At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Merchandiser in running the department and achieving KPIs.
- Company: Join a dynamic fashion brand known for stylish maternity wear.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25% off products, flexible working, and personal development plans.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for growth and fun office events.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team making a real impact in fashion.
- Qualifications: Experience in merchandising and a passion for fashion required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Location | Head Office, Tottenham Court Road, London
Working style | Hybrid
At NEXT Wholly Owned Brands, we’re a collective of fashion and lifestyle brands. From our beginnings with Lipsy in 1998, to becoming part of the UK’s largest fashion retailer, NEXT, in 2008 we’ve evolved into a group of bold, design‑led brands, each with its unique identity. At the heart of our business is a passionate team driven by creativity, innovation, and a shared ambition to deliver exceptional results. We foster a culture where individuality is celebrated, curiosity is encouraged, and challenging the status quo is part of how we grow.
Who are Seraphine? Known for its innovative and stylish clothing designed to help women feel confident and retain their personal style during pregnancy and motherhood. Designed by an in‑house team of maternity experts, many of whom are mothers, the brand emphasizes the importance of form, fit, and comfort in its products.
Role Purpose
To support the Merchandiser in the running of the department and deputising for them in their absence. This role is key in delivering department deadlines, supporting the Merchandise Assistant (MA), and achieving department KPIs.
Role Responsibilities
- Department Management & Trading
- Responsible for the smooth day‑to‑day running of the Merchandising department and completing department deadlines
- Forecasting sales and stock levels with the Merchandiser's support to achieve sales plans and margin/profit targets for the department
- Monitoring department performance to identify opportunities and potential risk/loss
- Maximising profit by ensuring size ratios and returns rates are reflective of customer needs and reviewed according to the website
- Responsible for ensuring intake targets are achieved and ensuring launch product is delivered in a timely manner
- Developing a strong understanding of product performance across the various channels and knowing how to impact performance
- Contributing to department strategy by demonstrating an ability to recognise innovative ideas and solutions that have a commercial gain
- Running and interpreting any ad hoc analysis required and proposing actions as a result
- Team Development
- Developing the Merchandise Assistant through their development programme by identifying and setting measurable objectives and using a flexible management style
- Managing the Merchandise Assistant's day‑to‑day workload and supporting the prioritisation of their tasks.
Senior Assistant Merchandisers will be responsible for an area within a department with the opportunity to plan & trade and develop relationship with Buyer.
Technical Requirements
- Experience operating at an Assistant Merchandiser level within the fashion and apparel industry
- Passionate about developing a career in merchandising
- Experience of planning weekly sales, stock and intake management
- Confident in participating in weekly trade meetings
- Outstanding ability to build relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally
- An aspiring manager with the ability to develop your Merchandise Assistant
- For our Senior Assistant Merchandiser opportunities you will need to demonstrate significant previous experience managing your own category and performance
- Analytical skills, attention to detail, proactive
- Remain calm under pressure/ cope with fast pace changeable environment
- Resilience with the ability to challenge the status quo
What we can do for you…
- 25% off a huge selection of Next, Next Wholly Owned Brands, GAP and Victoria's Secret products & 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty
- Hot deals and exclusive offers from over 3,500 retailers through Perks At Work
- We recognise hard work with our company performance‑based bonus
- Life Assurance
- Join our Next Sharesave Scheme
- Lesson the impact with our Annual Travel Card Loan
- Never miss a package and with Direct to Desk delivery
- Bag a bargain at our sample sales
- Hybrid & flexible working across the business to support your work‑life balance
- Learn, develop and grow with our personal development plans
- Enjoy more time with friends and family with Early Bank Holiday finishes
- Join in the fun with our year‑round office events
Diversity & Inclusion
We recognise that our differences are what make us who we are. We want people to want to work for us and be their true selves. We are dedicated to attracting and developing a talent team, and recognise that all unique backgrounds and experiences contribute to our future success. We want to create an inclusive and inspiring environment where individuals feel valued and respected, and where people can achieve their full potential and be their very best, whoever they are. We believe that wellbeing is having the opportunity to achieve your full potential, cope with day to day pressures, be productive and thrive in all aspects of your life. We encourage a culture that promotes and enables us all to achieve positive wellbeing, by focusing on mental, physical and financial health.
Assistant Merchandiser (Seraphine) employer: NEXT Wholly Owned Brands
At NEXT Wholly Owned Brands, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates creativity and individuality. Located in the heart of London, our hybrid working model supports a healthy work-life balance while providing ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. With competitive benefits, including generous discounts, performance bonuses, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we empower our employees to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the fashion industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Merchandiser (Seraphine)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Seraphine and NEXT Wholly Owned Brands, their values, and their products. 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 interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to merchandising. Think about how you can demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to manage stock levels effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Seraphine.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Merchandiser (Seraphine)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the Assistant Merchandiser role. Highlight your experience in merchandising, stock management, and any analytical skills you possess. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for fashion and merchandising, and explain why you’re excited about the opportunity at Seraphine. Let us know how your values align with our culture of creativity and innovation.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves forecasting sales and monitoring performance, be sure to mention any relevant analytical experience. Whether it's through previous roles or projects, we want to see how you can use data to drive decisions and improve results.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own channels!
How to prepare for a job interview at NEXT Wholly Owned Brands
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Assistant Merchandiser, you'll need to be comfortable with sales forecasts and stock levels. Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. This shows you understand the importance of numbers in merchandising.
✨Show Your Passion for Fashion
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the fashion industry, especially in maternity wear. Share any personal experiences or insights that connect you to Seraphine's mission of helping women feel confident during pregnancy. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about the brand.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since this role involves supporting and developing a Merchandise Assistant, be prepared to talk about your teamwork and leadership experiences. Highlight any instances where you've successfully managed or mentored others, showcasing your ability to foster a collaborative environment.
✨Prepare for Fast-Paced Scenarios
The fashion industry can be unpredictable, so think of examples from your past where you've thrived under pressure. Discuss how you cope with change and maintain focus on achieving targets, which will demonstrate your resilience and adaptability to the interviewers.