At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to develop stylish home products that delight customers.
- Company: Join M&S, a forward-thinking retailer transforming the shopping experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and tailored training from day one.
- Other info: Opportunity to make a real impact in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Why this job: Be part of an inclusive team driving innovation in the retail industry.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Senior Buyer with a passion for home trends and style.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ 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 12-month Fixed Term opportunity has arisen in our Home department leading a 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 Homeware market.
- All the details
- What You’ll Do
- Put the needs of M&S’ home customer, segments and demographics at the heart of the product offer.
Work with Design to interpret market trends and develop distinctive, customer-focused ranges, leading a digital mind-set and clear online product strategy.
- Analyse historical sales, trends and design direction to manage the product mix.
Lead a trading culture at all levels, identifying opportunities and pursuing new products, while working with Merchandising to identify and address underperformance early.
- Work closely with other buyers and Technical, Design, Merchandising, Marketing and channel teams, including International, to review, influence and deliver a cohesive global product strategy and ranges throughout the buying process.
- Collaborate with global Sourcing Offices to develop appropriate supply routes, providing clear leadership and direction to both the buying team and Sourcing Offices.
- Identify and develop talent within the team, benchmarking across the peer group and promoting opportunities for people to move within the business.
Who You Are
- Experience at Senior Buyer level in a fast-paced trading retailer, with extensive own-buy experience in home or a similar product area and a strong passion for Home trends and style.
- Technical knowledge and a proven track record of developing and trading highly commercial ranges that exceed sales and profit targets, alongside an understanding of brand strategy and the ability to deliver it.
- In-depth knowledge of cost price negotiations and global sourcing, with a strong understanding of materials and the material supply base.
- A good understanding of the global retail marketplace and the ability to identify relevant product trends, with a digital and global mind-set that supports the growth of international and online business.
- A highly organised approach, with commitment to completing tasks and managing ambiguity through clear team guidance and planning.
Able to lead, coach and manage people to support development and success, and proactively take on Buying Lead responsibilities when required.
What’s in it for you?
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
- 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.
- #hybridrole
Senior Buyer - Home FTC in London employer: Marks & Spencer Group
Join M&S as a Customer Assistant in our Food section, where you'll be part of a dynamic team that values hard work and dedication. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we offer a vibrant work culture that encourages collaboration and innovation. Located in Wolstanton, you will enjoy the benefits of working for one of the UK's fastest-growing retailers, with opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career while delivering exceptional service to our valued customers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer - Home 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 Senior Buyer - Home 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 & Spencer Group:Don’t forget to personalise your application for Marks & Spencer Group! 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 & Spencer Group
✨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 & Spencer Group 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 & Spencer Group and contribute positively during your temporary stint.
