Assistant Buyer Advanced - Women's Outerwear

Career Opportunity: Advanced Assistant Buyer - Womenswear at M&S

Marks & Spencer (M&S) is embarking on an exciting transformation, seeking passionate and results-oriented individuals to join their dynamic team. This opportunity as an Advanced Assistant Buyer for Womenswear offers a significant chance to contribute to a company deeply committed to bringing stylish, high-quality essentials to customers through seamless online and in-store experiences. If you are driven by product, possess a strong team ethos, and have a keen commercial acumen, this role could be your next career advancement.

What the Role Entails:

As an Advanced Assistant Buyer, you will be entrusted with significant responsibility, managing day-to-day buying duties independently. This position is ideal for an experienced Assistant Buyer eager to deepen their ownership and impact within a product-focused environment. You will be instrumental in:

• Understanding the M&S Customer: Developing and demonstrating a profound insight into the M&S customer base.
• Trend Interpretation: Collaborating closely with Design teams to interpret and adapt to market trends and strategic direction.
• Product Mix Management: Analyzing historical sales data in conjunction with trends and design direction to effectively manage product mix parameters.
• Global Sourcing Collaboration: Promoting and supporting partnerships with global sourcing offices to develop robust supply routes.
• Team Leadership: Managing the daily workload and critical path for Assistant Buyers, fostering their development.
• Range Presentation: Actively participating in the coordination and presentation of product ranges for sign-off, and adeptly managing the systemic aspects of the buying process.
• Strategic Input: Working alongside the Buyer to define and execute departmental strategy.

Key Advantages for Your Career Path:

This role offers substantial benefits and development opportunities, making M&S an attractive employer for ambitious professionals:

• Enhanced Responsibility & Ownership: The opportunity to manage buying responsibilities independently and take significant ownership of your product area.
• Product Passion & Trend Execution: A chance to immerse yourself in product, fashion, and the execution of the latest trends, directly impacting customer offerings.
• Career Development: Access to a tailored induction, a wide range of training programmes, and the potential to grow within a supportive environment.
• Collaborative Culture: An emphasis on in-office collaboration (at least three days a week) to foster skill development, creativity, and team connection.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: This includes a generous colleague discount, competitive holiday entitlement with the option to buy more, discretionary bonus schemes, a strong pension plan, and extensive wellbeing support.
• Industry-Leading Family Policies: Generous parental, adoption, and neonatal policies offer flexibility and support for your growing family.
• Wellbeing Support: Access to 24/7 Virtual GP and PAM Assist services for you and your family.
• Meaningful Contribution: A dedicated charity volunteer day allows you to contribute to causes you're passionate about.

Key Considerations for Aspiring Candidates:

To thrive in this role, consider the following:

• Experience is Key: While outerwear experience is preferred, it's not essential. What is crucial is relevant buying experience working as an Assistant Buyer within a major retailer, with proven ability to lead on costings, product development, and global sourcing for your own area.
• Commercial Acumen: A strong commercial aim and a passion for product are vital. You should be adept at analyzing sales data and understanding market trends.
• Organizational Skills: High levels of organization, self-motivation, and a positive, proactive attitude are essential for managing multiple responsibilities and a critical path.
• Interpersonal Strength: You will need strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with design, sourcing, and other teams, as well as to mentor Assistant Buyers.
• Adaptability: The retail landscape is constantly evolving. A readiness to embrace change and contribute to M&S's innovative digital era is important.

Marks & Spencer is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. If you are a results-driven individual with a passion for fashion and a desire to make a real impact, this Advanced Assistant Buyer role presents an exceptional opportunity to advance your career within a respected and evolving retail leader.