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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global buying strategies and optimise product offerings for international markets.
- Company: Join Marks & Spencer, a dynamic brand known for quality clothing, food, and home products.
- Benefits: Enjoy 20% discount, competitive holidays, bonuses, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible working with a hybrid model and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Be part of an inclusive team driving innovation in retail and making a global impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying with a major retailer and a passion for global retailing required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK\’s leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
Job Description
Our International business has the exciting job of bringing our famous clothing, food and home products to over 32 million customers worldwide. Collaborating with our partner businesses and our UK teams you\’ll work with colleagues around the world to help us reshape International as we know it.
Our ambition is to more than double International sales, so there\’s never been a better time to join the department and make your mark as we continue to build inclusive and diverse relationships, and put the business and our colleagues at the forefront of every decision we make!
Are you a seasoned procurement professional with a strategic mindset and international experience? Join our International Buying Team to help drive product strategy and elevate our global brand across our overseas markets.
About the Role
As a Senior Buyer, you\’ll report to the International Head of Buying and be instrumental in strengthening our Global Product Strategy, embedding brand and Business Unit priorities into international markets, and optimising our product offering to deliver market-leading results.
This role is aligned with the structure of our UK team (e.g. JB, AB, BAA) to ensure consistency across both domestic and international buying functions.
The role is accountable for influencing and delivering the International Product Strategy, leading the Global brand and Business Unit strategy into our International markets, optimising our brand and product proposition and delivering against International performance objectives and KPIs.
To stay close to customers, our support teams are in the office 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.
Here are some of the benefits we offer that make working for M&S just that little bit more special…
- 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
- Deliver the Fashion, Home and Beauty budget and buying related KPIs in line with the Operating Model and International Objectives.
- Promote & drive a clear understanding of the M&S international customer and markets, ensuring the segments and demographics needs are understood and put at the heart of the product offer developed.
- Leads the \’Go to Market\’ process for International, ensuring readiness in product catalogue and product data, and that the sell-in events/opportunities are optimised and delivered to plan. Ensures the International critical path is adhered to.
- Act as the key point of contact for the Partnerships Team and in market Buying teams on all BU and product related topics; liaising into the BU where required and facilitating alignment/support.
- Provide leadership and direction to the buying team. Build and maintain strong relationships with other functions linking into the brand (e.g. Marketing, Press, M&S.com)
Who you are
Your skills and experience will include
- Expert in the field of Buying with significant Buying experience with a major clothing retailer, including in a senior position. International experience is required.
- Agile, adaptable and proactive with a strong ability to thrive in dynamic environments.
- Passion for delivering world class product through global, multi-channel retailing.
- Ability to build strong relationships with Product, Trading, Partnerships and wider stakeholders.
- An in-depth knowledge of the current competitive marketplace and key competitors with the ability to identify relevant product trends and commercial opportunities.
- A digital and Global mindset 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 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.
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Senior Buyer - Global employer: M&S
Contact Detail:
M&S Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer - Global
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in international retail and buying strategies. Understanding the competitive landscape will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to the company's goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the buying and retail industry, especially those with international experience. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in leading teams and driving product strategies. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges in international markets.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Marks & Spencer's current international initiatives and product offerings. Being knowledgeable about their brand and demonstrating a genuine interest in their mission will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer - Global
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in buying, especially in international markets. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic mindset and ability to drive product strategy.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention how your skills align with their goals of doubling international sales and building inclusive relationships.
Highlight Key Achievements: In your application, emphasise any significant achievements in your previous roles, particularly those related to KPIs and budget management in a retail environment.
Showcase Your International Experience: Clearly outline your international experience in procurement and buying. Discuss how this experience has equipped you to understand diverse customer needs and market dynamics.
How to prepare for a job interview at M&S
✨Research the Company and Its Markets
Before your interview, take the time to understand Marks & Spencer's international strategy and the specific markets they operate in. Familiarise yourself with their product offerings and recent developments in the retail sector to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm.
✨Showcase Your International Experience
As a Senior Buyer, your international experience is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully navigated different markets and cultures, and how this experience can benefit the company's global ambitions.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
The role requires a strategic mindset, so be ready to share your approach to developing and implementing product strategies. Discuss how you align product offerings with customer needs and market trends, and provide examples of past successes.
✨Highlight Relationship-Building Skills
Building strong relationships is key in this role. Prepare to talk about how you've collaborated with various teams, such as marketing and partnerships, to achieve common goals. Emphasise your ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams effectively.