Apprentice Buying Assistant; Clothing

Job Overview

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, gaining valuable guidance from the apprenticeship provider and 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.

Once you have completed your apprenticeship and is ready, you will progress to a Junior Buyer role.

• Assisting with competitor shopping reports, including website reviews, store visits and analysing promotional activity to identify missed opportunities.
• Supporting the organisation of product samples and helping to bring in the next viral product.
• Being a key support in the range‑build process.
• Taking ownership of spreadsheets; data is key in buying, alongside category admin tasks and the critical path for category products.
• Arranging supplier meetings and attending where needed.
• Being part of the category management team, working across departments, building an internal network and understanding the product lifecycle.

Do you thrive on handling multiple tasks at once while 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 be perfect for you. You should have excellent attention to detail, be comfortable navigating Excel spreadsheets, and possess strong analytical skills. A foundation in maths and English at GCSE (grade 4 / C or above) is expected.

You may have just finished college or completed A‑Levels (or equivalent), or you might be a Graduate looking for your first step into Buying. The role encourages teamwork, a competitive mindset, and a passion for clothing.

Poundland has evolved into a retail powerhouse with over 650 stores and nearly 13,000 colleagues across the UK and Republic of Ireland. Our culture is built on the behaviours of Love our customers, Care for our colleagues, and Protect the Pounds and Euros.

• Professional development: a comprehensive induction plan and a recognised qualification through our apprenticeship programme.
• Bonus potential: unlock the possibility of earning additional bonuses for your hard work and achievements.
• Free on‑site parking.
• On‑site coffee lounge.
• Exclusive store discounts – 10% off most in‑store purchases.
• Family‑friendly benefits to support you and your family.
• My Staff Shop discounts.
• Life assurance cover.
• Health & wellbeing programme with employee assistance.
• Holiday allowance: 28 days (incl. bank holidays) at start, increasing by one day each year up to 33 days, with the option to buy additional holiday.
• Pension scheme: contributory pension for a secure retirement.

Salary:
From £20,800 for those 18 to 20 years old, and £25,396 for those 21 and over.

Working pattern:
Full time.

Contract type:
Permanent.