Graduate buyer Review
at Marks & Spencer
School Leaver Programme
Business Operations
London
Review Submitted: April 2021
Overall Rating
3.9 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3.4/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
I completed entry level jobs and tasks of a Buying Admin Assistant whilst being shown Assistant buyer level work which I slowly began to take on towards the end of the graduate scheme around the 10 month mark. This involved sample management, dealing with suppliers and global sourcing offices. Working closely with the merchandising team for daily tasks and liaising with marketing, .com, PR as well as the store teams for daily tasks. The buying function at M&S is very traditional and focused on product development and trading.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoyed my programme it is a great company to work for with flexible hours, great people, wealth of talent and opportunities, global, good pay compared to other retailers etc. It has definitely helped to fast track my career to date also - I would highly recommend!
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt a huge range of skills ranging from very useful and transferable admin skills to those very specific to the fashion industry and product categories I was working on. The company has a wide range of courses and learning modules that everyone has access to - they are really fab!
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
It is well structured where all the graduates in the business will come together every couple of months to have a week of learning etc. Your time is split between the graduate cohort where you get special training and your specific buying team where you learn the day to day tasks of the role and function.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I received much support from the Hr and early careers team continually thought the scheme. If you ever had any problems or questions there were always people I could turn to for help and guidance.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
There are no such qualifications with this graduate scheme, you work through the responsibilities of the role and will get signed off by your boss once you have met the criteria and proved that you are ready for an Assistant Buyer level position. There is support however it is down to you as an individual to drive your own learning and career.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Not applicable
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
There weren’t many social activities, we had some at the beginning of the scheme to get to know the cohort and early careers team however naturally this died down after a little while. No sports teams either. We have however had a couple of networking events with key stakeholders in the business and we had special events to meet the CEO and other directors.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Marks & Spencer to a friend?
Yes
Why?
All round great opportunity and start to a career. Fantastic company which is far reaching and offers buying roles in multiple categories! I have felt very at home at M&S and don’t plan on leaving anytime soon. There are always things which could be improved with graduate schemes however I have enjoyed mine and it has helped to fast track me quicker than my peers who didn’t get on the scheme. Would highly recommend
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Marks & Spencer?
Do your research and understand where the company is and where we are trying to get to - it is all about how we can transform ourselves and be digital first! The company is desperate to have bright young talent who can drive this and put sustainability at the forefront also. It is quite hierarchical, traditional and corporate so do bare this in mind when interviewing. All I can say is good luck and go for it!
