At a Glance
- Tasks: Collaborate with teams to develop stylish menswear and exceed buying targets.
- Company: Join the dynamic and inclusive team at Marks & Spencer.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting transformation in retail and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in menswear buying and a passion for product development.
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.
What’s in it for you
Being a part of M&S is exactly that – playing your part to bring the magic of M&S to our customers every day. We’re an inclusive, dynamic, exciting, and ever evolving business built on doing the right thing and bringing exceptional quality, value, service to every customer, whenever, wherever and however they want to shop with us.
Benefits
- After completing your probationary period, you’ll receive 20% colleague discount across all M&S products and many of our third‑party brands for you and a member of your household.
- Competitive holiday entitlement with the potential to buy extra holiday days!
- Discretionary bonus schemes awarded based on how you achieve your personal objectives and our performance as a business.
- A generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and Life Assurance.
- A dedicated welcome to our teams with a tailored induction and a wide range of training programmes to develop your skills.
- Amazing perks and discounts via our M&S Choices portal to maximise your financial and personal wellbeing.
- Industry‑leading parental, adoption and neonatal policies, providing support and flexibility for your family.
- Access to a fantastic range of wellbeing support for all colleagues including access to our 24/7 Virtual GP and PAM Assist to support you and your family.
- A charity volunteer day to support a charity or cause you're passionate about through a dedicated day away from work.
What you’ll do
Your key accountabilities will include:
- Work with Merchandising and all other relevant areas of the business to aggressively trade the product area and hit / exceed Buying targets.
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of M&S’ customer, ensuring the segments and demographics needs are understood and put at the heart of the product offer developed.
- Work with Design to interpret and adapt to market trends and direction, ensuring that the conceptual global range developed is differentiating and targeted to the needs of the customer.
- Analyse historical sales in line with trends and design direction to manage product mix.
- Work in collaboration with Sourcing Offices globally to develop appropriate supply routes.
- Provide leadership and direction to junior members of the Buying team.
- Present the global range for sign‑off and effectively manage systemic elements of the buying process.
Who you are
You will be product obsessed with a commercial mindset excited to continue the M&S transformation journey to bounce back even better!
Your skills and experience will include:
- Working to at least Junior Buyer or Assistant Buyer Advanced level in a menswear clothing brand with proven track record of developing and trading highly commercial ranges that exceed sales / profit targets.
- Ability to initiate and build strong relationships.
- In‑depth knowledge of cost price negotiations and global sourcing.
- Confident developing and building a comprehensive product range.
- An in‑depth knowledge of the current competitive market place.
- Basic understanding of Merchandise Planning.
- A digital and global mind‑set that supports the growth of international and online business.
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 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 Menswear employer: Marks & Spencer Plc
Marks & Spencer is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, where creativity thrives and personal growth is encouraged. With competitive benefits such as a generous colleague discount, flexible holiday options, and comprehensive wellbeing support, employees are empowered to excel in their roles while contributing to the transformation of a leading retail brand. Join us in our mission to deliver quality and value to customers, and be part of a dynamic team that values your contributions and supports your career development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Buyer Menswear
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues 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 products. Understand M&S's mission and values, and think about how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they're all about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to talk about your experience and how it relates to the Junior Buyer role. Highlight your passion for menswear and your commercial mindset – this is your chance to show them why you're the perfect fit!
✨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 serious about joining the M&S team and ready to contribute to our exciting journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Buyer Menswear
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Product:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for menswear shine through! Share specific examples of how you've engaged with products in the past and what excites you about the M&S brand.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the key skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your commercial mindset and any relevant achievements that align with M&S's goals.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically to make it easy for us to see why you're a great fit for the Junior Buyer role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, you’ll ensure it reaches the right team and you can easily track your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & Spencer Plc
✨Know Your Product
Before the interview, dive deep into the menswear market. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key competitors, and M&S's unique selling points. This will not only show your passion for the product but also demonstrate that you understand the customer’s needs.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key at M&S, be ready to discuss examples of how you've worked effectively in teams. Highlight your ability to build relationships and lead junior members, as this aligns perfectly with the role's requirements.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and commercial mindset. Think of specific situations where you’ve successfully managed product ranges or navigated challenges in sourcing. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about M&S's future direction in menswear or how they measure success in the buying team. This shows your genuine interest in the company and the role.
