Assistant Category Buyer - FTC
- Job ID
- Job ID 73640
- Team
- Team Finance
- Location
- Location Pontefract
- Contract Type
- Contract Type Fixed Term Contract
- Job Schedule
- Job Schedule Full time
- Salary
- Salary competitive
- Posting Date
- Posting Date 11/06/2026
- Apply Before
- Apply Before 25/06/2026
Summary
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 8 month Fixed Term Contract and comes with a Company Car!
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 Will Take On:
- 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
What You Will Bring:
- 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
Benefits
- 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
What's Next?
Apply
Inform
Review
Offer
Team Overview
Finance is where we turn ambition into action. This team protects value, funds growth, and gives leaders timely insight. From reporting to managing risk, your work keeps decisions sharp, ensuring the business stays on course and ready to take on the next big challenge.

Our brands
You’ve probably heard of NEXT, but did you know about our portfolio? Every brand in our offering brings a distinct story, attitude and community. Spanning contemporary lifestyle brands, established high street names and timeless collections, together they showcase the vibrancy of today’s retail world.





