who you are and why you're a great fit for us.
Everyone’s welcome
We’re an equal opportunities employer, which means that we make sure all potential colleagues are treated fairly and equally. We want to ensure everyone has a fair chance to apply; if you need this job description in an alternative format (e.g., larger print, different document type, etc.), please reach out to us at careers@ocadoretail.com and we'll be happy to assist you, and if you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know on the application form.

Work arrangement
No