At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product strategy and create standout ranges that delight customers.
- Company: Join M&S, a forward-thinking retailer with a strong sense of purpose.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of M&S products and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a buyer with strong commercial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Working at M&S means being part of something bigger - helping to deliver quality, value and service to millions of customers every day. We're inclusive, fast-moving and always evolving, with a strong sense of purpose and a focus on doing the right thing.
- 20% colleague discount on all M&S products and many third-party brands for you and someone in your household, available once you've completed your probation
- Competitive holiday allowance with the option to buy more
- Discretionary bonus schemes linked to your performance and ours
- Strong pension and life assurance to help plan for the future
- Tailored induction and training to support your development from day one
- Exclusive perks and savings through our M&S Choices portal
- Market-leading family policies, including parental, adoption and neonatal leave
- 24/7 wellbeing support, including virtual GP access and mental health services
- One paid volunteer day a year to support a cause that matters to you
This is an exciting opportunity to lead customer-led product strategy, create standout commercial ranges and influence the M&S brand globally. You'll combine creative vision with sharp trading instincts, inspiring teams and partners to deliver products that delight customers and drive profitable growth.
Please note this is a 9 month FTC.
- Put customer insight at the heart of every range, translating trends into distinctive products that set M&S apart.
- Own the product strategy from concept to market, balancing price, colour, shape, margin and channel needs.
- Lead a fast-paced trading culture-spotting opportunities, accelerating winning products and acting quickly when performance shifts.
- Partner across Design, Merchandising, Technical, Marketing, Digital, International and global sourcing teams to deliver one compelling vision.
- Negotiate the best prices, lead times and supply routes, using M&S scale to achieve ambitious sales, margin and profit targets.
- Shape wider brand strategy, build strong cross-business networks and lead high-impact projects.
- Coach and develop a talented buying team, creating clarity, collaboration and opportunities for growth.
You're an experienced buyer with proven experience at a major retailer and a strong record of delivering commercial ranges that exceed sales and profit targets. You bring confident product judgement, market awareness and expertise in cost-price negotiation, materials and global sourcing. You build influential relationships across Design, Merchandising, Technical and sourcing teams, turning strategy into action. You're an inspiring, organised leader who thrives in ambiguity, communicates with impact and develops high-performing teams. You combine a digital and global mindset with the pace, resilience and attention to detail needed to deliver against the buying critical path.
Ready to make your mark? Bring your commercial instinct, creative energy and leadership to M&S-and help shape ranges customers will love.
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.
Buyer - Beauty - 9 month FTC in London employer: Marks and Spencer
Marks and Spencer is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture in the heart of London that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Technical Programme Manager, you will have access to extensive employee growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on customer experiences through cutting-edge technology and loyalty initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer - Beauty - 9 month FTC in London
✨Get Your Foot in the Door Early
In retail, many temporary roles pop up during peak seasons, like Christmas or summer sales. Keep an eye on the calendars for these spikes and start scouting for opportunities a bit in advance. We can even help you stay sharp on your search!
✨Utilise Local Connections
Visit local shops in person and chat with managers about potential temporary openings. Many retail positions are filled by word-of-mouth, so don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation while you grab a coffee or do your weekly shopping!
✨Show Off Your Availability
Retail managers love flexibility! Make sure to highlight your availability in a casual chat or when you apply through our website. The more open you are to work varied shifts, the more likely they are to bring you on board—especially for temporary gigs!
✨Be Ready for On-the-Spot Interviews
When you walk into a shop, be prepared for the possibility of an on-the-spot interview. Dress comfortably but smartly, have a few key points about your experience ready, and be enthusiastic. Remember, it’s all about making that positive first impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer - Beauty - 9 month FTC in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you've got, whether it’s casual jobs or volunteer work. Employers want to see that you can interact well with customers, so think about any instances where you've gone the extra mile to help someone out.
Flexibility Is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary position, you should emphasise your flexibility in your application. Mention your availability clearly in your cover letter and CV—employers love knowing they can rely on you to work varied hours, especially during busy periods!
Keep It Short and Sweet:For temporary roles, we don’t need an essay! Keep your CV and cover letter concise, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills. Highlight any specific retail achievements, like sales targets met or product knowledge that demonstrates your eagerness to dive straight in.
Tailor Your Application to Marks and Spencer:Don’t forget to personalise your application for Marks and Spencer! Take a look at their values and product range, and if you’ve had previous experience with similar brands, mention that. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and have a good understanding of what they do.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks and Spencer
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In retail, it's all about customer interaction, so be ready to share examples of how you've handled tough customer situations. We recommend thinking through a couple of scenarios before the interview where you went above and beyond to help a customer, as these can really make you stand out.
✨Brush Up on Product Knowledge
Temporary roles often have a steep learning curve because you'll need to pick up product knowledge fast. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the main products or services that Marks and Spencer offers, and if possible, try to understand their current promotions. It’ll give you the edge to engage customers effectively.
✨Flexibility is Key
Being in a temporary retail role means you may need to adapt quickly to different tasks or shifts. Be prepared to highlight your flexibility and willingness to take on varied responsibilities during the interview. Think of examples where you've had to juggle multiple tasks at once – that’ll show you're a great fit for the dynamic retail environment.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since retail roles often require collaboration, be ready to showcase your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you worked well with colleagues, especially in fast-paced situations. This will underline your ability to slot into the team at Marks and Spencer and contribute positively during your temporary stint.
