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- Tasks: Drive category performance and shape commercial success in the Foods business.
- Company: Join M&S, a leader in retail innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, competitive holidays, bonuses, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make impactful decisions that influence millions of customers daily.
- Qualifications: Strong negotiation skills and experience in data analysis required.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team focused on innovation and growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
As a Senior Buyer in our Foods business, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping category performance and driving commercial success. You’ll lead the development of category plans that deliver sales, profit, and market share growth, while ensuring our ranges reflect outstanding quality and innovation. Working closely with suppliers and internal teams, you’ll set clear strategies for pricing, promotions, and product architecture, ensuring compliance and alignment with M&S values. This is a fast-paced, high-impact role where your decisions will influence what millions of customers see on our shelves every day.
What you’ll do:
- Drive category sales and profit by creating and delivering robust commercial plans aligned to operating budgets.
- Lead supplier relationships with a focus on negotiation, collaboration, and efficiency improvements across the supply base.
- Develop and implement range strategies that optimise space, product choice, and price architecture to meet customer needs.
- Set and implement promotional and marketing plans that align with the wider Food Group strategy and deliver measurable impact.
- Analyse customer insight, sales trends, and market data to see opportunities for innovation and growth.
Who you are:
- A commercially astute buyer with strong negotiation skills and a proven ability to deliver results in a competitive market.
- Skilled at analysing complex data and turning insights into actionable strategies that drive performance.
- A confident communicator who can influence partners and build strong relationships internally and externally.
- Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Collaborative and team-focused, with a passion for delivering outstanding quality and value for customers.
What’s in it for you?
- 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.
Everyone’s 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 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.
Senior Buyer employer: Marks and Spencer
Contact Detail:
Marks and Spencer Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect 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 values. Understand their products and market position, so you can show how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your approach.
✨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 genuinely interested in being part of our team at M&S. So, get that application in ASAP!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in category management and supplier relationships. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Senior Buyer, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: As a Senior Buyer, strong negotiation skills are key. Use your application to share specific examples of successful negotiations you've led. This will help us understand how you can drive commercial success at M&S.
Highlight Your Analytical Prowess: We love data-driven decision-making! Include instances where you've analysed market trends or customer insights to inform your strategies. This will demonstrate your ability to turn complex data into actionable plans.
Apply Early!: Due to high interest in this role, it might close sooner than expected. We recommend applying as soon as possible through our website to ensure your application is considered. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks and Spencer
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to analyse complex data. Brush up on key metrics related to sales trends and market data before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've used data in the past to drive category performance and make informed decisions.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is crucial in this role, so prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led. Think about specific situations where you improved supplier relationships or achieved cost savings. Highlight your collaborative approach and how it benefited both parties.
✨Understand M&S Values
Familiarise yourself with Marks & Spencer's values and how they align with your own. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their mission of delivering quality and value. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle multiple priorities. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully managed competing demands or implemented innovative strategies. This will showcase your organisational skills and adaptability.
