Buying: Mandeep Rana

Name: Mandeep Rana

Job: Assistant category manager, gaming

Employer: DSG International plc

Area of work: Buying

Qualifications: BA business, Coventry University; MA marketing, Coventry University

While studying I was taught by outstanding lecturers, all of whom had held senior positions in top blue-chip retail organisations. The real-life scenarios they described were exciting and an insight into business, so I felt a career in retail was the way forward.

My job

I help to produce budget and promotional plans for both stores and online. This involves analysing data, working with suppliers and producing briefs for local and international buying teams. I am based in the office, but often visit stores to see how ideas have been implemented. My job entails working closely with different areas of the business, including the advertising, operations, commercial planning and buying teams. I attend regular buying meetings with the category manager.

The lowdown on retail

Working in retail is not only about selling. Products offered to consumers are carefully selected – multiple teams work on developing each product and supporting it throughout its lifecycle. The hardest thing about the job is that I can get so involved in projects that I don’t want to go home. What I really enjoy is the unpredictability – I am never bored. It’s also reassuring to know that I am not tied down in my job role and that there are huge opportunities for progression within the sector.