At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the merchandising team with stock management and trading actions.
- 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
- Present summarised findings and suggested actions in category trade meetings.
- Communicate agreed trading actions promptly to NEXT Branch Merchandising teams.
- Action warehouse transfers in a timely manner, follow up on outstanding actions and take accountability for their completion.
- Run in week sales analysis to support weekly and future trade planning.
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)
- Discounts & Perks: 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, Specsavers eye care scheme, eye tests and contributions to glasses, free period products, EAP support 24/7 via UNUM, Retail Trust, and Fashion & Textiles Support.
- Learning & Development: Day-one access, 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
As an Employee Relations Administrator at our Havant location, you will join a vibrant team dedicated to crafting clothes for life's everyday adventures while fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment. With a strong commitment to equality and employee growth, we offer a culture that values your contributions and encourages professional development, making us one of the best places to work in 2025. Enjoy the benefits of being part of a B Corp certified company that prioritises both social and environmental missions, ensuring your work is meaningful and impactful.
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 friends, family, or even acquaintances who work in retail or merchandising. They might have insider info on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission of crafting clothes for life’s everyday adventures.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions. Think about how your skills align with the role of Trainee Merchandiser and be ready to share examples that highlight your analytical and organisational abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our awesome team at FatFace!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Merchandiser in Havant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Trainee Merchandiser role. Highlight any relevant retail experience, analytical skills, and your passion for fashion. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of crafting clothes for life’s everyday adventures!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're excited about this role and how your background makes you a great fit. Don’t forget to mention your enthusiasm for equality and inclusion, as it's a big part of who we are at StudySmarter.
Show Off Your Analytical Skills:Since the role involves a lot of data analysis, make sure to showcase your numerical abilities and any experience with tools like Excel or Power BI. We love candidates who can turn numbers into actionable insights, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and making an impact in merchandising!
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 analytical skills and be prepared to discuss how you've used numbers in past roles or projects. 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 or brands that inspire you.
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
Collaboration is key in this role. Think of examples where you've worked effectively in a team, especially in a retail or merchandising context. Be ready to discuss how you handle feedback and contribute to group discussions.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the company’s approach to sustainability or how they support career progression within merchandising. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company culture.
