At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage day-to-day buying responsibilities and collaborate on denim trends.
- Company: Join M&S, a leading retailer with a focus on innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving change in retail.
- Why this job: Take ownership in a dynamic role and make an impact in fashion.
- Qualifications: Relevant denim buying experience and strong interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 25200 - 30800 £ 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-oriented 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.
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.
- 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
What you'll do
As the Assistant Buyer Advanced on Womenswear Denim you will be responsible for managing the day-to-day buying responsibilities independently.
You will demonstrate a strong initiative and have a solutions-focused mindset whilst having a passion for product, fashion and executing the latest trends for the M&S customer.
This is an amazing opportunity for an experienced AB who is looking to take on more responsibility and ownership in a product focused role!
This is not a first time appointment Assistant Buyer role.
- As the Assistant Buyer Advanced on Womenswear Denim your key accountabilities will include
- Support the Senior Buyer by displaying a clear understanding of M&S' customer
- Work with Design to interpret and adapt to market trends and direction
- Analyse historical sales in line with trends and design direction to manage product mix parameters
- Promote and support the collaboration with Sourcing Offices globally to help develop appropriate supply routes.
- Manage the BAA's daily workload and critical path management.
- To actively participate in coordinating and presenting the range for sign-off and effectively managing systemic elements of the buying process.
- To work with Buyer in setting and delivering the strategy for the department
Who you are
- Your skills and experience will include
- Relevant denim buying experience working to established AB with a major retailer.
- Experience buying your own area - leading on costings, product development and global sourcing
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Highly organised and self-motivated, positive attitude
- Proactive in agreeing to take on Buyer responsibilities. Role model for BAAs and strong interpersonal skills, capable of managing vertically and laterally
- 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.
- #hybrid
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Assistant Buyer - Advanced Womenswear Denim 12 Month FTC in City of Westminster employer: Marks & Spencer Plc
Marks & Spencer Plc is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Salford. Employees benefit from a competitive package, extensive professional development opportunities, and the chance to lead cutting-edge HR technology initiatives, making it a rewarding place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer - Advanced Womenswear Denim 12 Month FTC in City of Westminster
✨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 Assistant Buyer - Advanced Womenswear Denim 12 Month FTC in City of Westminster
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 Plc:Don’t forget to personalise your application for Marks & Spencer Plc! 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 Plc
✨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 Plc 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 Plc and contribute positively during your temporary stint.
