BUYING & MERCHANDISING APPRENTICESHIP

#SCHOOL LEAVER PROGRAMME

Applications closed

Salary:

Spot the trends before they arrive and learn how to match customers with the products they love. This programme will put you right at the heart of our Clothing and Home team.

About the role

We’re committed to helping you build a strong foundation in the business, offering a blend of on-the-job experience and structured learning at the Fashion Retail Academy. From day one, you'll be fully immersed in our world, working on real projects that shape the future of fashion and homeware at M&S.

What you'll be doing

Working in fashion is fast-paced and ever-evolving. Season to season, our goal is to delight customers with new must-have clothes and homeware collections. Behind-the-scenes, we’re constantly innovating, looking for greener, smarter, and speedier ways to get things done. If you’re excited to be right in the thick of it and making an impact, this is the programme for you.

Over the course of 18 months, you’ll rotate through our Buying and Merchandising departments, gaining hands-on experience and deep insights into each area. By the end of your rotations, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in Buying or Merchandising. You’ll play a key role in developing new ranges of clothing and home products, engaging with suppliers across the globe, and learning from experienced colleagues as you sharpen your creative and analytical skills.

On a day-to-day basis, you’ll be analysing data to pinpoint trends, predicting customer needs, and ensuring stock is exactly where it needs to be at the right time. You’ll also provide vital administrative support across teams, all while working towards a Level 4 Buying and Merchandising Apprenticeship. By the end of the programme, you’ll be fully equipped to step into a Buying or Merchandising Admin Assistant role.

What you'll need

You’ll need GCSEs in Maths (4-9/C-A*) and English (4-9/C-A*) and must not have already completed a Level 4 qualification or above in Fashion Retail, Buying or Merchandising. Additionally, you should have been a resident in the United Kingdom for at least the previous three years before the start of the programme or have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

What we look for

We’re looking for individuals with a genuine curiosity, a love for numbers, and a natural eye for detail. You should have a strong interest in the commercial world and a real passion for fashion. We value people who are eager to learn, resilient when faced with challenges, and always striving to do better. If that sounds like you, then you could be a key player in building the next era of retail at M&S.

Your team

If you’re like me, you might not feel that confident at first. There are skills and knowledge you don’t have. You might feel out of your depth. But if you embrace the challenge of new experiences and get help from people around you, you will get there. In fact, you may be surprised at just how much you can achieve. Ambition means knowing where you want to go, but it’s also about having the determination to get there.

Ceira (She / Her) | School Leaver Read full story

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

When the M&S grad scheme opened for applications, I could see it was an incredible opportunity with a well respected brand name. And it was definitely the right decision for me – it’s been nice to feel like part of a team that’s working to achieve something together, and the focus on my development has been incredible.

Jamie (He / Him) | Graduate Read full story

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.

Example career path

- Buying Admin Assistant
- Assistant Buyer
- Junior Buyer
- Buyer

Learning & support

Your development is our priority. We’ll give you the opportunities to do some incredible things early in your career, but we’ll always make sure you have the support you need to seize those opportunities. From mentoring to on-the-job training, we’ll make sure you’re ready to unleash your potential and ignite your career.

Benefits

Wellbeing hub

Get access to resources to support your wellbeing, including a free virtual GP service.
Giving back

Support your favourite charities by donating through your pay or even volunteering for them.
Pay

Earn a competitive salary.
Colleague discount

After completing your probation period, you'll receive 20% colleague discount across all M&S products and many of our third-party brands for you and a member of your household.
Time off

Competitive holiday entitlement with the potential to buy extra holiday days.
Life assurance

Get cover for twice your salary up to age 70 (double with our Pension Plan).
Workplace savings

We’ll help you save through our Pension Savings Plan, Share Buy and Sharesave schemes.
My Choices

Save on everyday costs through discounts and offers and get access to great health benefits.
Cycle to work

Bike/accessory hire with Cycle to Work and save on tax and national insurance.
Smart tech

Buy the latest technology with interest-free financing directly from your salary.

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 2023.

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.