Buyers Admin Assistant - Apprenticeship

JD GROUP; Bury; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company in the fashion retail industry as a Buying and Merchandising Apprentice. This 18-month program offers hands-on experience and a nationally recognized qualification. You'll support the buying team, manage samples, and analyze trends while earning a salary. Ideal for creative individuals passionate about retail and fashion.

Benefits

Salary while learning

Expert-led training

Nationally recognized qualification

Qualifications

• Knowledge of current sportswear and high street fashion trends.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Assistant Buyer/Buyer with daily management of the range.
• Compile weekly Competitor Shopping Reports.
• Manage weekly trade admin and track current trends.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Knowledge of Sportswear Fashion Trends

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

GCSE Maths & English Level 4/Grade C

Job description

Location:

JD Group, Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, Bury, BL9 8RR.

Hours:

Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm, 40 hours per week.

Apprenticeship Course:

Buying and Merchandising Assistant Level 4

Apprenticeship Duration:

18 Months FTC

About The Apprenticeship:

Kickstart Your Career in Fashion & Retail! Join us and begin your Level 4 Buying and Merchandising Apprenticeship – a hands-on, 18-month programme for those ready to step into the exciting world of retail. You’ll gain real workplace experience with a top employer while learning how products are chosen, bought, and managed in stores and online.

What you’ll get:

• A nationally recognised Level 4 qualification
• Practical skills in buying and merchandising, stock planning, and trend analysis
• One day a week of expert-led training (online)
• A salary and the chance to earn while you learn

If you’re creative, love retail, and have an eye for trends, this is your chance to build a career in one of the most dynamic industries out there.

This 18-month apprenticeship programme (excluding EPA) will develop key skills, knowledge, and behaviors of a Buying and Merchandising Apprentice, enabling collaborative work to meet KPIs.

Role Overview:

The role provides administrative support to the JD buying team. The successful candidate will have a passion for our products, with a good knowledge of current sportswear and high street fashion trends.

Key Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assist the Assistant Buyer/Buyer with the daily management of the range and samples.
• Ensure post is collected, and samples are sent out timely with correct documentation.
• Assist with order amendments and post-trade actions.
• Compile weekly Competitor Shopping Reports to monitor activity, using websites, store visits, and magazines.
• Create and update product sheets with accurate information and images.
• Manage weekly trade admin, including compiling Best and Worst documents and handling samples post-meeting.
• Chase suppliers for press samples and monitor web lines for correct and timely images.
• Support sign-off presentations with relevant data (e.g., Top 20, Top 50).
• Take minutes in meetings and ensure follow-ups.
• Manage samples for staff sales and track current trends via social media.
• Run weekly rankings for top lines and produce trend reports.
• Attend appointments as specified by the Buyer.

Core Competencies:

• Knowledge of our store and website offerings.
• Passion for our products and eagerness to learn.
• Understanding of social media relevance to categories.
• Proactive attitude and improvement suggestions.
• Market knowledge and influencing ability.

Skills/Experience/Knowledge Needed:

• JD retail experience preferred.
• Current sportswear fashion trend knowledge and passion for JD products.
• Awareness of celebrity trends in sportswear fashion.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software.
• Good organizational skills.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Right to work in the UK.
• Age 16 or over (no upper age limit).
• Living in England.
• Not enrolled in full-time or part-time education or other government-funded schemes.
• Resident in the UK for at least three years.
• GCSE Maths & English Level 4/Grade C or above.