At a Glance
- Tasks: Support global merchandising plans through data analysis and cross-functional coordination.
- Company: Join M&S, a leading retailer on a mission to expand globally.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and tailored training from day one.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced environment and influence global trends.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills, communication abilities, and proficiency in Excel required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At M&S, we’re on a mission to share the magic of M&S with customers everywhere. Our goal is simple yet ambitious: to make our exceptional Fashion, Home & Beauty, and Food products accessible to people around the globe. To achieve this, we’re accelerating growth in our international business, transforming how we operate, driving change at pace, and reimagining processes to deliver seamless experiences for every customer.
As an Assistant Merchandiser in our International Merchandising Team, this role supports the delivery of commercial plans through sharp analysis, organised processes, and strong cross‑functional coordination. From maintaining accurate sales, stock, and intake data to monitoring in‑season performance, the role helps ensure ranges land in the right place, at the right time, and is delivered against business objectives.
As an essential part of the merchandising function, the Assistant Merchandiser keeps core tools up to date, prepares weekly trade insights, and drives smooth stock and supply‑chain actions across all markets. Accuracy, curiosity, and proactive problem‑solving are key to enabling the wider team to make informed decisions that boost sales, optimise stock, and elevate the customer experience.
This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast paced environment, has a good understanding of the critical path and can utilize their numerical and analytical skills to interpret data. You’ll also need strong communication, influencing, and organizational skills to build relationships across the wider business, partners, and buying teams. If you can interpret performance metrics and use insights to maximize sales and deliver growth in future seasons, we want to hear from you!
NB: This is a full‑time role and is based at our Paddington Support Office a minimum of three days a week.
What You’ll Do- Maintain the BU/department forecasts by updating retail sales, stock, and intake plans using merchandising tools (e.g., Weekly Sales Stock and Intake (WSSI), Merchandise Financial Planning (MFP)) ensuring it aligns with the commercial plan
- Prepare weekly trade reports, summarising key KPIs, best sellers, underperformers, and partner performance trends
- Monitor channel stock levels and articulate overstock risks to the channels and the merchandising team
- Maintain consistency across trading packs, planning tools and reporting templates
- Act as a key point of contact for administrative and data‑driven tasks supporting international partners
- A good understanding of the critical path and ability to manage timelines effectively
- Highly numerical with strong analytical and interpretive skills to make data-driven decisions
- Passion, enthusiasm along with excellent communication, influencing, organizational skills and able to build strong relationships across different teams and partners
- Ability to understand performance metrics and use insights to maximize sales and deliver growth
- Proficiency in Excel and confidence in fully utilizing appropriate IT systems
Working at M&S means being part of something bigger - helping to deliver quality, value and service to millions of customers every day. We’re inclusive, fast-moving and always evolving, with a strong sense of purpose and a focus on doing the right thing.
- 20% colleague discount on all M&S products and many third‑party brands for you and someone in your household, available once you’ve completed your probation
- Competitive holiday allowance with the option to buy more
- Strong pension and life assurance to help plan for the future
- Tailored induction and training to support your development from day one
- Exclusive perks and savings through our M&S Choices portal
- Market‑leading family policies, including parental, adoption and neonatal leave
- 24/7 wellbeing support, including virtual GP access and mental health services
- One paid volunteer day a year to support a cause that matters to you
We are ambitious about the future of retail. We’re reinventing, innovating and leading the industry into a more conscientious, inspiring digital era. We’re redefining how we work together and offering our most exciting opportunities yet. Marks & Spencer strives to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Join us and make change happen. We are committed to building diverse and representative teams, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best.
If you feel you'd benefit from any support or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to let us know when completing your application. This information will be picked up by our team, so we can try and put steps in place to help you be at your best through this process.
International Merchandising Specialist employer: Marks and Spencer
At M&S, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters inclusivity and innovation. As part of our International Merchandising Team based in the dynamic Paddington Support Office, you'll enjoy competitive benefits, including a generous colleague discount, tailored training, and strong family policies, all while contributing to our mission of delivering quality and value to customers worldwide. Join us to grow your career in a fast-paced environment where your analytical skills and passion for retail can truly make an impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land International Merchandising Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at M&S on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research M&S’s international strategy and think about how your skills as an Assistant Merchandiser can help them achieve their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your data interpretation skills! Since this role is all about analysing sales and stock data, brush up on your Excel skills and be ready to discuss how you’ve used data to drive decisions in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the M&S team!
We think you need these skills to ace International Merchandising Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Merchandising:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for merchandising shine through! Share specific examples of how you've used your analytical skills to drive sales or improve processes in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about the industry.
Be Data-Driven:Since this role is all about numbers and insights, make sure to highlight your experience with data analysis. Mention any tools you've used, like Excel or merchandising software, and how you've leveraged data to make informed decisions. We want to see your analytical prowess!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to the job description. Highlight relevant experiences that align with the responsibilities of the Assistant Merchandiser role. This shows us you’re serious about joining our team at M&S.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company culture and values while you’re at it!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks and Spencer
✨Know Your Numbers
As an International Merchandising Specialist, you'll need to demonstrate your numerical and analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics related to sales, stock levels, and performance trends. Be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles to make informed decisions.
✨Master the Critical Path
Understanding the critical path is crucial for this role. Familiarise yourself with how timelines impact merchandising processes. During the interview, share examples of how you've effectively managed timelines in previous positions to ensure smooth operations.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Strong communication and influencing skills are essential. Prepare to discuss how you've built relationships across teams and partners. Think of specific instances where your communication made a difference in achieving business objectives.
✨Be Proactive and Curious
The role requires proactive problem-solving and curiosity. Come prepared with questions about the company's international strategy and how you can contribute. Show that you're not just looking to fill a position but are genuinely interested in making an impact.