At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and deliver the Outlet Product Strategy while optimising product performance.
- Company: Join M&S, a leading retailer committed to innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and 24/7 wellbeing support.
- Other info: 12-month fixed term contract with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team transforming retail with creativity and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying with strong commercial acumen and 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’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 resources
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. Your key accountabilities will include:
- 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.
Everyone 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. 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 would 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 City of Westminster employer: Marks & Spencer Plc
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 comprehensive wellbeing support, M&S empowers its staff to grow and succeed while delivering quality products to customers. Located in a dynamic retail environment, this role offers the chance to be part of a transformative journey in the retail sector, making a meaningful impact every day.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Buyer Outlets 12 Month FTC in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at M&S. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching M&S's latest trends and product strategies. Show us you’re not just passionate about the role but also about what we do and how we do it!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to influence and collaborate with various stakeholders, so being clear and confident in your conversations is key.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows us you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Buyer Outlets 12 Month FTC in City of Westminster
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 work with us and contribute to our mission of delivering quality and value.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Junior Buyer role. Highlight your relevant experience in buying and merchandising, and don’t forget to mention any specific achievements that demonstrate your commercial acumen and ability to drive performance.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see how you fit into our team and culture.
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at M&S!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & Spencer Plc
✨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 them unique. This will not only show your passion for the product but also help you discuss how you can contribute to optimising their offerings.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your previous buying experience and how you've identified opportunities in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate your commercial decision-making skills and how they led to improved sales or profitability.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves cross-functional collaboration, think of examples where you've successfully worked with different teams. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve built strong partnerships in previous roles to drive results.
✨Stay Agile and Adaptable
The retail environment is dynamic, so be ready to discuss how you've adapted to changes in the past. Share instances where you've been proactive in responding to market trends or customer needs, showcasing your ability to thrive in a fast-paced setting.
