At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and deliver the Outlet Product Strategy while optimising product range and driving performance.
- Company: Join Marks & Spencer, a leading retailer committed to innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and 24/7 wellbeing support.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team transforming retail and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying with strong commercial acumen and excellent 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 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 market-leading family policies, we empower our staff to grow and succeed while delivering quality and value to our customers. Join us in our vibrant office environment, where your contributions will help shape the future of retail and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Buyer Outlets 12 Month FTC
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research M&S's values, mission, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions and scenarios related to buying and product strategy. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Buyer Outlets 12 Month FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for the product shine through! We want to see that you’re excited about the role and how you can 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 buying experience and any relevant skills that align with what we’re looking for. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in joining our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to your skills and experiences!
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’s super easy to navigate!
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 Outlet Product Strategy.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past buying experience where you've identified opportunities that led to increased sales or improved profitability. Highlight your ability to make data-driven decisions and how you've used sales insights to adjust product ranges effectively.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since the role requires strong cross-functional collaboration, think of instances where you've successfully partnered with different teams. Share how you’ve built relationships with stakeholders and how this has positively impacted your work, especially in a fast-paced environment.
✨Stay Updated on Trends
Research current trends in the retail and fashion industry. Be ready to discuss how these trends could influence the Outlet assortment. Showing that you have a finger on the pulse of the competitive landscape will demonstrate your proactive approach and adaptability.
