Assistant Merchandiser - Beauty
Assistant Merchandiser - Beauty

Assistant Merchandiser - Beauty

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

  • Tasks: Support planning and trading in the beauty department through data analysis and reporting.
  • Company: Join Debenhams, a historic brand evolving into Britain's leading online department store.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and mentorship.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in merchandising while working with a passionate team in a fast-paced setting.
  • 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 our beauty 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 - Beauty employer: Debenhams Group

Debenhams is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration within the retail sector. As a leading online department store, we provide our employees with ample opportunities for professional growth and development, particularly in merchandising roles like the Assistant Merchandiser - Beauty. With a commitment to innovation and a rich heritage dating back to 1778, working at Debenhams means being part of a forward-thinking team that values your contributions and supports your career aspirations.
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Contact Detail:

Debenhams Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Merchandiser - Beauty

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the beauty industry. Understanding current market dynamics and consumer preferences will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your passion for the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Brush up on your Excel skills, especially in data manipulation and analysis. Being able to showcase your proficiency in these areas can set you apart, as the role heavily relies on accurate reporting and forecasting.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your previous merchandising experiences in detail. Think about specific examples where you've successfully influenced commercial decisions or managed stock levels, as this will highlight your relevant skills and experience.

✨Tip Number 4

Network with professionals in the retail and merchandising sectors. Engaging with others in the industry can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals, increasing your chances of landing an interview with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Merchandiser - Beauty

Analytical Skills
Attention to Detail
Commercial Awareness
Data Analysis
Excel Proficiency
WSSI Knowledge
Forecasting Skills
Stock Management
Critical Path Management
Communication Skills
Team Leadership
Organisational Skills
Proactive Problem-Solving
Mentoring Skills
Trend Awareness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in merchandising, particularly in fast-paced retail or fashion environments. Emphasise your analytical skills and any specific tools you've used, like WSSI or Excel.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the beauty industry and how your skills align with the role. Mention specific examples of how you've influenced commercial decisions in previous roles.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Provide examples in your application that demonstrate your strong analytical skills. Discuss how you've used data to drive decisions and improve performance in past roles.

Prepare for Interviews: Research Debenhams and its current position in the market. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their merchandising team and share insights on trends in the beauty sector.

How to prepare for a job interview at Debenhams Group

✨Know Your Numbers

As an Assistant Merchandiser, you'll be dealing with data analysis and KPIs. Brush up on your understanding of WSSI and forecasting tools, and be prepared to discuss how you've used these in past roles. Showing confidence in your analytical skills will impress the interviewers.

✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness

Debenhams is looking for someone who can influence commercial decisions. Be ready to talk about current trends in the beauty industry and how they could impact merchandising strategies. This shows that you’re not just detail-oriented but also understand the bigger picture.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect to face scenario-based questions where you might need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Think of examples from your previous experience where you successfully managed stock levels or made data-driven decisions that positively impacted sales.

✨Show Your Team Spirit

Since the role involves mentoring junior team members, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Share examples of how you've supported others in a team setting, as this will highlight your collaborative nature and fit within their dynamic team.

Assistant Merchandiser - Beauty
Debenhams Group

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