Our clothing and home products are anything but ordinary. We bring exceptional quality, taste and style to more than 22 million customers worldwide, and we're always looking for new ways to innovate and inspire.

About the role

On this programme, you’ll dive deep into the heart of our Clothing & Home business, experiencing firsthand how each key area works together to bring sustainable style, quality, and innovation to our customers.

Due to high interest applications may close earlier than advertised. To avoid disappointment we’d encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

What you'll be doing

You’ll kick off your journey with a 4-month placement at one of our stores. Here, you’ll get close to our customers, roll up your sleeves, and gain hands-on experience in what it takes to run a successful Clothing & Home business from the ground up.

After your time in store, you’ll rotate through the key areas of our Clothing & Home business - Buying, Design, Merchandising, Supply Chain, and Online Operations - to build a full understanding of how everything fits together.

Next, you’ll move on to your chosen specialism in the Commercial or Product streams. In Commercial, you’ll learn how to get the right stock in the right place at the right time. Or in Product, you’ll learn how to source the highest quality, most sustainable fashion products at the best prices from all over the world.

What you'll need

To succeed here, you’ll need to be a team player who tells it as it is, wants to aim high and learn fast. Our Clothing and Home products are world-famous and high quality, so a genuine interest in fashion and lifestyle is important. Everything we create, we create for customers, so we look for people who are customer and product obsessed. You’ll need to be curious about how a business operates and how you can improve it. You’ll also be confident and comfortable working under pressure. If you choose to specialise in Commercial, you’ll need an Analytical, Supply Chain or Business-related degree. For our Product specialism, you’ll need a Buying or Fashion-related degree. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of their preferred programme.

What we look for

We want bold, ambitious thinkers who are ready to challenge the status quo and drive the next era of our Clothing & Home business. You’ll thrive here if you’re a proactive team player who’s not afraid to speak up, take ownership, and make bold decisions. We’re looking for people who are excited to learn, quick to adapt, and who share our passion for quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of their preferred programme.

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Your team

Cerys - Graduate
Cerys - Graduate
Cerys - Graduate

My favourite part of the job is presenting next season's products to the leadership team for sign off. It’s all about the buyers, the designers, the technologists, and the merchandisers coming together and showcasing what we do best. Every season you learn so much, and it’s always fun to analyse what we think our customers will buy.

James (He / Him) | Graduate Read full story

If you’re curious about how a big business operates, eager to dive into data and trends, and ready to embrace new challenges, this programme will definitely stretch you and give you the tools to grow your career in retail.

Jess (She / Her) | Clothing & Home Commercial Graduate Read full story

M&S is a business that really cares about its people. Overall, M&S has been nothing but supportive, encouraging me to push barriers, fulfil my potential, and figure out exactly what I want to do.

Cerys (She / Her) | Graduate Read full story
A group of colleagues gathered around a table, smiling and discussing work with laptops open in a modern office setting.

Being an in-person business

We're at our best when we're close to customers, and for many of us at M&S, that means working in store every day.

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. It also means we can solve problems as soon as they arise, learn and grow as a team, build trust, and get closer to our colleagues.

A Marks & Spencer employee holding fabric samples and a laptop, thoughtfully examining clothing items in a store setting.

Example career path

Whichever specialism you choose, you’ll finish this programme, continuing your career in Clothing and Home in roles such as Assistant Buyer, Assistant Merchandiser, or Online Commercial Manager.

You'll have structured learning and development, but your career with M&S will be unique to you, with plenty of opportunity to accelerate at pace. Here’s an example of a common path many graduates completing the Clothing and Home Business Programme might take.

- Junior Merchandiser - Kidswear
- Merchandiser - Lingerie
- Trade Operations Manager
- Merchandising Lead - Womenswear
- Head of Buying & Merchandising - International

Marks & Spencer employees seated at a table, engaged in a discussion in a creative workspace with fabric samples displayed on the wall behind them.

Learning & support

Your development is our priority. We’ll give you a structured programme including mentoring, on-the-job training, and opportunities to solve real challenges that will help you build a long-term career at M&S. And, if we believe you can reach your potential faster, we will give you the tools and opportunities to do it. But the person who is really going to make this happen is you. With our support, we want you to own and drive your development.

Benefits

How to apply

We’ll provide reasonable adjustments during the interview process. Just tell us what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to accommodate you.

Application form

Your first step will be to complete our online application form and tell us more about who you are and why you want to work with us. 

You can only apply to one graduate or school leaver programme during this recruitment cycle that starts in October 2024.

We close our vacancies on a rolling basis and closing dates may be subject to change. We encourage you to submit your full application as soon as possible.

Online assessment

We’ll invite you to take part in an online assessment, where you can find out more about M&S whilst we find out more about you. 

Assessment stage

If your online assessment is successful, you’ll be invited to an assessment centre alongside your peers. The recruitment process for store-based roles will also include an opportunity to attend your final interview in one of our stores.

Clothing & Home Business Programme

*APPLICATIONS CLOSED*

We are not currently recruiting for this Programme. Sign up to our Talent Pool to be notified or future application dates.

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