At a Glance
- Tasks: Transform sales data into insights and collaborate with Buyers and Designers.
- Company: Join a leading fashion retailer with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Full-time permanent role with early responsibility and career progression.
- Other info: Dynamic, fast-paced environment with excellent teamwork and support.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in merchandising and make an impact in the fashion world.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and a passion for fashion and trends.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1200 € per month.
About the Role:
Ready to start your career journey? We have roles with varied start dates. Apply today if you’re looking to begin soon or if you’re planning for a Summer 2026 start. Don’t wait—we’re hiring for both.
We are opening our applications for those looking to join us on a full-time permanent basis in 2026 Merchandising - a head for numbers but a heart for fashion.
Do you love trends and talking to people all over the world? Do you thrive on transforming complex sales data and inventory figures into clear, actionable insights that drive product success? Are you passionate about analysis, trading, managing stock, and relationship development? We are looking for amazing people who can interpret data and use this talent to work with our Buyers and Designers to build and trade trend-driven product ranges for our customers.
The scheme:
- You will start your month training programme on one of our 'Product' teams - Womenswear, Menswear, Childrenswear, Home or on our Brands team (who work with a portfolio of over 750 brands).
- With support from your team, you will learn the skills required to progress within our Merchandising function. Responsibility comes early and you will be looking after millions of pounds worth of stock from day one.
- You will receive regular feedback from your Merchandise team who will coach and develop you throughout the scheme, supporting you in reaching your goals.
- Once you are ready to take the next step you will be promoted to Assistant Merchandiser.
Day to day you will be:
- Negotiating, ordering and managing the intake of stock from suppliers all over the world.
- Updating our product systems with the correct delivery dates and shipment modes.
- Reviewing historical and current sales to forecast what stock we need for the future.
- Attending range building and selection meetings and using your knowledge to influence how future ranges look.
It’s all about collaboration and great teamwork. You will be working alongside our creative Buyers and Designers using data to influence what our NEXT product ranges look like. You will learn to trade those ranges, reacting to what our customers are telling us they love, then working with our global supplier base to get the stock to our customers when they want it. Alongside this you will be closely managing stock levels in order to maximise sales and minimise our markdown risk, potentialising profitability. It’s fast-paced, exciting, challenging and very rewarding.
About You:
Are you the kind of person who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment? Do you excel at juggling a wide range of tasks while maintaining impeccable organisation? If so, you might be the perfect fit for our team. We’re looking for someone who is not just a great communicator but a relationship builder, someone who can effortlessly connect with both colleagues and clients.
Your analytical skills are sharp; you can interpret data with ease and spot opportunities that others might miss. Numbers don’t intimidate you—in fact, you have a solid understanding of percentages and how they impact our goals. In our bustling workplace, your approachable nature and team spirit make you a go-to person, fostering collaboration and positivity. You’re driven and decisive, always aiming to make a meaningful impact. If this sounds like you, then you’re exactly who we need to help take our team to the next level.
As part of your application, please include a cover letter detailing the below:
- Why should Next offer you a role as a Trainee Merchandiser?
- What skills and interests do you have that relate to the Trainee Merchandiser role?
- Why are you interested in joining Next?
At Next we embrace technology and innovation, but we want to see the real you. A generic AI response won’t help you stand out from the crowd and may hinder your application. We appreciate you might want to use Gen AI to help structure your responses, and check for grammar and spelling but the content needs to reflect your unique self, your passion and your understanding of the role.
Sponsorship:
NEXT has assessed the role advertised and based on current UKVI criteria, the Merchandiser/Buyer role is not eligible for skilled worker sponsorship. If you hold a Visa that allows you to complete the training, NEXT will be unable to sponsor you at the conclusion of the training, and expects that you will have alternative Immigration status to take up the role.
Be Brave. Be You. Be NEXT.
Trainee Merchandiser - 2026 in Leicester employer: Next Careers
At Next, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. As a Trainee Merchandiser, you'll receive comprehensive training and mentorship, ensuring you develop the skills needed for a successful career in merchandising while managing significant stock from day one. With a focus on employee growth and a dynamic environment, Next is the perfect place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the fashion industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Merchandiser - 2026 in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their values, culture, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
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—definitely a foot in the door!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to merchandising. Think about how you can showcase your analytical skills and passion for fashion during these chats.
✨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 serious about joining the NEXT team and ready to kickstart your career journey with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Merchandiser - 2026 in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When writing your cover letter, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so avoid generic responses. Share your unique experiences and passion for merchandising to stand out.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Trainee Merchandiser role. Highlight specific skills and interests that relate to merchandising, and explain why you're excited about joining us at Next.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves working with data, don’t shy away from showcasing your analytical abilities. Mention any relevant experience you have with interpreting data or managing stock, as it’s a key part of the job!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Next Careers
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Trainee Merchandiser, you'll be dealing with sales data and stock figures. Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to discuss how you interpret data. Think of examples where you've used numbers to make decisions or spot trends.
✨Show Your Passion for Fashion
This role is all about merging numbers with creativity. Be prepared to talk about your love for fashion trends and how they influence your understanding of the market. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Collaboration is key in this role. Think of instances where you've successfully worked in a team, especially in fast-paced environments. Highlight your communication skills and how you build relationships with colleagues and clients alike.
✨Tailor Your Cover Letter
Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure it reflects your unique personality and passion for the role. Avoid generic responses; instead, share specific reasons why you want to join the company and how your skills align with the Trainee Merchandiser position.
