We be­lieve in cre­ating an envi­ron­ment where you, our placement student, can learn and develop dur­ing your time with us and where you are giv­en your own ar­eas of responsibility from the start. Our experts and mentors will treat you as part of the team from day one: encour­aging you to bring your own ideas to the table and give you the opportunity to re­ally show what you can do.

BMW UK, National Sales Company, Farnborough - Product Marketing Assistant - 13 Month Placement (July 2022)
The Product Marketing department is responsible for ensuring current and future BMW models are optimised for the UK market to deliver against sales objectives. This involves defining the market opportunity, volume objectives, determining specification, options and pricing for all current products plus those that will be launched within the next 12-36 months. Through close co-operation with other areas of the marketing function, we ensure vehicle launches are supported by comprehensive communication activities through all channels. We're recruiting for three exciting student placement opportunities for passionate, driven, confident and commercially-minded individuals to join our team for a 13 month placement.

What will you be doing?

• Core support function to the Product department managing key elements of the operational side of the team including management and coordination of the internal prototype fleet, review and maintenance of product reference materials and coordination of all internal and external enquiries to ensure prompt and accurate resolution.
• Undertake competitor analysis and benchmarking for each model to highlight our strengths/weaknesses against these competitors using a software program called ‘JATO’ (no prior knowledge necessary).  They show the commercial impact of product offering, and this information is used to influence the decisions regarding specification and pricing of our future vehicles.
• Managing a fleet of 20+ cars including showroom and external displays. This allows the latest cars to be showcased at events such as Goodwood Festival of Speed, but also driven by key members of staff (particularly at senior level) to allow them to familiarise with new/future products. Vehicle preparation is key to ensure our high standards are met for when the car is either on loan or on display. Communication and organisation skills are key to ensuring smooth fleet management.
• Training the wider business and customer service team on the latest products. This ensures that staff are knowledgeable about the products we sell, and also creates excitement internally for these products. Events such as Goodwood are a great opportunity to give our expertise on our products with the aim to capture as many sales leads as possible. (Full training will be provided prior to any events or presentation)
• Maintenance of Product Libraries. This literature is an easy way for a retailer to learn everything about the car. They cover the standard and optional features of the car, highlighting what is available on each model and for what price. These allow not only the retailers to build their knowledge of the car, but also internal staff too.
• System testing – requirement to support the wider team with testing of our internal sales systems for new models and any model changes (incl. Republic of Ireland). Potential to be trained for on system set-up for new cars as well as product changes on current models Day to day operational responsibility for certain specific projects, such as BMW Individual, SAP and ordering/admin.
• Support with ad-hoc research projects, in particular competitor analysis and general topics which will be used when making decisions on future requirements for the product portfolio in the UK.

Qualifications and experience.

• Studying for a Bachelor's degree and on track to achieve a 2:2 or above in Business, Marketing, Economics or similar. 

• A good level of commercial awareness is required together with the ability to think analytically and laterally with an excellent attention to detail.

• Fluent command of English.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to problem solve and work under pressure.
• Automotive knowledge not required but a willingness to learn is.
• Brand awareness (including competitors).
• Full driving licence essential.

Did you know?

Farnborough is home to our BMW, MINI and Alphabet National Sales Centres. We’re proud of our office environment and achievements, we offer a modern way of working with an empowering office culture, some aspects of which include:
• Our work persona shift – being yourself is effortless and so increases efficiency and reduces wasted energy. For this reason we allow our employees to express themselves through the way they dress.
• Flexible working hours - working flexibly improves mental perspective and increases sustained productivity. This means our leaders maintain balance not burnout through focusing on output not attendance.
• The opportunity to get involved with our continued to support to our house charity with a variety of fundraising events throughout the year.
• Throughout our offices there are open creative spaces which hold facilities such as table-tennis tables to encourage innovation and employee engagement.

Why Choose Us?

• Great Pay – a competitive annual salary of £18,500, 27 days' holiday (pro rata to your contract) and a pension scheme.
• Rewarding Work-Life Balance – contracted working hours are 37.5 hours a week, helping you develop a fulfilling work-life balance.
• Exciting Additional Benefits - throughout your placement you will be supported by our experts and many fellow students and have the opportunity to enjoy other employee benefits.

What do you need to do now?

If this sounds like the opportunity for you then apply today using the link below.
The next stages of the recruiting process could include: online testing, video interview and then a face to face, telephone or virtual interview with the hiring manager. This may be in the form of an assessment centre.

Please note:

We operate rolling recruitment, this means we may close the application window earlier than identified, if sufficient applications are received, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.
Please ensure that you complete all of the free text questions for your application to be progressed, and include a role relevant cover letter, explaining why we should consider you for this position.
To be eligible for this position, you must be returning to your studies, for a minimum of 6 months, after completion of this placement, and be able to provide proof of your legal right to work in the UK, if you are not a UK passport holder.
Closing date for applications: 14 November 2021
Any further questions? Email us on hr.services.recruitment@bmwgroup.co.uk