Assistant Merchandiser

Assistant Merchandiser

London Full-Time 28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support planning, trading, and data analysis in a fast-paced merchandising role.
  • Company: Join Debenhams, Britain's leading online department store with a rich history since 1778.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and mentorship.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in retail while working with a passionate team and shaping the future.
  • Qualifications: Experience in merchandising, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in Excel required.
  • Other info: Engage in a two-stage interview process with opportunities to showcase your skills.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.

The Role

We’re looking for a commercially aware, detail-driven Assistant Merchandiser to join our dynamic team. You’ll play a key role in supporting the planning and trading of your department, owning reporting, data analysis, and intake management while influencing commercial decisions with real impact. This is a fantastic opportunity to take your next step in Merchandising and grow in a fast-paced, high-performing environment.

About Us

You know all about our high street roots and bricks and mortar stores. Now, we\’re looking to the future. Since 2021, we\’ve embraced some changes. Debenhams hasn’t made a comeback – we’ve been here since 1778, evolving and adapting to the times. This is Debenhams today – Britain’s Leading Online Department Store.

We are more than a department store – we are an institution. From creating the blueprint for designer collaborations with designers at Debenhams, to launching countless brands and inventing the beauty counter, we’ve consistently shaped the retail landscape.

We don’t underestimate the power of our brand or the place we hold in people’s hearts. This is only the beginning of the next chapter for Debenhams.

Britain needs Debenhams…..Debenhams needs you!

What You\’ll Be Doing

  • Planning & Forecasting: Maintain and analyse WSSI and KPIs to support in forecasting and driving commercial actions. Track performance, monitor OTB, and contribute to monthly forecasts.
  • Critical Path & Trading: Support the team in trading in-season and maintaining the category critical path. Use data, past trends, and competitor analysis to drive decisions and actions.
  • Rebuy Management: Independently review product performance to identify rebuy opportunities, support intake strategy, and ensure availability of key and core lines.
  • Stock & Intake: Proactively manage stock levels and intake, supporting accurate order placement, phasing, and seasonal planning. Monitor supplier delivery schedules and adapt intake strategies accordingly.
  • Team Leadership: Support and guide junior team members, lead on MAA development, and deputise for the Junior Merchandiser/Merchandiser when needed.
  • Reporting & Analysis: Deliver accurate weekly trade reports, line cards, and ad-hoc analysis to support business decisions. Own the accuracy of attribution and data management across the department.

What We\’re Looking For

  • Experience working in a merchandising role, ideally within a fast-paced retail or fashion environment
  • Strong analytical skills with a commercial mindset and attention to detail
  • Confident using WSSI and forecasting tools, with solid Excel and data manipulation abilities
  • Clear communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work cross-functionally
  • Organised and proactive, able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
  • A team player who enjoys mentoring others and sharing best practices
  • Passionate about product, trends, and driving performance through smart decision-making

What to expect from here:

  1. If we believe you could be a great fit for the role, we’ll invite you for an informal conversation via phone or Microsoft Teams with our Talent Acquisition Manager.
  2. If successful, you’ll then meet with one of our Senior Merchandisers at Debenhams House to discuss your experience in more detail and explore the value you can bring to the team.
  3. Most of our hiring processes consist of two stages. You will meet with the Head of Merchandising to present a response to a brief – You may also be asked to meet with Senior Leadership
  4. We will conclude the process after this stage and feedback soon after your final meeting with a final decision.

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Assistant Merchandiser employer: Debenhams Group

Debenhams is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters growth and innovation in the retail sector. As an Assistant Merchandiser, you will thrive in a fast-paced environment where your analytical skills and commercial insights directly influence key business decisions. With a commitment to employee development and a rich history of shaping the retail landscape, Debenhams provides a unique opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to redefining the shopping experience.
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Contact Detail:

Debenhams Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Merchandiser

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in merchandising and retail, especially within the fashion sector. Understanding current market dynamics will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your commercial awareness.

✨Tip Number 2

Brush up on your analytical skills, particularly with tools like WSSI and Excel. Being able to showcase your proficiency in data analysis during discussions can set you apart from other candidates and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've influenced commercial decisions in past roles. Highlighting your ability to use data to drive actions will resonate well with the team at Debenhams, as they value data-driven decision-making.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your teamwork and mentoring experience. Since the role involves supporting junior team members, sharing instances where you've guided others or collaborated effectively will demonstrate that you're a great fit for their team-oriented culture.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Merchandiser

Analytical Skills
Attention to Detail
Commercial Awareness
Data Analysis
Excel Proficiency
WSSI Knowledge
Forecasting Skills
Stock Management
Intake Strategy Development
Performance Tracking
Communication Skills
Team Leadership
Organisational Skills
Proactive Problem-Solving
Mentoring Abilities

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of an Assistant Merchandiser. Familiarise yourself with key terms like WSSI, KPIs, and rebuy management to demonstrate your knowledge in your application.

Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience in merchandising or retail, focusing on analytical skills and any specific tools you've used, such as Excel. Make sure to showcase your attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to express your passion for merchandising and the retail industry. Mention specific examples of how you've influenced commercial decisions in previous roles and how you can contribute to Debenhams' success.

Prepare for Interviews: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your analytical approach and how you handle data. Prepare to share examples of past experiences where you've successfully managed stock levels or contributed to trading decisions.

How to prepare for a job interview at Debenhams Group

✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills

As an Assistant Merchandiser, strong analytical skills are crucial. Be prepared to discuss your experience with data analysis and forecasting tools like WSSI. Bring examples of how you've used data to influence commercial decisions in previous roles.

✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Awareness

Understand the retail landscape and be ready to talk about current trends in merchandising. Research Debenhams' recent changes and how they impact the market. This will show your genuine interest in the company and the role.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of scenarios where you had to manage stock levels or make decisions based on performance data. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

✨Highlight Your Team Leadership Experience

Since the role involves supporting and guiding junior team members, share examples of how you've mentored others or led a team. Emphasise your ability to communicate clearly and work cross-functionally, as this is key in a collaborative environment.

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