Buying and Merchandising Apprentice (Fixed Term Contract)

As a Buying and Merchandising Apprentice, you'll work at the heart of our operation - analysing data, identifying trends, and presenting your findings to senior leadership. You'll work cross-functionally, interacting with teams like marketing, finance, and IT, and gaining invaluable experience across many 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.

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. Adaptability and effective communication skills will also be paramount, as you collaborate with cross-functional teams and respond to changing market conditions.

In this comprehensive programme, you will delve into the intricacies of merchandising strategies, equipping yourself with the skills needed to expertly plan and optimise product assortments for retail success. A crucial aspect involves mastering sourcing and negotiation, where you'll learn to identify reliable suppliers, negotiate contracts, and secure optimal deals. The curriculum covers the nuances of inventory management, providing insights into effectively managing stock levels, tracking trends, and minimising losses. Additionally, the programme ensures you stay on top of retail trends, keeping you well-informed about the ever-changing retail landscape and evolving consumer preferences.

This course emphasises the importance of data analysis, honing your proficiency in utilising data to make informed buying and merchandising decisions. Lastly, the programme 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.

We're continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth's Best Employer. That's why you'll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.

Your career isn't a straight path - it's a journey you build as you go. A universe of opportunity awaits, and your next adventure starts here.

After the apprenticeship

Alongside extensive development of your technical skills, you will also grow your abilities in crucial complementary areas like organisation, prioritisation, data and problem-solving techniques, teamwork, communication, and presentation skills.

Once you have successfully completed you will be able to apply for relevant roles across the business.

Things to consider

This position will be based in a Corporate Office. We advise you to submit your application as soon as possible, as the roles will close once filled. We will be holding online assessments from November through to February, with assessment centres taking place between February and May.