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- Tasks: Transform sales data into actionable insights and manage stock for exciting fashion brands.
- Company: Join a leading FTSE-100 retail company with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, bonuses, health services, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of fashion merchandising.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and a passion for fashion and data.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with early responsibility and excellent growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1200 £ per month.
We have an exciting opportunity for a trainee Merchandiser to join our Brands team in the London office! 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 12 - 18 month training programme on our Brands team, working with some exciting fashion 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.
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. Should you need support with your application due to a disability or long-term condition, feel free to get in touch with us by email headoffice_careers@next.co.uk (please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call us on 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.
Team Overview: This is where ideas become incredible collections. Designers, Buyers, Merchandisers, and Technologists collaborate to create products our customers love. You’ll spot global trends, strategically balance our range plans and meticulously test quality so every season feels fresh, inspiring and exceptional.
About NEXT: You know Next, but did you know we’re a FTSE-100 retail company employing over 35,000 people across the UK and Ireland? We’re the UK’s 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we’re the market leader. At the last count we have over 500 stores, plus the Next Online and it’s now possible to buy on-line from over 70 countries around the world! So we’ve gone global! Challenges. Opportunities. The future. Let’s take it on at NEXT.
Trainee Merchandiser – Brands: Data-Driven Fashion Trading employer: Next Careers
Contact Detail:
Next Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Merchandiser – Brands: Data-Driven Fashion Trading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and values, and think about how your skills align with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets them.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Trainee Merchandiser role. Highlight your analytical skills and passion for fashion, and don’t forget to show your enthusiasm for working with their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining NEXT and ready to take that first step towards an exciting career in merchandising.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Merchandiser – Brands: Data-Driven Fashion Trading
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 passion for fashion and data, and how they connect to the Trainee Merchandiser role.
Tailor Your Responses: Make sure to address the specific questions in the job description. Why should we offer you the role? What skills do you bring? Tailoring your answers shows us that you understand the position and are genuinely interested.
Showcase Your Skills: Highlight your analytical skills and any relevant experience you have with data. We love numbers, so if you've worked with sales data or inventory before, make sure to mention it! This will help us see how you can contribute to our team.
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 navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Next Careers
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Trainee Merchandiser, you'll be dealing with data daily. Brush up on your analytical skills and be prepared to discuss how you interpret sales data and stock levels. 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 data with fashion. Be ready to talk about your favourite trends and how they influence buying decisions. Share any personal experiences or projects that showcase your love for fashion and merchandising.
✨Prepare for Collaboration
Teamwork is key in this role. Think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with others, whether in school projects or previous jobs. Be ready to explain how you can work alongside Buyers and Designers to create successful product ranges.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and what success looks like in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.
