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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage buying responsibilities for Kidswear and collaborate on product trends.
- Company: Join M&S, a leading retailer focused on quality and service.
- Benefits: Enjoy 20% discount, competitive holidays, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Take ownership in a dynamic role and make an impact in fashion.
- Qualifications: Relevant buying experience and strong interpersonal skills 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.
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 services
- One paid volunteer day a year to support a cause that matters to you
What you’ll do
As the Assistant Buyer on Kidswear 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!
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
- Actively participate in coordinating and presenting the range for sign-off and effectively managing systemic elements of the buying process
- Work with Buyer in setting and delivering the strategy for the department
Who you are
Your skills and experience will include:
- Relevant 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.
Assistant Buyer - Advanced Kidswear 12 Month FTC employer: MARKS&SPENCER
Contact Detail:
MARKS&SPENCER Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer - Advanced Kidswear 12 Month FTC
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those already 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 products. Show us your passion for kidswear and how you can contribute to our mission of delivering quality and value.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want to see your personality shine through, so be yourself and let your enthusiasm for the role come across!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the M&S family.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer - Advanced Kidswear 12 Month FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Kidswear: When you're writing your application, let your love for kidswear shine through! Talk about your experience with fashion trends and how you can bring that passion to M&S. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Be Specific About Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant buying experience clearly. We’re looking for someone who has managed their own area before, so share specific examples of your achievements in product development and sourcing. This helps us see how you fit into our team!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to the Assistant Buyer role. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities listed in the job description. We appreciate when candidates take this extra step!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at MARKS&SPENCER
✨Know Your Product
Before the interview, dive deep into M&S' Kidswear range. Familiarise yourself with their latest trends, bestsellers, and customer feedback. This will not only show your passion for the product but also demonstrate that you understand the brand's ethos and customer base.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've used data in your previous roles. Bring examples of how you've analysed sales trends or managed product mixes. This will highlight your ability to make informed decisions, which is crucial for an Assistant Buyer.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
M&S values collaboration, so be ready to talk about how you've worked with design teams or sourcing offices in the past. Share specific instances where your interpersonal skills helped achieve a common goal, showcasing your ability to work both vertically and laterally.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the future direction of M&S Kidswear or how they adapt to market changes. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals.