Apprentice Buying Assistant (Clothing)

Start your career with us...

...In Buying, that's right a career where buying fantastic Clothing is what you do every week.

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. 

We're looking for Apprentice Buying Assistants to join the Poundland team, based at our Watford office, you'll enrol onto a Level 4 Buying & Merchandising Apprenticeship (external provider), mentored by our talented experienced leaders who want to see you succeed. Aligned to either Kidswear or Menswear, you'll development a deep understanding of the clothing offering we have and the critical path that brings it from concept to customer.

An apprenticeship with us...

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: 

• 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 apart of the category management team, working across departments, building your internal network and understanding of the product lifecycle. 

About 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, perhaps 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. Having a passion for clothing is obviously an essential too. 

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.

Why choose us?

• 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.