We are a small but highly capable team of trusted advisors. Through our planning, we identify and mitigate risk to protect the brand and deliver value for money through cost control. Our stakeholders receive a healthy balance of support and challenge to ensure we all spend DFS Group money wisely.
We are looking to recruit a Procurement Assistant to join our team.
About DFSDid you know a DFS sofa is in one-third of Britain’s homes?
Since 1969, we’ve been creating, marketing, and selling sofas that reflect people’s unique styles and tastes. We’ve always led the market, bringing comfort and great design to communities both online and in person.
We’re the UK’s leading sofa retail specialist, but here’s the secret to our success - it’s our people. They’re at the heart of what we do, and together, they’re crafting us towards our ambitious future.
We're an equal opportunities employer
We extend a warm welcome to everyone, weaving together a range of voices and perspectives to create a truly inclusive culture. As we strive to build a workplace that better reflects the diverse communities we serve, we encourage applications from under-represented groups. At DFS Group, we’re not just a place where everyone is welcome - we’re a place where everyone truly belongs.
What you'll be doingThe Procurement Assistant is responsible for assisting in the procurement process, ensuring that the DFS Group obtains goods, services, and materials at competitive prices and terms. Supporting across all Goods and Services not for Resale (GNFR) with a total spend of £250m. They will assist in balancing value with service expectations to deliver cost efficiency, ensuring the business uses its resources to accelerate its growth.
The successful candidate will be eager to learn negotiation skills and develop strong interpersonal, communication and supplier management skills.
Core Activities:
Supporting procurement activities: Support a variety of procurement activities, such as RFx, contracts, and supplier onboarding.
Shadowing senior buyers: Shadow senior buyers to learn the procurement process that aligns to organisational agility whilst retaining robust governance
Building relationships: Develop and effective internal relationships with all levels of the business.
Supplier research: Assist in researching the market and identifying potential suppliers.
Administrative support: Provide administrative support to the procurement team, including data entry, report preparation, and meeting scheduling.
Learning governance: Learn the relevant governance required within the procurement activities and ensure compliance with relevant procurement policies, procedures, and regulations.
Procurement Systems: Gain familiarity with and become the expert on all procurement systems. Assist senior buyers in providing support and training to key stakeholders in using the various procurement systems.
Negotiation: Shadow senior buyers to learn how to ensure all savings opportunities are optimised by negotiating commercial, legal and operational requirements, ensuring maximum value and cost down impact on DFS bottom line profit.
Supplier Evaluation: Assist in conducting supplier evaluations to ensure the selection of high-quality vendors.
Reporting: support the procurement leadership with the reporting and analysis of procurement activities (both in flight and completed).
Analysis: Support the procurement leadership with analysis of data to support category strategies.
Support: Support the procurement leadership team on larger projects when required.
The role is for you if...The successful candidate will play a significant part in the small but mighty procurement team at DFS. They will help embed the procurement culture and strategy into the business through building great relationships.
Procurement experience is desirable but not essential.
Soft skills for building relationships is essential.
Must be willing to work towards CIPS
1-2 years of experience in an admin role, such as purchasing, supply chain, or logistics
Strong computer skills, organised and able to work on multiple projects at one time.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.
DFS Benefits
Growth and Training: Learn new skills and develop your career with us.
Leave: Enjoy a great holiday allowance, with the option to buy 5 extra days. Take advantage of our enhanced leave for Maternity, Paternity, Shared Parental, and Adoption, plus a paid volunteering day each year.
Discounts: Get 30% off DFS and Sofology products for yourself, plus discounts for friends and family - and savings at big brands like Sainsbury’s, ASOS, and IKEA.
Wellbeing Perks: Access healthcare services, an Employee Assistance Programme, and discounted gym memberships.
Pension and Savings: Join our Group Pension and Sharesave schemes.
Life Assurance & Sick Pay: Peace of mind with Life Assurance and Company Sick Pay.
