Skip to main content

Tell us whether you accept cookies

We use cookies to collect information about how you use this service. We use this information to make the service work as well as possible and improve this service.

Set cookie preferences

You've accepted all cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Find apprenticeship training for your apprentice

Beta This is a new service – your feedback will help us to improve it.

  1. Home
  2. Apprenticeship training courses
View shortlist
Apprenticeship training course

Buying and merchandising assistant (level 4)

Helping bring products to market for retailer buying or merchandising teams.

Qualification level
4
Equivalent to higher national certificate (HNC).
Typical duration
18 months
Apprenticeship category
Sales, marketing and procurement
Maximum funding
£6,000
Maximum amount government will fund
for apprenticeship training.
Also known as
  • Buying assistant
  • Merchandising assistant
Skills
Skills an apprentice will learn
  • 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

Full information on Buying and merchandising assistant (level 4) is available from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

Find training providers for this course

Apprenticeship location

Check if a provider can offer this training for the apprenticeship location.

Back to top View shortlist