Assistant Merchandiser (Seraphine) in London

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.

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.