At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Buyer in creating a trendy menswear range and manage product development.
- Company: Join M&S, a leading retailer known for quality and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of menswear fashion.
- Qualifications: Experience in branded buying and a passion for menswear required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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
As the Branded Assistant Buyer on Menswear your key accountabilities will include:
- Support the Buyer by displaying 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 the Buyer to analyse historical sales in line with trends and design direction to manage product mix parameters including price architecture, colour balance, shape and margin to deliver a highly commercial and balanced range
- Create positive partnerships with our brands, establishing strong direct relationships quickly and leveraging these to develop a long-term benefit to M&S
- Contribute as an active member of the Buying team to work within a commercially focussed culture
- Manage the departmental critical path (including supporting approvals), providing guidance and direction to junior members of the Buying team as well as other participants in the buying and global product development
- Own and drive the production critical path
- Manage BAAs to ensure efficient product & sample management across the buying floor
- Work with Buyer in setting and delivering the strategy for the department
Your skills and experience will include:
- Relevant branded buying experience with a major retailer and a passion for menswear
- Strong negotiation experience
- Understanding of the concepts of brand strategy and knowledge of the current competitive market place
- Critical Path Management
- Highly organised and self-motivated, accustomed to leading by example and taking the initiative
- Role model for BAAs and strong interpersonal skills, capable of managing vertically and laterally
Assistant Buyer 3rd Party Brands - Menswear employer: Marks & Spencer
M&S is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work environment, where employees are empowered to contribute to the success of a well-loved brand. With competitive benefits such as a generous colleague discount, tailored training, and robust family policies, M&S prioritises employee wellbeing and growth. Located in a vibrant setting, the company offers unique opportunities for professional development and meaningful engagement with a diverse customer base.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer 3rd Party Brands - Menswear
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Marks & Spencer, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Marks & Spencer!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer 3rd Party Brands - Menswear
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Marks & Spencer, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Marks & Spencer and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Marks & Spencer that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & Spencer
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
