At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and deliver the Outlet Product Strategy while optimising product range and driving performance.
- Company: Join Marks & Spencer, a leader in retail innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and 24/7 wellbeing support.
- Other info: We're committed to diversity and creating an inspiring workplace for all.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team transforming retail and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying with strong commercial acumen and excellent communication skills.
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. Please note this is a 12 Month fixed term contract.
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.
Benefits:
- 20% colleague discount on all M&S products and many third‑party brands for you and someone in your household, available once you have completed probation
- Competitive holiday allowance with the option to buy more
- Discretionary bonus schemes linked to performance
- Strong pension and life assurance
- Tailored induction and training to support development
- Exclusive perks and savings through 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
What you’ll do:
This role is responsible for shaping and delivering the Outlet Product Strategy, optimising the product proposition across the Outlet estate, and driving performance through exceptional range building, commercial decision‑making, and cross‑functional collaboration.
Key accountabilities:
- Develop and curate a cohesive business unit product range across all categories, drawing from the most recent product back catalogue to optimise sales, profitability, and customer choice
- Partner closely with Sourcing offices and Sourcing managers to align ways of working and processes to enable cost and sourcing efficiencies
- Ensure mainchain modularity inherited by Outlets is managed effectively to ensure end‑to‑end efficiency and cost control
- Act as the central point of contact for all Outlet product queries, ensuring stakeholders receive clear, timely and accurate information
- Build strong partnerships with Buyers, establishing effective ways of working to continually refine and enhance the Outlet assortment
- Monitor performance and trading activity, using sales insights to adjust ranges and maintain relevance
Who you are:
Your skills and experience will include:
- Extensive buying experience with a major clothing retailer
- Agile, adaptable and proactive with the ability to operate effectively in a dynamic environment
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify and act on opportunities
- Excellent communication and influencing skills across a wide stakeholder group
- Deep understanding of the competitive landscape and emerging trends
- Proven experience in building and managing comprehensive product ranges
Everybody is welcome…We are ambitious about the future of retail. We're disrupting, innovating and leading the industry into a more conscientious, inspiring digital era. We're transforming how we work together and offering our most exciting opportunities yet. 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 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.
Junior Buyer Outlets 12 Month FTC in London employer: Marks and Spencer
Marks & Spencer is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, where creativity thrives and team spirit is paramount. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including a generous colleague discount, and a commitment to wellbeing, M&S offers a rewarding environment for those looking to grow their careers in retail. Join us in shaping the future of retail while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that values every individual's contribution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Buyer Outlets 12 Month FTC in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn and ask about their experiences. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company culture and values. Show how your passion for product aligns with their mission. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the team too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your buying experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Buyer Outlets 12 Month FTC in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity to shape and deliver the Outlet Product Strategy.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your extensive buying experience and commercial acumen. We love seeing how your skills align with our mission to optimise sales and profitability!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and how they relate to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with M&S.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks and Spencer
✨Know Your Product
Before the interview, dive deep into the product range of the company. Familiarise yourself with their latest collections and understand what makes their offerings unique. This will not only show your passion for the product but also help you discuss how you can contribute to optimising their Outlet Product Strategy.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your previous buying experience where you identified opportunities that led to increased sales or improved profitability. Highlight your ability to make data-driven decisions and how you've used sales insights to adjust product ranges in the past.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since the role requires strong cross-functional collaboration, think of instances where you've successfully worked with different teams. Be ready to share how you built partnerships with stakeholders and how effective communication played a key role in achieving common goals.
✨Stay Agile and Adaptable
The retail environment is dynamic, so be ready to discuss how you've adapted to changes in the market or within your team. Share examples that demonstrate your proactive approach and how you thrive in fast-paced settings, which aligns with the company's evolving nature.
