Assistant Buyer Menswear

Assistant Buyer Menswear

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Marks and Spencer

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage buying responsibilities for menswear casual shirts and collaborate with design teams.
  • Company: Join Marks & Spencer, a leader in retail innovation and style.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, health benefits, and more.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to transforming the retail industry.
  • Why this job: Take ownership in a product-focused role and make a real impact on fashion trends.
  • Qualifications: Relevant buying experience and a passion for menswear are essential.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

From Merchandising and Marketing - Product Development and Design, through to Supply Chain and Space Planning - our mission is to bring stylish wardrobe, home and beauty essentials to our customers via an easy, inspiring shopping experience online and in store that will delight them every time. As we accelerate the transformation of our business to suit the changing needs of our customer, we need results‑orientated colleagues that not only have a passion for our product, but a strong team working ethos, creativity and a healthy commercial aim to join us on our journey.

To stay close to customers, our support teams are in the office at least three days a week as we believe that skills are developed through collaboration, and that spending time together makes us more creative and connected.

Here are some of the benefits we offer that make working for M&S just that little bit more special:

  • 20% colleague discount across all M&S products and many of our third party branded products for you and one member of your household.
  • Competitive holiday entitlement with the potential to buy extra holiday days.
  • Discretionary bonus schemes depending on your role and our business performance.
  • Cover for twice your salary up to age 70 (double with our Pension Plan).
  • Pension Savings Plan, Share Buy and Sharesave schemes.
  • Discounts and offers to save on everyday costs and access to great health benefits.
  • Bike/accessory hire with Cycle to Work and save on tax and national insurance.
  • Interest‑free financing for the latest technology directly from your salary.
  • Resources to support your wellbeing, including a free virtual GP service.
  • Support for your favourite charities by donating through your pay or volunteering for them.
  • Industry‑leading maternity, paternity, adoption and neonatal policies, providing support and flexibility for you and your family.

As the Assistant Buyer on casual shirts you will be responsible for managing the day‑to‑day buying responsibilities independently. You will demonstrate a strong initiative and have a solutions‑focused mindset whilst having a passion for product, fashion and executing the latest trends for the M&S customer. This is an amazing opportunity for an experienced Assistant Buyer who is looking to take on more responsibility and ownership in a product focused role!

Your key accountabilities will include:

  • Support the Senior Buyer by displaying a clear understanding of M&S' customer.
  • Work with Design to interpret and adapt to market trends and direction.
  • Analyse historical sales in line with trends and design direction to manage product mix parameters.
  • Promote and support the collaboration with Sourcing Offices globally to help develop appropriate supply routes.
  • Manage the BAA's daily workload and critical path management.
  • Actively participate in coordinating and presenting the range for sign‑off and effectively managing systemic elements of the buying process.
  • Work with Buyer in setting and delivering the strategy for the department.

Your skills and experience will include:

  • Relevant buying experience working to at least Assistant Buyer level.
  • Clothing experience crucial.
  • Experience buying your own area - leading on costings, product development and global sourcing.
  • Passion for menswear.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Highly organised and self‑motivated, positive attitude.
  • Proactive in agreeing to take on Buyer responsibilities.
  • Role model for BAAs and strong interpersonal skills, capable of managing vertically and laterally.

Marks & Spencer strives to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Join us and make change happen. We are committed to building diverse and representative teams, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best. We support each other and work together to win together.

If you feel you'd benefit from any support or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, please don't hesitate to let us know when completing your application. This information will be picked up by our team, so we can try and put steps in place to help you be at your best through this process.

Assistant Buyer Menswear employer: Marks and Spencer

Marks & Spencer is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and creative work environment, particularly for the Assistant Buyer role in Menswear. With a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing, competitive benefits including generous discounts, flexible holiday options, and industry-leading family policies, M&S is committed to supporting your professional growth and personal life. Join a forward-thinking team that values diversity and innovation, and be part of a transformative journey in retail.
Marks and Spencer

Contact Detail:

Marks and Spencer Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer Menswear

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Show your passion for menswear and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission of delivering stylish essentials. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the team!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be clear about your experience and how it aligns with the Assistant Buyer role. Highlight your buying experience and your proactive approach to taking on responsibilities. Confidence is key, so let your personality shine through!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the M&S team and ready to embark on this exciting journey with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer Menswear

Buying Experience
Clothing Knowledge
Product Development
Global Sourcing
Trend Analysis
Interpersonal Skills
Organisational Skills
Self-Motivation
Proactive Attitude
Critical Path Management
Collaboration
Communication Skills
Passion for Menswear
Team Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Product: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for menswear shine through! Share specific examples of how you've engaged with fashion trends and product development in your previous roles. We love to see candidates who are genuinely excited about what they do.

Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Assistant Buyer role. Highlight relevant buying experience and skills that align with our mission at M&S. This shows us that you understand what we're looking for and that you're serious about joining our team.

Be Solutions-Focused: In your application, demonstrate your problem-solving abilities. Share instances where you've tackled challenges in your previous roles, especially in buying or product management. We appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and come up with creative solutions!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company culture and values while you're at it!

How to prepare for a job interview at Marks and Spencer

✨Know Your Product

Before the interview, dive deep into M&S' menswear offerings, especially casual shirts. Familiarise yourself with current trends and how they align with the brand's ethos. This will show your passion for the product and help you discuss how you can contribute to their vision.

✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Be prepared to discuss how you've used historical sales data to inform buying decisions in the past. Bring examples of how you've managed product mix parameters and adapted to market trends. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and strategically.

✨Emphasise Team Collaboration

Since M&S values teamwork, share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with design teams or sourcing offices. Highlight your interpersonal skills and how you've managed workloads within a team setting, as this aligns with their emphasis on a strong team working ethos.

✨Prepare Questions

Have thoughtful questions ready about the role and the company's future direction. Ask about how they envision the evolution of menswear at M&S or how they support their buyers in staying ahead of trends. This shows your genuine interest and proactive mindset.

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