At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Merchandising team to ensure products are available when needed.
- Company: Join a B Corp certified company dedicated to crafting quality clothes for life's adventures.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, online discounts, learning resources, and enhanced family-friendly policies.
- Why this job: Be part of a culture that values equality, inclusion, and personal development in a dynamic retail environment.
- Qualifications: Previous experience in merchandising or retail, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in Excel required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with 3 days in the office, plus opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
Role: Assistant Merchandiser
Position Type: Permanent, Full-Time (35 hours)
Location: Havant, Hampshire (Hybrid working- 3 days per week office based)
Who are we? For over 30 years, we’ve travelled, we’ve laughed, we’ve grown. We believe life is for living and more fun with those we love. We are Made for Life. Our mission statement: Crafting clothes for life’s everyday adventures. Today, tomorrow and always. Our Product formula: Considered style. Trusted Quality. B Corp certified. Equality and inclusion isn’t an aspiration but the standard. We promote and drive equality within our workforce to ignite an inclusive foundation for us all to build from and truly connect with our customers, colleagues, and communities alike. You play a key part in creating an environment free from prejudice, racism, sexism, harassment, bullying and any other form of marginalisation in our workplaces.
Role Summary: As an Assistant Merchandiser, you will play a key role in supporting the Merchandising team to ensure the right product is in the right place, at the right time. You will help drive sales and profitability by analysing data, managing stock levels, and optimizing product availability. Working closely with Buying, Merchandising, and Retail teams, you will assist in forecasting, allocations, and trading decisions, ensuring a seamless customer experience. This role is perfect for someone with a keen eye for detail, strong analytical skills, and a passion for retail.
Role Responsibilities:
- Input into the department strategy, producing historical analysis as required.
- Assist in the creation of the department forecasting and building of range plans, taking traded history and planned future events into consideration.
- Produce and maintain line flows reflecting up to date forecasts, commitment and ensure all contracts are reported correctly on the system.
- Feedback current performance to the Merchandiser and make suggestions for repeats, cancellations and markdowns, understanding the implications on profitability.
- Propose and cost markdown events and promotional activity.
- Oversee the availability of stock to ensure launch dates are met and intake targets are achieved in line with forecasts.
- Under the direction of the Merchandiser, place orders with suppliers and manage the progress of stock into the business, reviewing quantities, shipment modes and delivery dates. Keep the product systems up to date with the latest information.
- Review the performance of stock between all channels and suggest appropriate action, such as transfers of stock between DC’s or store distribution extensions/restrictions.
- Undertake analysis of category/season/product performance on an ongoing basis and feedback lessons learnt to influence merchandising decisions both in season and for the future.
- Input into cross functional activity as required eg. retail operations, Visual Merchandising and DC.
- Supervise, train and develop the Trainee Merchandiser where appropriate.
- Develop self through personal development, store and competitor visits as well as building on your understanding of other functions within the business.
- Deputise for the Merchandiser as required.
- Play your part in delivering the company sustainability strategy.
Skills and Experience:
- Experience: Previous experience as an Allocator, Trainee Merchandiser or Assistant Merchandiser.
- Analytical Skills: Strong numerical ability and experience with Excel and reporting tools.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication, with strong negotiation and presentation skills.
- Organisational Skills: Effective planning and self-organisation capabilities.
- Retail Background: Experience in a retail environment is ideal, with knowledge of merchandising principles and systems.
Role Competencies:
- Market Insight: Understand customer profiles, product ranges, and competitors.
- Tech Savvy: Proficient in Excel, reporting and product lifecycle management systems.
- Team Player: Strong cross-functional and collaboration skills.
Key Contacts and Relationships:
- Design, Buying, Merchandising, Sourcing, Quality
- Logistics
- Retail, Ecom, Wholesale & Partners
- Brand team
Accountable for Resources:
- Stock (forecasting and movement) and availability
- Accuracy of information on internal systems
- Company integrity - relationship with externals
- Financial – ensure profitability of category through stock management.
FatFace Benefits:
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Perkbox our online platform to use from day one (this includes amazing online discounts, home workouts, wellbeing content, popular brand discounts etc.)
- THRIVE – Our learning management system- access from day one with 1000’s of pieces of learning
- Dental Insurance (employee funded)
- Pension scheme
- EAP support around the clock- UNUM/Retail Trust/ Fashion Textiles Support
- Critical illness/Death in service for Salaried staff
- Sick pay allowances
- O2 phone discount
- Eye Tests/contributions to glasses
- Sabbatical leave in line with service
- Enhanced Family Friendly policies i.e. Maternity Leave
- Refer a friend scheme
Assistant Merchandiser employer: LinkedIn
Contact Detail:
LinkedIn Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Merchandiser
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the company's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to equality, inclusion, and sustainability will help you align your responses during interviews and show that you're a good cultural fit.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your analytical skills, especially with Excel. Since the role requires strong numerical ability and data analysis, being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these areas can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees in similar roles. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on retail trends and market insights. Being knowledgeable about customer profiles and competitor strategies will not only help you in the role but also impress the hiring team during discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Merchandiser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any previous roles as an Allocator, Trainee Merchandiser, or Assistant Merchandiser. Emphasise your analytical skills and familiarity with Excel, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for retail and how your skills align with the company's mission of crafting clothes for life's everyday adventures. Mention specific examples of how you've contributed to sales and profitability in past roles.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since the role requires strong analytical abilities, include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in previous positions. Highlight any experience with forecasting, stock management, or performance analysis.
Research the Company Culture: Familiarise yourself with the company's commitment to equality and inclusion. Reflect this understanding in your application by discussing how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment within the team.
How to prepare for a job interview at LinkedIn
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
As an Assistant Merchandiser, strong analytical skills are crucial. Be prepared to discuss your experience with data analysis and how you've used it to drive sales or optimise stock levels in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Retail Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with merchandising principles and the retail environment. During the interview, share specific examples of how your background in retail has equipped you for this role.
✨Communicate Effectively
Excellent communication is key in this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing past experiences or presenting ideas related to merchandising strategies.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various teams. Highlight your ability to collaborate and share examples of successful teamwork from your previous positions, showcasing your adaptability and team spirit.