Assistant Buyer - Advanced - Footwear - 12 month FTC

Discover an Exciting 12-Month Fixed-Term Opportunity as a Footwear Assistant Buyer Advanced - Womenswear

Are you a results-oriented individual with a keen eye for style and a passion for product? Do you thrive in a collaborative, dynamic, and ever-evolving retail environment? Marks & Spencer is seeking a talented Footwear Assistant Buyer Advanced to join their Womenswear team. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to a mission focused on delivering stylish, essential wardrobe, home, and beauty items through an inspiring and seamless shopping experience, both online and in-store.

As the business continues its transformation to meet the evolving needs of its customers, M&S is looking for individuals who possess not only a deep understanding and love for their products but also a strong team ethos, a creative flair, and a healthy commercial acumen. This role offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in a supportive and innovative company culture.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Impactful Role in Product Development: You will be instrumental in supporting the Buyer to develop an exceptional product offering, ensuring it resonates with M&S’s customer base. This involves understanding customer segments, interpreting trends with Design, and analyzing sales data to optimize product mix.
• Global Sourcing Collaboration: Gain valuable experience by collaborating with Sourcing Offices globally, contributing to the development of appropriate supply routes and honing your understanding of international product development.
• Comprehensive Career Development: Benefit from a dedicated induction program and a wide range of training opportunities designed to enhance your skills. The emphasis on in-office collaboration three days a week fosters skill development through peer learning and connection.
• Attractive Benefits Package: M&S offers a compelling array of benefits designed to enhance your work-life balance and financial well-being. These include:
  • Colleague Discount: A generous 20% discount on M&S products and select third-party brands for you and a household member after probation.
  • Generous Holiday Entitlement: Competitive holiday allowance with the option to purchase additional days.
  • Performance-Based Bonuses: Discretionary bonus schemes linked to personal objectives and business performance.
  • Pension and Life Assurance: A strong Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and Life Assurance.
  • Wellbeing Support: Access to a 24/7 Virtual GP and PAM Assist, along with a dedicated volunteer day to support a charity of your choice.
  • Family Support: Industry-leading parental, adoption, and neonatal policies providing flexibility and support for your family.
  • Perks and Discounts: Access to the M&S Choices portal for a wide range of lifestyle and financial benefits.
• Hybrid Working Environment: While fostering collaboration through three days in the office, the role also offers a hybrid working model, balancing team connection with personal flexibility.
• Inclusive and Forward-Thinking Culture: Join an inclusive, dynamic, and exciting business committed to doing the right thing, delivering exceptional quality, value, and service. M&S is at the forefront of retail innovation and is building diverse and representative teams.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Fixed-Term Contract: This is a 12-month fixed-term contract opportunity. Candidates should consider how this aligns with their long-term career aspirations.
• Specific Experience Required: The role demands prior experience in footwear buying and a strong product eye. Proven experience in buying your own area, including costings, product development, and global sourcing, is essential.
• Proactive and Self-Motivated Nature: Success in this role will rely on your ability to be highly organised, self-motivated, and possess a positive attitude. A proactive approach to taking on Buyer responsibilities and demonstrating strong leadership potential for Assistant Buyers is highly valued.
• Collaborative and Communication Skills: The emphasis on team working and developing skills through collaboration means strong interpersonal skills and the ability to manage relationships both vertically and laterally are crucial.

If you are a motivated and commercially astute individual with a passion for footwear and a desire to contribute to a leading retail brand, this 12-month contract as a Footwear Assistant Buyer Advanced at Marks & Spencer could be the ideal next step in your career journey. Embrace the opportunity to learn, grow, and make a tangible impact within a supportive and forward-thinking organization.