At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in creating exciting product ranges and analyse market trends to drive sales.
- Company: Join NEXT, a forward-thinking brand focused on affordable, licensed products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Work in a Google-powered workspace with excellent collaboration tools.
- Why this job: Be part of a new team and make a real impact in the fashion industry.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for product trends are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are launching a dedicated Value Licensing team, a high-growth initiative designed to establish NEXT as the destination for affordable, licensed products across Womenswear, Menswear and Childrenswear. This brand-new team will focus on securing new partnerships, expanding our category reach, and delivering ranges that capture key market trends. This is an incredible opportunity to be part of something new and extremely exciting. As an Assistant Merchandiser, you'll be at the forefront of driving the excitement for the products. Your technical skills in data analysis and inventory management will be crucial in making informed decisions and keeping everything running smoothly.
You will be driving range building and selection meetings, managing the supplier base and trading your range to maximise sales and minimise markdown seizing opportunities that you spot to keep the range fresh and exciting. This role is based at The Barn, our Market Harborough office.
What You’ll Take On
- Assist in creating balanced, commercial ranges: 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 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.
- Critical Path Management: Cultivate open communication with the other functions within the team and suppliers to ensure that production is planned, selection meetings are happening at the right time for deliveries to hit key launch dates and marketing campaigns.
- 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/ flexibility on MOQs.
- 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. Collate trade summaries and discuss reasons for under and overperformance.
What You’ll Bring
- 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, recognizing 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 - Value Licensing in Market Harborough employer: Next Careers
At NEXT, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that encourages innovation and collaboration. As an Assistant Merchandiser in our new Value Licensing team based at The Barn in Market Harborough, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to exciting product ranges while benefiting from comprehensive training and development programmes. Our commitment to employee growth, coupled with a supportive environment and access to cutting-edge tools, makes us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Merchandiser - Value Licensing in Market Harborough
✨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 Next Careers, 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 Next Careers!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Merchandiser - Value Licensing in Market Harborough
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 Next Careers, 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 Next Careers 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 Next Careers that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Next Careers
✨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!
