At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Womenswear Knitwear department, driving product strategy and team collaboration.
- Company: Join Marks & Spencer, a forward-thinking retailer transforming the shopping experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and tailored training from day one.
- Other info: Inclusive culture focused on innovation and personal development.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of fashion retail.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Senior Buyer in fast-paced fashion, with a passion for knitwear.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ 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.
An exciting opportunity to manage the Knitwear department leading a large team ranging from Junior Buyer to BAA. We are looking for an experienced Senior Buyer who loves product, has experience working in a fast-paced trading business and has a strong understanding of the Knitwear market to lead our second biggest department in Womenswear.
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. Here are just a few of the benefits that make working here even more rewarding:
- 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
Your key accountabilities will include:
- Promote & drive a clear understanding of M&S' womenswear customer, ensuring the segments and demographics needs are understood and put at the heart of the product offer.
- Work with Design to interpret and adapt to market trends and direction, ensuring that the conceptual range developed is differentiating and targeted to the needs of the customer, driving a digital mind-set through clear leadership on the online product strategy.
- Analyse historical sales in line with trends and design direction to manage product mix parameters.
- Work closely with other buyers and technical, design, merchandising, marketing, channel teams inc International to review, influence and cohesively deliver both the global product strategy and ranges throughout the Buying process.
- Lead a trading culture across all levels; spotting opportunities, chasing into new products and working with Merchandising to ensure that failure is identified early and managed appropriately.
- Work in collaboration with Sourcing Offices globally to develop appropriate supply routes.
- Provide leadership and direction to the buying team as well as Sourcing Office.
- Identify and develop talent within the team, benchmarking across peer group and promoting movement of people within the business.
Your skills and experience will include:
- Working to at least Senior Buyer level in a fast-paced trading fashion retailer.
- Extensive own buy experience required in womenswear knitwear.
- Style focussed with a passion for fashion is a requirement.
- Technical Knowledge and proven track record of developing and trading highly commercial ranges that exceed sales / profit targets.
- In-depth knowledge of cost price negotiations and global sourcing.
- Understanding and delivery of the concepts of brand strategy.
- Good understanding of global retail market place with the ability to identify relevant product trends.
- Strong knowledge of materials used and understanding of material supply base.
- Highly organised approach and commitment to closing and completing tasks.
- Managing ambiguity effectively - providing clear guidance and planning to teams at all times.
- Ability to lead, coach and manage people to support development and drive success.
- Proactively agree to take on Buying Lead/ Head of Buying responsibilities where required.
- A digital and global mind-set that supports the growth of international and online business.
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.
Senior Buyer Womenswear Knitwear employer: Marks and Spencer
Marks & Spencer is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where creativity and collaboration are at the forefront of our mission to deliver quality and value to our customers. With competitive benefits such as a generous colleague discount, tailored training, and strong family policies, we prioritise employee growth and well-being, making it an inspiring place to develop your career in the fast-paced world of fashion retail.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer Womenswear Knitwear
✨Get Down to the Fashion Events
Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like Marks and Spencer!
✨Join Fashion-Focused Communities
Become a part of online fashion communities on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Participate in discussions and share your insights on trends or your personal style journey. It’s a great way to get noticed by brands looking to fill positions, including Marks and Spencer.
✨Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio
Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for Marks and Spencer.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at Marks and Spencer!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer Womenswear Knitwear
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at Marks and Spencer.
Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to Marks and Spencer!
Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at Marks and Spencer. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks and Spencer
✨Showcase Your Style Portfolio
For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!
✨Know the Latest Trends and Brands
Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills
In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Dress the Part
This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!
