At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse market trends and develop range structures for the Home department.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at NEXT, a leader in retail innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, collaborative workspace, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Embrace creativity and innovation in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in merchandising while working with exciting home products.
- Qualifications: Experience in Home products and strong communication skills are preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Working Pattern: Typically 5 days in the office, with core hours flexible between 8am-6pm.
The Role: We are looking for an Assistant Merchandiser to join the Home team. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make an impact and contribute to the continuing success of the Home department.
What You’ll Take On
- Formulating Range Structure Proposals: Analyse market trends, consumer preferences, and sales data to identify opportunities as well as develop range structures that align with brand positioning and target market. Present proposals outlining assortment plans, pricing strategies, and key product features.
- Presenting in Formal Meetings: Prepare visually engaging presentations that effectively communicate range proposals. Clearly articulate rationale behind proposals, incorporating data and insights. Address questions and concerns from stakeholders with confidence and clarity.
- Appraising Performance and Proposing Strategies: Evaluate previous season performance, departmental metrics, and supplier performance. Identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats and propose strategies to address performance gaps and capitalise on opportunities.
- Building Relationships with Suppliers: Cultivate open communication and collaboration with suppliers, establishing trust and transparency in negotiations and business dealings.
- Planning and Reviewing Capacity and Production: Forecast demand accurately to plan capacity and production schedules. Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely production and regularly review progress against production targets and adjust plans as needed.
- Maintaining Merchandise Systems: Ensure accuracy in merchandise systems by updating data regularly. Confirm supplier contracts and maintain forecasts, and inventory levels. Conduct regular audits to identify and resolve discrepancies.
- Controlling Spend: Review budgets regularly to monitor spending and identify opportunities for cost savings. Analyse spending patterns and implement strategies to optimise allocation of resources. Negotiate favourable terms with suppliers to achieve cost efficiencies.
- Monitoring In-Season Performance: Track sales performance, inventory levels, and markdowns throughout the season. Identify trends and patterns to make informed decisions and adjustments. Implement strategies to maximise profitability and minimise risk.
What You’ll Bring
- Home Experience: You will ideally have experience working with Home products as an Assistant or a Trainee ready for your first Assistant role.
- Communication Skills: Clearly articulate ideas, proposals, and strategies to stakeholders in both verbal and written communication. Foster open and transparent communication within the team, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Listen actively to understand the needs and perspectives of others, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding.
- Technical Merchandising Skills: Utilise data analysis tools and techniques to interpret sales data, market trends, and performance metrics. Understand inventory management systems and merchandising software to maintain accurate records and make informed decisions. Apply pricing and markdown strategies effectively to optimise sales and profitability.
- Open-Mindedness: Embrace new ideas, approaches, and perspectives, recognising that innovation often comes from unconventional sources. Be willing to adapt to changing market dynamics and evolving consumer preferences. Encourage creativity and innovation within the team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Passion for Product and Trends: Stay informed about the latest trends, developments, and innovations in the industry. Demonstrate enthusiasm and excitement for the products you're merchandising, inspiring others with your passion. Use your knowledge and insights into consumer preferences to curate assortments that resonate with your target audience.
Sponsorship: Candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship for this role will be required to meet the Home Office sponsorship requirements.
We encourage early applications for our roles, as our recruitment process begins as soon as the role is advertised. If we successfully fill the position, this advert may close earlier than planned.
At NEXT, we believe the best work happens when there are no barriers to collaboration. That’s why we are a Google-powered workspace. From your very first day, you’ll be using the full Google Workspace suite; Docs, Drive, and Meet, to stay connected and move fast.
If your previous experience is rooted in other software suites, don’t worry! We’ll point you to a digital Google toolkit the moment you join, packed with handy guides and insider tips to help you transition smoothly and hit the ground running.
Assistant Merchandiser - Home in Leicester employer: Next Careers
At NEXT, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As an Assistant Merchandiser in the Home team, you'll benefit from flexible working hours, a collaborative environment, and access to cutting-edge tools that enhance productivity. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we offer numerous opportunities for career advancement while encouraging creativity and innovation in all aspects of your role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Merchandiser - Home in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their products, values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your presentation skills! Since you'll be presenting proposals, it’s crucial to communicate your ideas clearly and confidently. Grab a friend or family member and run through your pitch.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Merchandiser - Home in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Assistant Merchandiser role. Highlight your experience with Home products and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can make an impact in our Home team!
Show Off Your Data Skills:Since this role involves analysing market trends and sales data, don’t shy away from showcasing your technical merchandising skills. Mention any tools or techniques you’ve used to interpret data and how they’ve helped in your previous roles. We love a data-driven approach!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to articulate your ideas and proposals. Remember, we appreciate open communication, so make sure your passion for product and trends shines through without any fluff!
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, you’ll find all the details you need about the position right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Next Careers
✨Know Your Market Trends
Before the interview, dive deep into current market trends related to home products. Be ready to discuss how these trends can influence range structure proposals and pricing strategies. This shows your potential employer that you’re not just passionate about the role but also informed about the industry.
✨Master Your Presentation Skills
Since presenting in formal meetings is a key part of the job, practice creating visually engaging presentations. Use data and insights to back up your proposals. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to articulate your ideas clearly and confidently, as this will be crucial in your role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you would appraise performance metrics and propose strategies based on your findings. Bring examples from past experiences where you’ve successfully identified strengths and weaknesses in sales data or supplier performance. This will highlight your technical merchandising skills.
✨Build Rapport with Suppliers
Talk about your approach to building relationships with suppliers during the interview. Share any experiences you have in negotiating terms or collaborating effectively. Emphasising your ability to cultivate trust and transparency will resonate well with the hiring team.
