Buying Admin Review

Buying Admin with extra responsibility My daily tasks include: -looking at daily sales and check to see how the category is doing comparing week on week, year on year -creating a trade plan for the category to achieve or improve upon year on year sale -admin such as setting up new lines, migrating them to next season, cost price and retail price changes -supplier meetings -team meetings

My excel skills have got phenomenally better since starting the role, but there is still so much more to learn. I've been on The Gap Partnership Negotiator Course which is an experience in itself - such an amazing valuable course which provides real feedback about how to develop when working with suppliers

I do enjoy my programme, I would say some of the units that I complete my assignments on are not the most interesting, but all the units can't appeal to everybody. The job experience is related to some parts of my job but not on all aspects and I do find it difficult to sometimes understand where the apprenticeship is fitting in with my current role. I have been really lucky with my assessor who is so involved with the scheme and is really motivating to keep us going.

I do feel valued by Tesco, especially by my line manager and my wider team. They recognise my efforts that I put into my day to day work, plus other projects I have been involved in.

I would say the programme is well structured and organised. I would say it is important for the apprentices to take their allotted time off from the business to complete their assignments.' in particular I am lucky because I have been given extra opportunities within the team, so I would say there is good task delegation throughout. A lesson I have learnt is that to take the time off work to study as well, and to balance work/life balance a bit better.

I receive a lot of support from my training provider. I believe I have one of the best coaches learn direct have to offer and am really pleased with how involved she is with programme and how dedicated she is to getting you to complete the work and at the grade that you want. When it comes to second year, the likelihood of you getting more responsibility in your job is higher and as a coach Amanda understands this and tailors the rest of units around this. There have been a few times where we have had to change the dates of developments days due to clashes with the sign offs with the business which she has accommodated.

I do receive a lot of support from my employer as well, and I don't necessarily take advantage of all the support I can receive from the,. the general attitude from my line manager is great, she understands the effort that I put in outside of work to complete my assignments and when I ask for time off she is always flexible with this. I am looking to gain a mentor within Tesco, but have not found the right person as of yet.

The package that Tesco offers for the apprenticeship is outstanding, I don't know many companies that offer a salary per annum at apprenticeship level. It is a good package that offers good benefits. However, it is difficult to see the package as good when you have the responsibilities of the next level up of work and getting paid the same. I understand this is a great way to gain experience, but it would be good for Tesco to see this and also offer a better package.

Due to the scale of Tesco, there are a lot of events that can be attended by a variety of people. Tesco offer the chance to work with local communities as well. The Apprenticeship has a society which is linked with the Apprenticeship/Graduate scheme. This is really useful to stay connected and also network outside of the team. There is a gym on site, but I think individual teams organise team sports as well. Depending on the team you are in will depend on how often you socialise.

Yes

Tesco is the only grocery retail employer that offers apprenticeship at head office level in buying and merchandising. I think there are several pros to working at Tesco, including the flexibility of changing the function that you work in. The on the job training is invaluable and Tesco offer some great external training that is fundamental to pursue a career in buying. It's situated on a great campus, which is very inclusive and offers a good vibe of not being in the City.

Understand what Tesco is about and what is currently driving their agenda. The assessment days are what you make of them, plan and prepare ahead and understand what you need to do. The 3D CV part of the assessment day is a real chance to give the interviewer the other side to you, you can make it as much of an experience you want and everybody has a different take on it. If you are successful, on the first day you get to meet everyone and are settled in. Depending on your function/Line manager will depend on how you get on with training and learning. I was fortunate enough to come in and have a 12 week training programme set up for me which was really useful. I was then given the opportunity to look after a category to learn buying.