At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in planning and optimising Xbox hardware merchandising across EMEA.
- Company: Join Microsoft, a global leader in technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with a competitive salary and full support.
- Other info: Enjoy career growth opportunities and be part of a supportive apprentice community.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in a vibrant, inclusive environment with real responsibilities.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualifications and 5 GCSEs including Maths and English required.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1000 £ per month.
Start Date: September 2026
Apprenticeship: Level 6
Placement length: 2.5 years
Come build community, explore your passions and do your best work at Microsoft with thousands of Apprentices from every corner of the world. This opportunity will allow you to bring your aspirations, talent, potential—and excitement for the journey ahead. As the EMEA Xbox Hardware Site Merchandiser Apprentice, you'll be responsible for assisting the Xbox Site Merchandising Lead in planning, executing, and optimizing how Xbox consoles, controllers, headsets, and accessories show up across Microsoft’s Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) web experience. This role ensures operational excellence across content setup, merchandising execution, promotions, and daily storefront updates. This merchandiser supports GTM activations, ensures accuracy and quality in all hardware-related content, performs detailed QA, and helps identify opportunities to improve the hardware customer journey across EMEA markets.
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more. As employees they come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realise their shared goals. Each day they build on their values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
Responsibilities
- Assist with Xbox Hardware Go-to-Market Execution: Support in preparing and executing launches for Xbox consoles, bundles, controllers, and accessories. Localize and implement global GTM direction into EMEA storefront assets and placements. Maintain awareness of hardware release calendars, product changes, and stock updates, escalating issues as needed.
- Day-to-Day Storefront Operations & Content Management: Assist by owning day-to-day operational tasks, including product setup, content publishing, and CMS updates. Support creation and maintenance of EMEA-specific collections, navigation modules, and category pages for Xbox hardware. Conduct detailed QA across markets to ensure accuracy in pricing, availability, specs, images, and messaging. Flag errors, misalignments, and customer-impacting issues to the Merchandising Lead for resolution.
- Pricing & Promotions Support: Support setup and validation of Xbox hardware promotions across key events (Black Friday, Holiday, Spring Sale, etc.). Ensure promotional messaging, discounting, and offer structures follow EMEA guidance. Perform thorough QA pre-, during-, and post-promotion to ensure flawless execution across markets.
- Customer Journey Insights & Experience Improvement: Monitor EMEA customer feedback related to console and accessory buying experiences (e.g., clarity of specs, compatibility confusion, PDP performance). Provide insights and data back to help inform enhancements or UI/UX improvements. Assist with A/B test execution by gathering screenshots, documenting results, and supporting operational setup.
- Operational Excellence & Documentation: Maintain up-to-date documentation for product setups, merchandising flows, promo readiness, and GTM publishing checklists. Track weekly changes, updates, and issues to provide operational clarity. Support in preparing inputs for category reviews, performance discussions, and site readiness meetings.
- Cross-Functional Coordination: Partner with key teams—including Category, Marketing, Pricing, Creative, and Engineering. Help manage workflows by gathering required assets, tickets, content requests, and approvals. Act as an execution partner, ensuring Microsoft’s strategy is delivered consistently across all EMEA markets.
Being a Microsoft Apprentice: As a Microsoft Apprentice, you will have the opportunity to start your career early, earn while you learn, and gain valuable experience. Microsoft believe in providing real responsibility from the outset, with an employment contract for the full duration of your apprenticeship. You will be an integral part of the team, contributing to meaningful projects and initiatives to drive impact.
What to Expect:
- Support and Guidance: You will be fully supported by an apprentice buddy, your manager, and fellow team members. Microsoft managers are trained and ready to support you throughout your apprenticeship programme.
- Learning and Development: You will spend time away from your job training and growing your knowledge, which you will then apply to your day-to-day role. You will complete work-based assignments and participate in modules aligned with your job responsibilities.
- Community and Inclusion: You will be part of a vibrant and inclusive apprentice community. You will have opportunities to give back through Microsoft's community programmes and Employee Resource Groups.
