Join Our Team
Atkinson’s is a proudly independent department store that has been at the heart of Sheffield for over 154 years. We're known for offering quality products, excellent customer service, and a shopping experience our customers trust and enjoy.
As we continue to grow and develop, we're looking for an experienced Furniture & Bed Buyer / Manager to lead one of our most important departments. If you're passionate about furniture, have a great eye for products, enjoy building supplier relationships, and love creating a fantastic shopping experience, we'd love to hear from you.
About the Role
This is a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same. You'll have the freedom to shape our furniture and beds offering, selecting products that our customers will love while ensuring the department performs commercially.
You'll work closely with suppliers, lead our in-store team, and be actively involved on the shop floor, helping create an inspiring department that reflects Atkinson's reputation for quality, value, and service.
What You'll Be Doing
Buying & Product Selection
- Choose and develop an exciting range of furniture and beds, from everyday favourites to premium collections.
- Keep up to date with the latest trends and identify new products and suppliers.
- Build strong relationships with suppliers and negotiate the best prices, terms, and promotional support.
- Plan seasonal ranges and ensure stock levels are well managed.
Driving the Business
- Take ownership of sales, profit, and stock performance for the department.
- Use sales data and customer feedback to make informed buying decisions.
- Work with senior management on pricing, promotions, and future plans for the department.
Working with Suppliers
- Develop long-lasting relationships with existing and new suppliers.
- Visit trade shows and supplier events to discover exciting new products.
- Ensure suppliers consistently deliver the quality and service our customers expect.
Leading the Department
- Manage the day-to-day running of the Furniture & Beds department.
- Support, coach, and motivate the sales team to deliver excellent customer service.
- Share your product knowledge and help colleagues build confidence in selling.
- Keep the department looking fresh, welcoming, and well presented.
Looking After Our Customers
- Help customers find the right furniture and beds for their homes.
- Deal with customer enquiries and after-sales issues in a professional and friendly way.
- Create a shopping environment where customers feel welcomed, supported, and inspired.
About You
We're looking for someone who enjoys both the commercial and customer-facing side of retail.
Ideally, you'll have:
- Experience buying furniture, home furnishings, or working in a similar retail buying or category management role.
- A good commercial understanding and experience of driving sales and profitability.
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Knowledge of the furniture and bed market and an eye for quality products.
- The ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team.
- A hands-on approach—you'll enjoy being on the shop floor as much as planning behind the scenes.
- Great organisational skills and attention to detail.
- A genuine passion for delivering excellent customer service.
Why Join Atkinsons?
Atkinson is a business where people genuinely care—about our customers, our colleagues, and the store we've proudly built over generations.
In return, we offer:
- A key role with real responsibility and the opportunity to make a difference.
- The chance to shape one of our flagship departments and influence its future.
- A competitive salary (negotiable depending on experience), plus performance-related bonus (OTE).
- Staff discount across the store.
- Free on site parking
- A supportive, friendly team where your ideas and experience will be valued.
- The opportunity to be part of an independent retailer with a proud history and an exciting future.
Pay: From £35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
