Buying and Merchandising Apprentice (Fixed Term Contract)

Summary

Are you passionate about the world of retail and eager to kickstart your career in this dynamic industry? Join us as a Buying and Merchandising Apprentice and embark on an exciting journey where you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our product offerings.

Annual wage: Competitive
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course: Buying and merchandising assistant (level 4)
Hours: Monday to Friday, hours to be confirmed. 40 hours a week.
40 hours a week
Possible start date: Monday 14 July
Duration: 2 years
Positions available: 4

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

You’ll be analysing data, identifying trends, and presenting your findings to senior leadership. You’ll have the opportunity to work cross-functionally, interacting with teams like marketing, finance, and IT, gaining invaluable experience to various aspects of our business.

A day in the life can involve:

Supporting the selection and development of new products, ensuring they align with our brand and customer needs.
Accurately maintaining our product portfolio and supplier agreements.
Collating and analysing sales and performance reports to identify trends and trading patterns.
Communicating findings and proposing data-driven solutions to optimise our product offerings.
Collaborating with the buying and merchandising teams to contribute to department and company sales and profit targets.

We welcome individuals from all backgrounds who have a passion for continuous learning and personal growth. To thrive in this dynamic field, you must possess an analytical mindset, with the ability to interpret data, identify insightful patterns, and leverage these insights to drive informed decision-making. Meticulous attention to detail is essential, as you will be responsible for maintaining accurate inventory records and producing robust sales forecasts. An innate commercial acumen and an interest in consumer behaviour and market trends are also critical, as this role requires aligning buying and merchandising strategies with evolving customer expectations. You should have a genuine interest in the retail industry and a proven track record of translating data into actionable recommendations. Effective communication skills will also be paramount, as you collaborate with cross-functional teams and respond to changing market conditions.

Within this apprenticeship you’ll have the opportunity to learn by doing. Our first-class coaching, tailored development opportunities, and rewarding work will empower you to reach new heights. If you’re a curious learner eager to grow, this is your chance to unlock your full potential and build the future you envision.

You will gain a vast range of useful experiences and skills whilst working towards the Level 4 Apprenticeship standard in Buying and Merchandising. As a working student your focus is to complete your studies in your 20% off the job time by learning and developing your skills, knowledge and behaviours to work towards successful graduation. You will be set goals by your training provider and manager to support your studies.

You will build your skills over a 24-month period, starting in July. These skills will help you develop personally and professionally. Your apprenticeship will be made up of classroom/virtual based training to cover knowledge, on-the-job training at your Amazon base location, online learning as well as mentoring from our experienced team members.

This course emphasises the importance of data analysis, honing your proficiency in utilising data to make informed buying and merchandising decisions. Lastly, the program enhances your skills in visual merchandising, empowering you to create visually appealing content that not only captivates but also drives sales. Through this comprehensive approach, you will be well-prepared to navigate and succeed in the dynamic world of retail.

We value different perspectives and experiences, and we're dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Our employee-led affinity groups including communities for women in tech, LGBTQ+ employees, and underrepresented minorities, foster a culture on inclusion that empowers us to be proud of our differences. These groups provide community, mentorship, and a platform for your voice to be heard. We’re committed to building a workforce that reflects the customers and communities we serve.

Where you’ll work

Hanover Building

130 Corporation Street

Manchester

M4 4GW

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

SCL EDUCATION & TRAINING LIMITED

Your training course

Buying and merchandising assistant (level 4)

Equal to higher national certificate (HNC)

Course contents

Uses their market/industry knowledge to contribute to new product development and innovation

Contributes to the building of customer focused ranges to meet the brand identity of the business

Ensures product quality and legal compliance by working within industry standards, regulations and legislation to source, purchase and sell goods

Ensures accurate implementation of the critical path prioritising actions accordingly

Negotiates in a manner that balances the need for a sound financial return, with the need to operate ethically, honestly and fairly

Monitors agreed performance targets with suppliers to manage ongoing supplier relationships

Applies the organisation strategy to buying and/or merchandising to ensure strategic objectives are met

Applies an ethical and sustainable approach to the buying and merchandising process in line with policies and procedures to achieve legal compliance

Ensures the agreed route to market is delivered and maintained successfully so that objectives are met

Works with external and internal departments (for example, marketing, distribution, suppliers) to build relationships to drive sales activity and support the delivery of the business objectives across all channels

Uses data to support decisions to influence both the strategic and operational direction of the buying and/or merchandising approach.

Demonstrates accurate application of systems in analysing data (for example, customer trends, buying patterns, stock rotation and levels)

Evaluates commercial performance to support proposed actions for both good and poor product performers

Demonstrates anticipation of customer buying and product patterns to forecast future demand

Articulates relevant ideas and opinions towards trends and competitor activity so that opportunities may be identified

Applies customer profile/trend data to inform the development of a range, products and services

Formulates and communicates customer propositions

Develops self and individuals to improve personal and team performance and capability

Demonstrates commercial buying and merchandising within a financial framework

Operates in a manner that produces the required financial rate of return for the business

Coaches and mentors new/less experienced colleagues

Analyses and presents business data to support achievement of business strategies, brand and KPIs

Ensures effective stock management to support the delivery of the sales and profit forecasts