Buying & Merchandising (Level 4) Apprenticeship Programme

Summary

Kickstart your career in fashion retail with our Level 4 Buying & Merchandising Apprenticeship, delivered in partnership with the Fashion Retail Academy (EFI).

Wage

Competitive

Competitive wage offered

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course

Buying and merchandising assistant (level 4)

Hours

We operate a hybrid working policy (working onsite in our offices at least 2-3 days per week). There will also be some requirements to be onsite 5 days per week throughout the course of the programme.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 5 January 2026

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

6

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Over 16 - 18 months, you’ll gain hands-on experience in our Buying Operations team while studying towards an industry-recognised qualification
You’ll support Buyers and Merchandisers across everything from product orders to vendor meetings and reporting, all while being part of a vibrant, fast-paced team
At TJX Europe (home to TK Maxx and Homesense), no two days are the same. We’re a global retailer built on discovery and driven by curiosity - with 600+ stores, 38,000+ associates, and big opportunities to grow

Where you'll work

TJX Europe
73 Clarendon Rd
Watford
WD17 1TB

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

EDUCATION FOR INDUSTRY GROUP

Your training course

Buying and merchandising assistant (level 4)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

Uses their market/industry knowledge to contribute to new product development and innovation
Contributes to the building of customer focused ranges to meet the brand identity of the business
Ensures product quality and legal compliance by working within industry standards, regulations and legislation to source, purchase and sell goods
Ensures accurate implementation of the critical path prioritising actions accordingly
Negotiates in a manner that balances the need for a sound financial return, with the need to operate ethically, honestly and fairly
Monitors agreed performance targets with suppliers to manage ongoing supplier relationships
Applies the organisation strategy to buying and/or merchandising to ensure strategic objectives are met
Applies an ethical and sustainable approach to the buying and merchandising process in line with policies and procedures to achieve legal compliance
Ensures the agreed route to market is delivered and maintained successfully so that objectives are met
Works with external and internal departments (for example, marketing, distribution, suppliers) to build relationships to drive sales activity and support the delivery of the business objectives across all channels
Uses data to support decisions to influence both the strategic and operational direction of the buying and/or merchandising approach.
Demonstrates accurate application of systems in analysing data (for example, customer trends, buying patterns, stock rotation and levels)
Evaluates commercial performance to support proposed actions for both good and poor product performers
Demonstrates anticipation of customer buying and product patterns to forecast future demand
Articulates relevant ideas and opinions towards trends and competitor activity so that opportunities may be identified
Applies customer profile/trend data to inform the development of a range, products and services
Formulates and communicates customer propositions
Develops self and individuals to improve personal and team performance and capability
Demonstrates commercial buying and merchandising within a financial framework
Operates in a manner that produces the required financial rate of return for the business
Coaches and mentors new/less experienced colleagues
Analyses and presents business data to support achievement of business strategies, brand and KPIs
Ensures effective stock management to support the delivery of the sales and profit forecasts
Uses their market/industry knowledge to contribute to new product development and innovation
Contributes to the building of customer focused ranges to meet the brand identity of the business
Ensures product quality and legal compliance by working within industry standards, regulations and legislation to source, purchase and sell goods
Ensures accurate implementation of the critical path prioritising actions accordingly
Negotiates in a manner that balances the need for a sound financial return, with the need to operate ethically, honestly and fairly
Monitors agreed performance targets with suppliers to manage ongoing supplier relationships
Applies the organisation strategy to buying and/or merchandising to ensure strategic objectives are met
Applies an ethical and sustainable approach to the buying and merchandising process in line with policies and procedures to achieve legal compliance
Ensures the agreed route to market is delivered and maintained successfully so that objectives are met
Works with external and internal departments (for example, marketing, distribution, suppliers) to build relationships to drive sales activity and support the delivery of the business objectives across all channels
Uses data to support decisions to influence both the strategic and operational direction of the buying and/or merchandising approach.
Demonstrates accurate application of systems in analysing data (for example, customer trends, buying patterns, stock rotation and levels)
Evaluates commercial performance to support proposed actions for both good and poor product performers
Demonstrates anticipation of customer buying and product patterns to forecast future demand
Articulates relevant ideas and opinions towards trends and competitor activity so that opportunities may be identified
Applies customer profile/trend data to inform the development of a range, products and services
Formulates and communicates customer propositions
Develops self and individuals to improve personal and team performance and capability
Demonstrates commercial buying and merchandising within a financial framework
Operates in a manner that produces the required financial rate of return for the business
Coaches and mentors new/less experienced colleagues

Your training plan

Real-world experience while you earn and learn
Coaching, mentoring and a supportive buddy system
Training every 3 months at the Fashion Retail Academy (EFI) in London
A stepping stone to Buying Operations or our Graduate Scheme
You'll be working towards an accredited Level 4 Apprenticeship qualification in Buying and Merchandising. Off the job training and learning delivered by us throughout the course within our Head Office and our Stores

More training information

Your studies will be at the Fashion Retail Academy who have for the last 15 years, successfully delivered fashion and retail courses to over 11,000 students. At the end of your studies you would have gained an industry-recognised Apprenticeship Standard
You will be working within a large community in our Buying Operations function who support the Buyers and partner with our Merchandising teams
You will support the buying teams with purchase order writing, flow of goods, vendor meetings, strategy and style out preparation, create and run department reports, sample coordination and any other ad hoc administration duties

Requirements

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Presentation skills
Administrative skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Initiative

About this company

At TJX Europe, every day brings new opportunities for growth, exploration, and achievement. You’ll be part of our vibrant team that embraces diversity, fosters collaboration, and prioritises your development. Whether you’re working in our Distribution Centers, Corporate Offices, or Retail Stores—TK Maxx & Homesense, you’ll find abundant opportunities to learn, thrive, and make an impact. Come join our TJX team—a Fortune 100 company and the world’s leading off-price retailer.

After this apprenticeship

This is a stepping stone to Buying Operations or our Graduate Scheme

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