- Career Growth: At Microsoft, they are committed to your growth and development. You will have access to industry-leading innovation and resources to help you succeed in your role and beyond.
Join Microsoft and develop skills that will pave the way for a successful career – Apply now!
Qualifications
Requirements: To be eligible for this apprenticeship, you must not have a degree, however, you should have: Obtained suitable level 3 qualifications by 31st August 2026 (3 A-levels with grades A*-C, BTEC Nationals, T Levels, or equivalent). Obtained 5 GCSEs, including Maths and English, with grades A*-C or 9-4 on the new grading system. You need to be legally authorised (have citizenship or a valid visa/work permit) to work in the UK to be eligible for this role.
Related Competencies:
- Analytical Problem Solving – Shows an ability to spot patterns, break down challenges into clear, simple steps, and approach tasks in a structured way. Stays focused on finding practical solutions to real-world problems and improving how things are done.
- Cross-Boundary Collaboration – Works well with people across different teams, functions, or partner organisations. Comfortable building relationships beyond their immediate area and contributing to shared goals.
- Building Customer and Partner Relationships – Able to develop positive, trusted relationships with customers, partners, or internal stakeholders. Takes time to understand their needs and how their business works to support strong, long-term partnerships.
- Global Process Management – Shows an interest in learning how global processes work and how to follow them efficiently. Keeps the end customer in mind and contributes to smooth, consistent ways of working across teams and locations.
Desired Skills and Abilities:
- Shows developing analytical skills and a willingness to learn how to work with data.
- Develops the ability to use AI tools to support work tasks and sharing learnings to help upskill the wider team.
- Approaches tasks with strong attention to detail.
- Demonstrates enthusiasm, determination, and a strong work ethic.
- Enjoys exploring data and learning how to turn insights into clear, simple stories.
- Has a genuine interest in products and how they succeed in the market.
- Builds positive relationships and works well with others.
- Communicates clearly and enjoys collaborating as part of a team.
- Adapts well to a fast-paced, changing environment.
- Comfortable using Excel and eager to grow technical skills.
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.
EMEA Site Merchandiser Apprentice in London employer: Microsoft Corporation
Microsoft is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters personal and professional growth. As an EMEA Site Merchandiser Apprentice, you will gain hands-on experience while being supported by dedicated mentors and a community of fellow apprentices. With a commitment to innovation and career development, Microsoft empowers you to build meaningful skills and contribute to impactful projects in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land EMEA Site Merchandiser Apprentice in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Microsoft apprentices on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the role. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to merchandising and customer experience. Think about how you can showcase your analytical skills and attention to detail. We want to see your passion for Xbox and how you can contribute to the team!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research Microsoft’s culture and values. Show us how you align with our mission to empower every person and organisation. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what we’re all about!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. Make sure your application reflects your enthusiasm for the role and highlights relevant experiences. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
We think you need these skills to ace EMEA Site Merchandiser Apprentice in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the EMEA Site Merchandiser Apprentice role. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description, especially around merchandising and customer journey insights.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for Xbox and the gaming industry shine through in your application. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about the products and the impact they can have on customers' experiences.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate applicants who can communicate effectively and demonstrate their analytical problem-solving skills.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. This ensures that your application is processed correctly and gives you the best chance of being considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Microsoft Corporation
✨Know Your Xbox Products
Familiarise yourself with the latest Xbox consoles, controllers, and accessories. Understand their features, pricing, and how they compare to competitors. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples of how you've used analytical problem-solving in past experiences. Whether it's through school projects or personal interests, be ready to discuss how you identify patterns and improve processes. This aligns perfectly with the role's focus on customer journey insights.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Think of instances where you've worked effectively in a team. Microsoft values cross-boundary collaboration, so share stories that highlight your ability to build relationships and contribute to shared goals. This will show you're a great fit for their inclusive culture.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship and the team you'll be working with. Inquire about the specific challenges the EMEA Site Merchandiser faces or how success is measured in the role. This shows your enthusiasm and eagerness to learn more about the position.