At a Glance
- Tasks: Maximise commercial opportunities through effective inventory management and data analysis.
- Company: Join N Brown, a leading digital retail platform known for inclusivity and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 24 days holiday, annual bonuses, and mental health support.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant Manchester office surrounded by trendy cafes and bars.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team shaping the future of fashion retail and customer experience.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree in fashion or equivalent work experience; retail experience is essential.
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 28600 £ per year.
N Brown is a leading UK digital retail platform for clothing, footwear, home and technology, headquartered in Manchester and employing over 1,000 people nationwide. Through our strategic retail brands JD Williams, Jacamo and Simply Be and our unique payments offering, we exist to champion inclusivity and serve the underserved. Our customers are our passion, and we take great pride in delivering products that ensure they can look and feel amazing, without compromising on choice, value and accessibility.
We're committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment that values equality for all. Our vision is that by championing inclusion, N Brown will become the UK's most loved and trusted consumer platform, shaping the future of financial empowerment and personal expression. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging are, therefore, at the heart of our culture.
In May 2024 we were delighted to be named one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024. We work hard to create a happy and inclusive culture for everyone and we're so proud to have made this list - as voted for by our very own colleagues!
The Junior Merchandiser reports to a Category Manager, the role will have a larger degree of Merchandising as well as operating in the wider team structure. The aim is to maximise commercial opportunities through the effective management of inventory, driving demand and service through improved availability and forecasting and reducing markdown to maximise profit.
What you'll be responsible for as a Junior Merchandiser:
- Present weekly trade information within the division and generate performance data for promotional activity
- Re-forecast, manage, buy and cancel product where required
- Review the WSSI in season and make recommendations to the Category Manager to maximise trading opportunities
- Support the Category Manager in departmental control of markdown spend
- Produce analysis to support future range planning
- Prepare and present corrective action plans to clear and maintain dormancy levels
- Pre-empt future problems using supplier knowledge, shipping info and liaison with CSO and warehouses
- Working with the buying team to build the most commercial range possible to meet and exceed both budget targets and customer expectations
- Using range plans/frame-work collate information for strategy, range control and sign-off meetings
- Maintain an action plan to address missed or potential missed dates on the critical path
- Support/communicate with Partnership Team
- Ad hoc duties are also an essential daily part of the Junior Merchandiser's role, also providing administrative support when required
What skills and experience will you have?
- Relevant degree in fashion or the ability to demonstrate the required level of skills through work-experience
- Excellent administrative, communication and organisation skills
- A keen interest in fashion and customer first
- Driven & motivated
- Retail experience essential
What's in it for you?
- Hybrid working
- 24 days holiday (+ 8 bank holidays)
- Annual bonus scheme
- Enhanced maternity and adoption leave
- Company pension with up to 8% N Brown contribution
- Mental Health support both internally and externally, including access to our wellbeing champions and counselling services
- A range of financial wellbeing support
- Stream - a financial wellbeing tool that helps you track your pay, access earnings early and manage your money with confidence
- Colleague discount across all N Brown brands
- Onsite café with subsidised rates and local restaurant discounts
- Life Assurance
- Paid volunteer time - all our colleagues can take a full day paid to volunteer for a charity of their choice
Ways of Working
We offer hybrid working which varies across the business depending on the role you're in. Our Head Office is located in the Northern Quarter in Manchester City Centre. So if you are travelling by train, tram or bus we're perfectly located, plus we're surrounded by cool cafes, trendy bars and the best places to eat! Our working hours are 36.17 per week over 5 days.
We believe AI will become a standard part of modern professional practice. We are therefore looking for individuals who are open to learning, testing, and responsibly adopting AI tools to improve efficiency, insight, and impact in their role.
Our promise to you:
We're an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Please know your application is being reviewed by a real human being. We value your interest in joining us and appreciate you taking the time to submit your application.
What happens when you apply to a role at N Brown?
As soon as we receive your application, we'll send you an email to let you know. We always aim to come back to you as soon as possible with an update and we really appreciate you taking the time to apply for a role with us. Good luck!
Junior Merchandiser- Appliances in Manchester employer: N Brown
At N Brown, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for the Quality Lead role within our innovative Castle project team. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and creativity, allowing you to thrive in a hybrid working environment while enjoying generous benefits such as enhanced maternity leave, mental health support, and a commitment to employee growth through continuous learning opportunities. Located in Manchester's Northern Quarter, you'll be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values quality and encourages a pioneering spirit in developing cutting-edge financial services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Merchandiser- Appliances in Manchester
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like N Brown, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like N Brown!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Merchandiser- Appliances in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at N Brown, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at N Brown and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show N Brown that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at N Brown
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!