Job description

We believe in creating an environment where you, our placement student, can learn and develop during your time with us and where you are given your own areas of responsibility from the start. Our experts and mentors will treat you as part of the team from day one, encouraging you to bring your own ideas to the table and giving you the opportunity to show what you can really do.
Our Summit ONE in Farnborough is home to the National Sales Company for the BMW Group in the UK, as well as BMW Group Financial Services which offers retailers, corporate, and private customers a range of customised financial services. Alphabet (GB) Ltd. as a leading provider of Business Mobility Services is also located in Farnborough. We decided in November 2020 to bring together BMW Financial Services and Alphabet to stay relevant to our customers and continue to succeed in a rapidly changing business environment.
Within our self-contained campus, we offer a modern way of working with an empowering office culture, some aspects of which include:

• Our work persona shift – being yourself is effortless and so increases efficiency. For this reason, we allow our employees to express themselves through the way they dress.
• Flexible working hours - working flexibly improves mental perspective and increases sustained productivity. This means our leaders maintain balance, not burnout, through focusing on output, not attendance.
• The opportunity to get involved with our continued support of our house charity with a variety of fundraising events throughout the year.
• Throughout our offices, there are open creative spaces which hold facilities such as table-tennis tables to encourage innovation and employee engagement.

BMW UK, National Sales Company, Farnborough - Product Marketing Assistant - 13 Month Placement (July 2023)

We are looking for two confident and eager to learn individuals to join our Product Marketing team, responsible for ensuring all current and future BMW models are optimised for the UK market to deliver against sales objectives. This involves defining market opportunity, considering volume objectives, and determining specification options and pricing for all current products, including those that will be launched within the next 12 to 36 months. Through close cooperation with other areas of the Marketing function, we ensure vehicle launches are supported by comprehensive communication activities through all channels. We have two exciting student placement opportunities to join our team for a 13 month placement and be a part of continuing and developing the success of the BMW Group.

What will you be doing?

• Managing key elements of the operational side of the team. This will include activities such as managing and coordinating the internal prototype fleet, reviewing and maintaining product reference materials, and coordinating all internal and external enquiries to ensure prompt and accurate resolutions are reached.
• Undertaking competitor analysis and benchmarking for each model to highlight our strengths and weaknesses against competitors using a software program called ‘JATO’ (no prior knowledge necessary). This shows the commercial impact of product offerings, allowing us to use this information to influence decisions regarding the specification and pricing of our future vehicles.
• Managing a fleet of 20+ cars including showroom vehicles and those on external display. This allows the latest cars to be both showcased at events such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed and also be driven by members of staff to allow them to familiarise themselves with new or future products. Vehicle preparation is key to ensuring our high standards are met when the car is either on loan or display. Communication and organisation skills are key to ensuring smooth fleet management.
• Training the wider business and customer service team on our latest products. This ensures that staff are knowledgeable about the products we sell whilst also creating excitement for these products internally. Events such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed are a great opportunity to give our expertise on our products, aiming to capture as many sales leads as possible. Full training will be provided prior to any events or presentations.
• Maintaining Product Libraries. This literature is an easy way for a retailer to learn everything about the car. They cover the standard and optional features of the car, highlighting what is available on each model and for what price. These allow not only the retailers to build their knowledge of the car, but also internal staff too.
• System testing – supporting the wider team with the testing of our internal sales systems for new models and any model changes. There is also the potential opportunity to be trained on system set-up for new cars as well as product changes on current models.
• Day to day operational responsibility for certain specific projects.
• Supporting with ad-hoc research projects such as competitor analysis and other general topics that will be used when making decisions on future requirements for the product portfolio in the UK.

Qualifications:
Qualifications and experience.

• Studying towards a bachelor's degree and on track to achieve at least a 2:2. A Business Studies, Economics, Marketing, or related field is beneficial but not essential.
• A good level of commercial awareness together with the ability to think analytically with excellent attention to detail.
• A fluent command of the English language is essential.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to problem solve and work under pressure.
• Automotive knowledge is not required, but a willingness to learn is essential. This includes brand awareness, including an awareness of our competitors.
• A full and clean Driving Licence is essential.

Why choose us?

• Great Pay - A competitive annual salary of £21,000, 27 days holiday (pro rata to your contract), and an attractive pension scheme.
• Rewarding Work-Life Balance - Contracted working hours are 37.5 hours a week Monday to Friday, helping you develop a fulfilling work-life balance.
• Exciting Additional Benefits - You will have the opportunity to enjoy other employee benefits including access to our Advantages scheme, giving you access to a range of offers and discounts, and a subsidised on-site restaurant.

What are we responsible for?

• Supporting you in your training and ensuring you settle into your role and feel welcomed.
• Working sustainably and ethically.
• Providing you with the opportunity to bring your own ideas and develop yourself.
• Ensuring you are happy with your work-life balance and feel as though your contribution to the business is being valued.
• Encouraging you to develop your soft skills such as creating working relationships, communicating effectively, delivering presentations, and gaining confidence in your own ability, supporting you in both your return to university and your future career.

What do you need to do now?
If this sounds like the opportunity for you then apply today using the link below.
The next stages of the recruiting process could include; online testing, a one-way video interview, and then a face to face, telephone, or virtual interview with the hiring manager.

Please note:
We operate rolling recruitment. This means we may close the application window earlier than identified if sufficient applications are received, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.
Please ensure that you complete all of the free text questions for your application to be progressed. Please also include a role relevant cover letter, explaining why we should consider you for this position.
To be eligible for this position, you must be returning to your studies for a minimum of 6 months after completion of this placement and be able to provide proof of your legal right to work in the UK if you are not a UK passport holder.
We are committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment and job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Closing date for applications: Friday 31st March 2023
Any further questions? Email us on [email protected]