Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the merchandising team with stock management and trading analysis.
- Company: Join a top-rated company known for its inclusive culture and commitment to equality.
- Benefits: Enjoy 60% off products, flexible working, and extensive learning resources.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in fashion merchandising and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and a passion for retail are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Working Arrangements/Pattern: Full Time, 35 hours
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. We are proud to have featured in the Sunday Times top 10 best places to work 2025 and best places to work for women 2025. 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
The Trainee Merchandiser is the entry level role within the Merchandising team, providing essential operational and analytical support to the category team. Working closely with the Assistant Merchandiser, Merchandiser, and wider cross functional partners, the role focuses on accurate system management, stock and intake administration, and in season trading support. This role builds the core technical, commercial, and organisational skills required for progression within the merchandising career pathway.
Role Responsibilities
- Carry out required stock and trading actions to support seasonal peaks, SALE, new stores, space changes, and additional channels.
- Support trade decisions through accurate data preparation and timely execution of actions.
- Attend and contribute to Lessons Learnt meetings; prepare analysis on product mixes and performance.
- Collate and provide feedback on Transport store performance and ranging to support future phase planning.
Systems & Accuracy (NEXT Product System)
- Maintain size ratios within the NEXT Product System using sales analysis by channel.
- Track items and support contract approvals through Power BI, investigating and following up on issues.
- Support FatFace Branch Merchandising teams with ad hoc manual allocations.
- Propose Transport store ranges to the Assistant Merchandiser using data and performance insight.
- Load and maintain lead times in the NEXT Product System with guidance from the Merchandiser and aligned to Lead Time schedules.
Contracts & Administration
- Maintain accurate size ratios through sales and stock analysis, reviewing outputs with the Assistant Merchandiser.
- Raise contracts using the Contract Tracker in line with the Critical Path.
- Circulate weekly Contract Tracker progression summaries to the wider category team.
- Process contract amendments in line flow, updating estimates to reflect new delivery dates.
- Flag risks and issues that may require broader planning or trading changes.
Critical Path Support
- Attend Critical Path meetings and support Assistant Merchandiser with follow up actions.
- Communicate regularly with suppliers and internal teams regarding progress and risks.
- Highlight delivery or production issues promptly to the Assistant Merchandiser and Merchandiser.
Intake & Launch Readiness Review
- Due to Ship dates and flag risks in line with the Critical Path.
- Chase Permission to Ship (PTS) and escale delays.
- Check Inbound Logistics Systems, approve worklist items where appropriate, and flag issues.
- Support launch preparation by setting up and maintaining core data, including housekeeping deliveries.
- Monitor intake to ensure stock moves into free stock in a timely manner across all channels.
- Proactively identify, help resolve intake or stock availability issues and communicate changes to department.
Trading & In Season Analysis
- Own the setup, validation, and circulation of the Sales and Stock report and weekly bestsellers.
- Update intake information and highlight any significant changes or risks.
- Analyse Sales and Stock data, reporting findings and proposed actions with a focus on:
- Stock pushes
- Fast cover
- Warehouse transfer proposals
Team Contribution & Development
- Actively participate in peer learning and training opportunities.
- Take full ownership of responsibilities, meeting expectations set by the Assistant Merchandiser and Merchandiser.
- Demonstrate a proactive approach to learning, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
- Participate in store visits and support creation of visit feedback or insight packs.
- Actively support the delivery of the company sustainability strategy through day to day merchandising activity.
- Align self to companies social and environmental mission and champion any actions that you can directly impact at all times.
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.
- Strong numerical and analytical skills with high attention to detail.
- Interest in fashion retail and a desire to build a career in merchandising.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
- Confident using Microsoft Excel; openness to learning new systems and tools.
- Clear communicator with a proactive, solution focused attitude.
Benefits
- Critical Illness Income protection/ Death in service (for salaried colleagues)
- Pension scheme – with net deduction and salary sacrifice options
- Dental insurance (colleague-funded)
- 60% off FatFace products
- 25% discount at Next stores (across full price products)
- Discounted gym membership
- Cycle to Work scheme (for salaried colleagues)
- EV vehicle scheme (for salaried colleagues)
- Perkbox – our online platform offering:
- Day-one access
- Exclusive brand discounts
- Home workouts and more
Learning & Development
- Day-one access to 1,000s of learning resources
- Sabbatical leave (in line with service)
- Enhanced family-friendly policies – including enhanced maternity leave
- Flexible Working Opportunities – flexible working requests can be made from day one of employment and are considered on an individual basis.
- Refer a Friend scheme
Join us to make a tangible impact on our merchandising success and help shape the future of our product offerings! We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply — you might be just the right fit.
Trainee Merchandiser in Havant employer: FatFace
Contact Detail:
FatFace Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Merchandiser in Havant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine in front of the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Merchandiser in Havant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Merchandising: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for merchandising shine through! Share why you're excited about the role and how it aligns with your career goals. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in fashion retail.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your skills and experiences relevant to the Trainee Merchandiser role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Even if you don’t have direct experience as a Trainee Merchandiser, showcase any related roles or skills. Whether it's your analytical skills or retail background, make sure we know how your experiences can contribute to our team!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our amazing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at FatFace
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Trainee Merchandiser, you'll be dealing with a lot of data. Brush up on your numerical skills and be prepared to discuss how you've used data analysis in the past. Familiarise yourself with Excel and any reporting tools mentioned in the job description.
✨Show Your Passion for Fashion
This role is all about merchandising in the fashion retail space. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the industry during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or insights you have about current trends and how they could impact merchandising decisions.
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
Collaboration is key in this role. Think about examples from your past where you've worked effectively in a team. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to a positive team environment and support your colleagues, especially the Assistant Merchandiser and Merchandiser.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the company’s culture and values, especially around equality and inclusion. This will demonstrate that you align with their mission and are keen to contribute to a supportive workplace.