At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire future talent by delivering engaging Food Buying & Merchandising apprenticeship programmes.
- Company: Join EFI Training, a leader in dynamic, industry-led apprenticeship programmes with top retail brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible contracts, competitive pay, and the chance to shape careers in a vibrant environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on learners' lives while working with iconic brands like Harrods and ASOS.
- Qualifications: Bring extensive food buying experience; teaching experience is a plus but not essential.
- Other info: Apply online—CVs not accepted; ongoing recruitment for passionate educators.
Join EFI Training as an Associate Lecturer and partner with top retail brands to shape future talent. We’re seeking experts in Food Buying & Merchandising to share your knowledge, inspire the next generation, and help learners thrive in their careers.
As an Associate Lecturer, you’ll deliver high-quality Apprenticeship programmes, ensuring alignment with accredited standards. You’ll plan and teach engaging content, providing learners with the skills and feedback they need to succeed in the industry.
At EFI Training, we deliver dynamic, industry-led Apprenticeship programmes designed to equip employees with real-world skills through hands-on workplace learning. Ranging from Level 2 to Level 6, our programmes last 1-2 years. During this time, apprentices work with our employer partners while studying with EFI Training to achieve an industry-recognised Apprenticeship Standard.
From Food to Home, Beauty to Fashion, we collaborate with iconic brands like Harrods, ASDA, Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, SpaceNK, AllSaints, and ASOS and more. At EFI Training, we’re not just shaping careers—we’re driving skills transformation and helping businesses develop the talent of tomorrow.
About you
- Experience: Extensive industry experience in food buying within a large retail organisation, along with a proven track record of building and developing strong relationships with employers and communities. It would be desirable to have previous teaching experience, however this is not a must.
- Expertise: In-depth, current operational knowledge of the food retail industry.
- Passion: A motivational leader with excellent presentation skills, confidence in addressing groups, and a genuine enthusiasm for teaching and inspiring others.
If you feel your skills and experience would fit well within our team and you meet many, but not all of our listed qualifications for this role, please apply or get in touch with our Recruitment Team to discuss further.
Salary: £37.58 an hour, inclusive of teaching, preparation and associated pedagogic work, on Levels 2, 3 and 4, and £42 an hour, inclusive of teaching and associated pedagogic work on Levels 5 and 6. Non-teaching duties across provisions, including course development work, are paid at £23.85 per hour inclusive.
How to apply/Next Steps: Create an account via our website, click 'Start Application' and submit your completed application form. Please note as we are an education provider, CVs are not accepted.
Closing Date: On-going.
More Information/Contact us: For more information about the EFI, visit our website and refer to the job description. Please contact recruitment@efigroup.ac.uk for further information. The EFI is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults. Candidates offered positions will be required to undergo thorough safeguarding background checks as a condition of the offer.
Associate Lecturer: Food Buying & Merchandising employer: Fashion Retail Academy
Contact Detail:
Fashion Retail Academy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Lecturer: Food Buying & Merchandising
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the food retail industry. Attend industry events, webinars, or workshops to connect with potential colleagues and employers. Building relationships can give you insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for teaching and mentoring. Consider volunteering or offering workshops in your community related to food buying and merchandising. This experience can demonstrate your commitment to education and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in food retail and merchandising. Follow industry news, subscribe to relevant publications, and engage in discussions on platforms like LinkedIn. This knowledge will not only enhance your expertise but also impress during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in building relationships with employers and communities. Think of specific examples where you've successfully collaborated or influenced others in your previous roles, as this aligns with the job's requirements.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Lecturer: Food Buying & Merchandising
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Associate Lecturer position. Highlight your relevant experience in food buying and merchandising.
Tailor Your Application: Since CVs are not accepted, focus on completing the EFI Application Form. Ensure that your responses reflect your expertise in the food retail industry and your passion for teaching.
Showcase Your Experience: In your application, emphasise your extensive industry experience and any previous teaching or mentoring roles. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've built relationships within the industry.
Highlight Your Passion: Convey your enthusiasm for teaching and inspiring others in your application. Mention any relevant presentation skills or experiences that showcase your ability to engage with learners effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fashion Retail Academy
✨Showcase Your Industry Experience
Make sure to highlight your extensive experience in food buying within a large retail organisation. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've built strong relationships with employers and communities, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Teaching Passion
Even if you don't have formal teaching experience, convey your enthusiasm for sharing knowledge. Prepare to discuss how you would engage and inspire learners, perhaps by sharing innovative teaching methods or examples of how you've motivated others in the past.
✨Know the Apprenticeship Standards
Familiarise yourself with the accredited standards for the apprenticeship programmes you'll be delivering. This will show that you're serious about aligning your teaching with industry requirements and can provide valuable insights into the curriculum.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Have thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers about the role, the team, and the company culture. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.