Buying and Merchandising Apprentice (Fixed Term Contract)

Are you passionate about the world of retail and eager to kickstart your career in this dynamic industry? Join us as a Buying and Merchandising Apprentice and embark on an exciting journey where you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our product offerings.

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

We welcome individuals from all backgrounds who have a passion for continuous learning and personal growth to join our Buying and Merchandising Apprenticeship. 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.

Here at Amazon, it's in our nature to learn and be curious. Within this apprenticeship you'll have the opportunity to learn by doing, putting newfound knowledge into practice every day. Our first-class coaching, tailored development opportunities, and rewarding work will empower you to reach new heights. If you're a curious learner eager to grow, this is your chance to unlock your full potential and build the future you envision.

You will gain a vast range of useful experiences and skills whilst working towards the Level 4 Apprenticeship standard in Buying and Merchandising. As a working student your focus is to complete your studies in your 20% off the job time by learning and developing your skills, knowledge and behaviours to work towards successful graduation. Please note: As part of your off-the-job learning, you may be required to travel to a training centre. This location may differ from your primary work base. Candidates should be prepared for occasional travel as part of the apprenticeship programme. You will be set objectives and goals by your training provider and manager to support your studies.

You will build your skills over a 24-month period, starting in July. These skills will help you develop personally and professionally. Your apprenticeship will be made up of classroom/virtual based training to cover knowledge, on-the-job training at your Amazon base location, online learning as well as mentoring from our experienced team members.

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.

If you have the analytical, customer orientation, and growth mindset to thrive then we want to hear from you.

For the apprenticeship programme we prioritise applicants eligible to government funding for their apprenticeship and for this you need to:
- Be 18 years or over before the start date
- Have the right to live and work in England (if you are on a visa, this needs to enable you to legally work and reside in England for the entire duration of the programme).
- Have lived in the UK or in the European Economic Area (EEA) for the last 3 years
- Be a resident of the UK for the entire duration of the programme
- Not be registered to study on a UK government funded course ending June 2025 or later
- Have at least 5 GCSEs C grade (grade 4) or above including Maths and English

PLEASE NOTE: This position is a 24 month fixed-term contract.

You must NOT already have a qualification in a similar subject at the same or higher level than this apprenticeship

Please note, you will be required to evidence your qualifications. If you have gained qualifications outside of the UK you will be required to evidence that they are equivalent. Note: This Apprenticeship assumes the candidate has some or little knowledge/experience of the occupation, and is NOT suitable for candidates who already have a similar or higher-level qualification in the same or similar subject of the apprenticeship. If you already have related qualifications or 2 years plus experience in this field please visit amazon.jobs, These will be a plus for your career at Amazon, but are not necessary to enter the programme:
You are able to operate in a fast-paced environment
You are able to demonstrate drive and a passion for learning

These will be a plus for your career at Amazon, but are not necessary to enter the programme: - You are able to operate in a fast-paced environment - You are able to demonstrate drive and a passion for learning The recruitment process will start with your online application - simply submit your CV and complete a few quick eligibility questions. Next, you'll showcase your natural aptitude through an innovative game-based assessment. To get to know you beyond your CV, the next stage of the process will be a video interview. Here you'll be able to tell us more about you, your motivations and any transferrable skills you have. The final step is our assessment centre, where you'll meet the team, and demonstrate your passion in person. As part of the assessment centre, you may be expected to take part in a group exercise, a presentation, 1 to 1 interviews and other tasks relating to your chosen programme. After you've attended the assessment centre,
the recruitment team will be in contact to confirm the outcome of your application. 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. We will keep you informed throughout the application process to update you on the status of your application.

Amazon is an equal opportunities employer. We believe passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We make recruiting decisions based on your experience and skills. We value your passion to discover, invent, simplify and build. Protecting your privacy and the security of your data is a longstanding top priority for Amazon. Please consult our Privacy Notice (https://www.amazon.jobs/en/privacy_page) to know more about how we collect, use and transfer the personal data of our candidates.