Assistant Buyer- Home London, England
Job description
From Merchandising and Marketing - Product Development and Design, through to Supply Chain and Space Planning - our mission is to bring stylish wardrobe, home and beauty essentials to our customers via an easy, inspiring shopping experience online and in store that will delight them every time.
As we accelerate the transformation of our business to suit the changing needs of our customer, we need results-orientated colleagues that not only have a passion for our product, but a strong team working ethos, creativity and a healthy commercial aim to join us on our journey.
It’s an exciting time to join the cook and dine team, the department is undergoing a huge product revamp!
We are working closely with design and technical team to gain the title of market leader in quality, style and value. We have already made huge step changes for SS24, but this is only the start…
We are looking for a candidate who can hit the ground running, is product driven and someone who can help drive innovation on the department.
Please note this is a fixed term vacancy until Feb 24
Key responsibilities
Use data, analytics & insight on context, commercials & customers to support development of the product proposition and department strategy (3 year roadmap)
- Support development of the department plan (1 year), by translating strategy into initiatives to realise objectives with revenue, benefits, cost to implement etc. and detailed plan to action
- Work with Merchandising to understand trading performance and input response e.g. cancel or repeat stock. Identifying new product opportunities to address consumer needs. –
- Contribute to commercial trade response decisions e.g. stock management, promotions, markdowns, allocation and replenishment etc.
- Plan and execute product launch activity
- Brief and collaborate with marketing, dotcom, VM, space and retail teams to ensure strong customer execution of the product proposition, key campaigns & planned promotions.
- Support supplier strategy development, including capacity planning, SWOT analysis of suppliers, risk assessment.
Manage day-to-day communication and develop relationships with key suppliers
- Support Buyer or Buying Lead in managing the critical path for the products in the department, across the cross[1]functional team (coordinating across Buying, Design, Tech, Merch).
- Track samples development
- Build range/options in PLM buying system
- Manage the sample library and develop and provide product information and copy for PLM and M&S.com
Critical Decision Accountability
Proposition, top line market share and sales targets, range, price, planned promotions, sourcing strategy and agent supplier relationships (Input / perform for assigned department)
Essential
- Buying experience with a major retailer
- Technical knowledge of developing and trading highly commercial ranges
- Ability to initiate and build strong relationships with Design, Merchandising, Technology and Global Sourcing Offices (where applicable)
- Understanding of the concepts of product proposition development, strategy & planning
- Knowledge of the current competitive marketplace
- Good understanding of global retail marketplace with the ability to identify relevant product trends
- Good understanding of Merchandise Planning
- Experience of Critical Path Management
- Highly organised approach and commitment to closing and completing tasks
- Strong communication and influencing skills
Desirable
- Passionate about products and our customers
- A digital and global mindset that supports the growth of international and online
- An understanding of both Buying and Merchandise Planning systems
Key Benefits:
- Flexible working approach, with a balance of being in the office and working from home
- Competitive salary plus bonus
- 29 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)
- 20% discount on M&S products
- A range of wellbeing support (including a virtual GP)
- 25% off gym memberships, access to online fitness classes and discounts for complementary health services, such as nutrition and lifestyle coaching
Interested? Apply here!
#LI-LD1 #NotJustAnyJob
M&S is ready to push boundaries to lead the retail industry into a greener, speedier, more inspiring digital era. That’s why we’re revolutionising how we work and offering our most exciting opportunities yet. There’s never been a better time to be part of our team. Marks & Spencer aims to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Join us and make an immediate impact.
We are committed to an active Inclusion, Diversity and Equal Opportunities Policy, which starts with our recruitment and selection process, and we are happy to talk flexible working.
If you consider yourself to require reasonable adjustments to any part of our recruitment process, we invite you to share those requirements with us when completing your application. We will make every effort to ensure your needs are met to provide a fair and transparent process of assessment.
