Huub Degeling
"Everyone works towards the same goal: making Action a little better every day."
Huub Degeling, Senior BuyerAbout Huub
More than six years ago, Huub joined Action as a Buying Assistant in the Food & Drink team. Through hard work, curiosity and a strong drive to learn, he developed into his current role as Senior Buyer.
What attracted you to developing your career at Action?
Action offers many opportunities for people who are willing to take ownership of their development. I started as a Buying Assistant and was able to grow step by step into my current role. What motivated me most was the combination of responsibility, learning opportunities, and the pace of the business. If you are eager to learn and take initiative, there is a lot possible.
Why did you choose Buying?
Buying immediately appealed to me because of the combination of commerce, speed and variety. You are constantly looking for opportunities, working with suppliers and making decisions that have a direct impact on the stores. Seeing products and ideas come to life in the store makes the role very rewarding.
How did you develop into a Senior Buyer?
For me, development has always been about staying curious and learning from others. I have never focused solely on my own category but also looked at how colleagues work and how different parts of the business connect. Taking responsibility, being open to feedback and continuously aiming to improve helped me grow into my current role.
What does your workday look like?
No day is ever the same. We work in a fast-moving environment where priorities can change quickly. Part of my week is focused on analysing the performance of the current assortment, while another part is dedicated to identifying new opportunities and trends. I also spend a lot of time working with suppliers and colleagues to make sure we offer the best products for our customers.
What surprised you the most when you started at Action?
What surprised me most was how approachable everyone is. No matter someone's role or level within the organisation, people are willing to support each other. That creates a positive working environment where you can learn quickly and build strong relationships.
What would you like to share with future Buying Trainees?
Be patient and give yourself time to grow into the role. Buying is a complex field and there is always something new to discover. Stay curious, ask questions and take initiative. If you are willing to learn and work hard, Action offers plenty of opportunities to grow.
Why is the Buying Traineeship a good start to your career?
The traineeship gives you a strong foundation for a career in Buying. You gain practical experience, learn how different parts of the business work together and develop the skills needed to grow into a Buyer role. It is a great way to build both knowledge and confidence early in your career.