Apprentice Buying Assistant (Clothing)

Poundland; Watford; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading discount retail chain in Watford is seeking an enthusiastic individual for a Buying apprenticeship. You will gain valuable hands-on experience while assisting with market analysis, product sample organization, and category management tasks. Ideal candidates are organized, analytical, and team-oriented, ready to thrive in a fast-paced environment. The role offers competitive salary starting from £20,800 and includes a comprehensive benefits package with professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Professional development program

Bonus potential

Free on-site parking

Onsite coffee lounge

Exclusive store discounts

Family-friendly benefits

Life assurance cover

Health & wellbeing programme

28 days holiday allowance

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• Attention to detail is essential.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Natural team player with good interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with competitor shopping reports and promotional analysis.
• Support organization of product samples.
• Manage spreadsheets and category admin tasks.
• Arrange supplier meetings.
• Collaborate with category management team.

Skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Excel proficiency

Education

A-Levels or equivalent

Job description

A couple of months after you join us you'll enrol on your 18 month apprenticeship, aligned to our Buying function. With support for your colleagues and your Mentor, you'll be able to apply your learnings to your role, whilst not only gaining the valuable guidance from the apprenticeship provider but also through the Poundland team. Responsibility will be given early, you'll have your own scheme of work to manage and be able to see your efforts playing out in front of you. Once you have completed your apprenticeship and are ready, Junior Buyer will be just around the corner. Your day to day will involve:

Responsibilities

• Assisting with competitor shopping reports, including website reviews, store visits and analysing promotional activity to see our missed opportunities.
• Supporting the organisation of product samples, you could be part of bringing in the next viral product.
• Being a key support as part of the range build process.
• Taking ownership of spreadsheets, data is key in buying, along with category admin tasks, including the essential critical path for category products.
• Arranging supplier meetings and attending where needed.
• Being a part of the category management team, working across departments, building your internal network and understanding of the product lifecycle.

About You

Do you thrive on handling multiple tasks at once, whilst being expertly organised? Do you love learning new skills in a fast paced environment? Do you have natural negotiating skills? If so a career in Buying may just be the perfect one for you. Your attention to detail is on point, you can navigate an excel spreadsheet with ease and your analytical skills are second to none. Numbers have always come easy to you, Maths was your favourite class at school, and you would have gained at least a grade 4 / C at GCSE in this subject, along with English. Aside from skills, your approach is essential; a natural team player, who thrives off being around a bustling workplace environment and is at ease building relationships. Positive, determined, with competitive mindset will make for a fantastic career in buying. So is this role right for you? You may have just finished college, having done your A‑Levels (or equivalent), or you might be a Graduate who is looking for your first step into Buying. If so we could be the employer for you to grow your career with. Apply today and don't forget to include a cover letter at the front of your CV.

Benefits

• Professional development: A comprehensive induction plan and a recognised QUALIFICATION through our apprenticeship programme.
• Bonus Potential: Unlock the possibility of earning additional bonuses, rewarding your hard work and achievements.
• Free On‑Site Parking: Enjoy the convenience of free parking, making your daily commute hassle‑free.
• Onsite Coffee Lounge: Take advantage of our onsite coffee lounge, a perfect space to relax and recharge during breaks.
• Exclusive Store Discounts: Receive a 10% discount on most in‑store purchases, enhancing your shopping experience.
• Family‑Friendly Benefits: Our comprehensive benefits are designed to support your and your family's needs.
• My Staff Shop: Gain exclusive discounts through our 'My Staff Shop' portal, saving on various products and services.
• Life Assurance Cover: Enjoy peace of mind with our life assurance cover, securing your family's future.
• Health & Wellbeing Programme: Benefit from an employee assistance programme that supports your health and wellbeing.
• Holiday Allowance: Start with 28 days (inc banks) leave entitlement that increases by one day each year (up to 33 days), with the option to buy additional holiday annually. Celebrate your special day off work every year with an extra day's holiday because we believe birthdays are important.
• Pension Scheme: Plan for the future with our contributory pension scheme, helping you save for a secure retirement.

Salary & Working Pattern

Salary: From £20,800 for those 18 to 20 years old / from £25,396 for those 21 and over. Working Pattern: Full Time. Contract Type: Permanent.

Disability: According to the definition of disability do you consider yourself to have a disability? Yes No I do not wish to disclose whether or not I have a disability. If you have ticked [Yes] to the Disability question above, reasonable adjustments can be requested and made available should you be invited to interview (additional help, access or adjustments you will require to support you) during the recruitment process because of a disability, health or mental health condition. Under the Equality Act 2010 the definition disability is if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a 'substantial' and 'long‑term' adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day to day activities. Further information regarding the definition of disability can be found at: www.gov.uk/definition-of-disability-under-equality-act-2010.