Buying & Merchandising Apprentice - 24 month Fixed Term Contract - London | Amazon Job

Job Description

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 - analysing data, identifying trends, and presenting your findings to senior leadership. You'll work cross-functionally, interacting with teams like marketing, finance, and IT, and gaining invaluable experience across many 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 September. 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.

Your career isn't a straight path - it's a journey you build as you go. A universe of opportunity awaits, and your next adventure starts here.

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

Basic Qualifications:

- To qualify for this programme, you must:
- Be 18 years or over before the start date (September 2027)
- Have the right to live and work in England at the point of enrolment (June 2027). If you are on a visa, this must enable you to legally work and reside in England for the entire duration of the programme from enrolment.
- Have lived in the UK or in the European Economic Area (EEA) for the last 3 years prior to the start date
- Not be registered to study on a UK government funded course ending August 2027 or later
- Be prepared to travel for external/mandatory training as part of the apprenticeship
- Hold 5 GCSEs at grade 4-9 (A-C) or above (or equivalent) including Maths and English.
- Please note, if you have received educational qualifications outside of the UK then we will require a Statement of Comparability to confirm your eligibility for the scheme. Please ensure you obtain one during the application process, through UK ENIC: https://www.enic.org.uk/
- Previous qualifications will be reviewed for funding eligibility and offers are subject to funding approval
- 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.
- This Apprenticeship assumes the candidate has some or little knowledge/experience of the occupation

Preferred Qualifications:

- A genuine interest in retail, products and what makes customers buy - the kind of person who notices trends, pricing and what's selling well
- Comfort working with numbers and information, with an interest in spotting patterns and turning them into practical conclusions
- Well-organised and methodical, with an eye for detail and the ability to balance study alongside work
- Some exposure to tools such as spreadsheets, or a genuine interest in building skills in data and reporting
- Great communicating with different people - able to present ideas clearly and adapt your style for different audiences
- A collaborative, team-oriented approach - happy to work with and learn from people across different functions
- Adaptable and resilient, comfortable responding to change and juggling priorities in a fast-moving environment

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.

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.