Assistant Buyer 3rd Party Brands - Menswear

Our collaborations with some of the world's biggest brand names are helping us to reach an even broader audience. From exclusive collaborations with Adidas to brands we own like Jaeger, join our expanding team of fashion curators, and shape the future of M&S Clothing & Home.

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.

Please note this is a 12 month FTC.

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.

Working at M&S means being part of something bigger - helping to deliver quality, value and service to millions of customers every day. We’re inclusive, fast-moving and always evolving, with a strong sense of purpose and a focus on doing the right thing.Here are just a few of the benefits that make working here even more rewarding:· 20% colleague discount on all M&S products and many third-party brands for you and someone in your household, available once you’ve completed your probation· Competitive holiday allowance with the option to buy more· Discretionary bonus schemes linked to your performance and ours· Strong pension and life assurance to help plan for the future· Tailored induction and training to support your development from day one· Exclusive perks and savings through our M&S Choices portal· Market-leading family policies, including parental, adoption and neonatal leave· 24/7 wellbeing support, including virtual GP access and mental health services· One paid volunteer day a year to support a cause that matters to you

What you'll do…

As the Branded Assistant Buyer on Menswear your key accountabilities will include…

• Support the Buyer by displaying a clear understanding of M&S’ customer, ensuring the segments and demographics needs are understood and put at the heart of the product offer developed
• Work with the Buyer to analyse historical sales in line with trends and design direction to manage product mix parameters including price architecture, colour balance, shape and margin to deliver a highly commercial and balanced range
• Create positive partnerships with our brands, establishing strong direct relationships quickly and leveraging these to develop a long-term benefit to M&S.
• Contribute as an active member of the Buying team to work within a commercially focussed culture
• To work with the Buyer to manage the departmental critical path (including supporting approvals), providing guidance and direction to junior members of the Buying team as well as other participants in the buying and global product development To own and drive the production critical path.
• Manage BAAs to ensure efficient product & sample management across the buying floor
• To work with Buyer in setting and delivering the strategy for the department

Who you are…

Your skills and experience will include...

• Relevant branded buying experience with a major retailer and a passion for menswear
• Strong negotiation experience
• Understanding of the concepts of brand strategy and knowledge of the current competitive market place
• Critical Path Management
• Highly organised and self-motivated, accustomed to leading by example and taking the initiative
• Role model for BAAs and strong interpersonal skills, capable of managing vertically and laterally

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