At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Merchandising team by managing stock and ensuring timely deliveries.
- Company: Join NEXT Beauty, a leading online beauty destination with a trusted reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts on products, performance bonuses, and fantastic learning opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a supportive environment for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of beauty retail.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills, Excel proficiency, and a passion for beauty.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Head Office, Tottenham Court Road, London
Working style: Hybrid
Beauty at Next has become one of the most trusted beauty destinations online, having launched in 2018 on next.co.uk, Britain’s number one online clothing and footwear retailer. We’re expanding into selected Next stores across the UK. Offering over 200 luxury beauty brands with products spanning cosmetics, home fragrance, electricals, and beauty accessories, the range is curated by a team of beauty experts for over 8 million customers. Our mission is to continue to evolve our beauty portfolio to become the number one beauty destination that’s both successful and sustainable.
Role Purpose
The Merchandise Assistant plays a vital support role in the Merchandising team, ensuring the right products are in the right place, at the right time, and in the right quantities. This role is primarily responsible for managing stock into the business as well as supporting the wider Merchandising & Buying teams to maximise stock availability and drive sales and profitability.
Role Responsibilities
- Product and Range Management
- Accountable for managing stock into the business across replenishment & NPD orders, ensuring the delivery & newness trackers are kept up to date and liaising with suppliers to ensure stock is delivered on time.
- Maintains a full understanding of the end-to-end process of stock delivery from stock booking to live stock status and working closely with supply chain and the warehouse to resolve any delivery issues in a timely manner.
- Ensures pre- and post-delivery tracker is regularly reviewed and any issues resolved in a timely manner.
- Ensures purchase orders are raised and approved and items approved in a timely manner to ensure the critical path is maintained.
- Uses insight from sales planning and availability reporting to dynamically manage stock on-hand and incoming inventory.
- Trading & Insight
- Identify trends and review sales performance for your department categories, assisting in identifying potential demand spikes, supply risks or stock constraints early on to mitigate sales loss.
- Build relationships with suppliers, serving as the go-to person for any queries around stock intake.
- Maintains a professional approach to the role and to internal and external stakeholders.
Technical Requirements
- Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Excel
- Strong team ethos – working together and building excellent relationships with your team along with all other key partnerships
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
- Awareness of Premium Beauty Brands and direct competitors to Beauty at Next
- Great problem solving skills
- An organised individual with the ability to manage their own time effectively
- Retail/store experience would be beneficial
- A background, interest, or experience of FMCG would be a plus
Benefits
- 25% off most NEXT, MADE*, Lipsy*, Gap* and Victoria's Secret* products (when purchased through NEXT)
- 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty
- Hot deals and exclusive offers from over 3,500 retailers through our online benefits platform
- Company performance based bonus
- Early VIP access to sale stock via Direct to Desk
- Life assurance
- Annual Travel Card Loan
- Fantastic L&D opportunities
- Flexi-Hour Scheme
- Direct to Work - Discount online and instore, collect your items the next day for free from your place of work or local store
- Support Networks - Access to Network Groups to empower and celebrate each other
- Wellhub - Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships, with apps, PT sessions and more
Conditions apply to all benefits. These benefits are discretionary and subject to change.
We aim to support all candidates during the application process and are happy to provide workplace adjustments when necessary. If you need support with your application due to a disability or long-term condition, please contact careers@lipsy.co.uk (include "Workplace Adjustments" in the subject line) or call 0207 436 2000 and leave a voicemail.
Merchandise Assistant (NEXT Beauty) employer: Next Careers
At Next, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Merchandise Assistant at our Head Office in Tottenham Court Road, London, you'll benefit from a hybrid working style, competitive discounts on a wide range of products, and fantastic learning and development opportunities to help you grow your career in the beauty industry. Join us in our mission to become the number one beauty destination while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandise Assistant (NEXT Beauty)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research NEXT Beauty, their products, and their mission. 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, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to merchandising and stock management. Think about how your skills align with the role and be ready to share examples from your past experiences.
✨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 Beauty team!
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandise Assistant (NEXT Beauty)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Merchandise Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience in stock management or retail, and don’t forget to showcase your analytical skills and proficiency in Excel!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about beauty and how your skills align with our mission at Next. Keep it concise but engaging!
Showcase Your Team Spirit:We love a team player! In your application, mention any experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated with others. This role is all about building relationships, so let us know how you work well with teams.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Next Careers
✨Know Your Stock
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of stock management processes. Understand how stock flows from suppliers to the business and be ready to discuss how you would handle potential delivery issues or stock constraints.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Since strong analytical skills are key for this role, prepare to showcase your proficiency in Excel. Bring examples of how you've used data to make informed decisions in previous roles, especially in a retail or FMCG context.
✨Build Relationships
The role involves liaising with suppliers and internal teams, so think about how you can demonstrate your ability to build relationships. Share past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others to achieve a common goal.
✨Stay Ahead of Trends
Familiarise yourself with current beauty trends and competitors in the market. Be prepared to discuss how you would identify demand spikes and mitigate risks, showing that you’re proactive and knowledgeable about the industry.
