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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Merchandising team to ensure the right products are in the right place at the right time.
- Company: Next is a leading fashion retailer, known for its diverse brands and commitment to quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25% off products, hybrid working, personal development plans, and exciting office events.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and personal growth in a vibrant work culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in merchandising within fashion, strong analytical skills, and a passion for product performance.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and promote a culture of wellbeing, ensuring everyone can thrive.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 ÂŁ per year.
Join to apply for the Assistant Merchandiser role at Next.
About the Role
Join the Next Licensing team for an exciting opportunity to work with a range of Children’swear brands, including smALLSAINTS, Baker by Ted Baker, Little Bird, Superdry, Paul Smith Junior, Clarks Clothing, Laura Ashley Girls, and Castore Kids.
Key Responsibilities
- Formulating Range Structure Proposals: Analyse market trends, consumer preferences, and sales data to identify opportunities and 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 visually engaging presentations that communicate range proposals. Clearly articulate rationale behind proposals, incorporating data and insights. Address questions and concerns from stakeholders with confidence and clarity.
- Appraising Performance and Proposing Strategies: Evaluate previous season performance, departmental metrics, and supplier performance. Identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats and propose strategies to address performance gaps and capitalise on opportunities.
- Building Relationships with Suppliers: Cultivate open communication and collaboration with suppliers, establishing trust and transparency in negotiations and business dealings.
- Planning and Reviewing Capacity, Production, and Fabric Reservations: Forecast demand accurately to plan capacity and production schedules. Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely fabric reservations and production and regularly review progress against production targets and adjust plans as needed.
- Maintaining Merchandise Systems: Ensure accuracy in merchandise systems by updating data regularly. Confirm supplier contracts and maintain correct sizing, forecasts, and inventory levels. Conduct regular audits to identify and resolve discrepancies.
- 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.
- 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.
About You
- Great Communication Skills: Prepare clear and engaging presentations for internal meetings and brand partner discussions. Tailor your communication style to your audience, ensuring information is conveyed effectively. Actively listen to feedback and respond thoughtfully to questions or concerns.
- Solid Technical Merchandising Skills: Utilise your technical expertise to analyse data, forecast sales, and plan inventory effectively. Ensure accuracy in merchandise systems and contract negotiations to support successful trading relationships. Stay updated on industry best practices and trends to enhance your merchandising capabilities.
- Energetic, Enthusiastic, and Self‑Confident: Approach your role with energy and enthusiasm, inspiring others with your passion and positivity. Demonstrate confidence in your abilities and decisions, especially when presenting information or leading discussions.
- Open‑Mindedness to New Ways of Working: Embrace innovation and creativity, actively seeking out new ideas and solutions to challenges. Be receptive to feedback and different perspectives, recognising that diverse viewpoints can lead to better outcomes. Encourage a culture of continuous improvement and experimentation within your team.
- Enjoyment of the Product/Trend Side of the Role: Immerse yourself in the world of product and trends, staying informed about the latest developments and innovations. Use your passion for product and trends to drive creative merchandising strategies and inspire your team. Actively seek out opportunities to collaborate with brand partners to bring innovative products to market.
Candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship for this role will be required to meet the Home Office sponsorship requirements. For further information please see: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.
Early applications are encouraged, 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.
Benefits
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Profit‑related bonus – based on company performance
- Private health insurance – surgery choices
- Sharesave scheme – make savings from your net pay to buy NEXT shares at a discount
- Pension – fixed contribution rates from both an employer and employee perspective, with options for additional voluntary contributions
- 25 % staff discount on most NEXT products – plus discount on other products
- Wagestream – helping you make the most out of your money
- Salary finance – offers access to affordable loans repaid through salary, simple savings and free financial education
- Life assurance
- Direct to work – NEXT orders delivered free to the office for collection
- VIP sale – early access to the NEXT sale
- Access to NEXT staff shops
- Octopus energy – like cycle‑to‑work, but for electric vehicles
- Free parking (excluding London locations)
- Travel2NEXT – bus services dependent on location
- On‑site dining facilities (excluding London locations)
- National and local discounts on goods and services – this includes discounted cinema tickets
- Wellhub – includes access to discounted gym membership
- Simply health – a healthcare subscription service
- Aviva Digicare Workplace+ healthcare service – 7 free services including Digital GP appointments and an annual health check
- On‑site GP – Leicester Head Office
- On‑site Physio – Leicester Head Office
- A range of dedicated 3rd‑party wellbeing partners
- Free eye testing – voucher to use at specific locations
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.
London, England, United Kingdom
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Assistant Merchandiser employer: Next
Contact Detail:
Next Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Merchandiser
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the fashion and apparel industry. Understanding current market dynamics will help you speak confidently about product performance and merchandising strategies during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in merchandising roles. Attend industry events or join online forums to connect with others in the field, as personal recommendations can significantly boost your chances of landing an interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've maximised profitability or improved stock management in previous roles. Being able to demonstrate your impact with concrete data will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to build relationships by preparing to discuss past experiences where collaboration with buying teams or suppliers led to successful outcomes. This will highlight your interpersonal skills, which are crucial for the Assistant Merchandiser role.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Merchandiser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in merchandising, particularly within the fashion and apparel industry. Emphasise any previous roles where you managed stock levels, sales forecasting, or collaborated with buying teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for merchandising and how it aligns with Next's values. Mention specific examples of how you've maximised profitability or improved product performance in past roles.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since the role involves monitoring department performance and identifying opportunities, include examples of how you've used data analysis to drive decisions in previous positions. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute to the department's strategy.
Highlight Relationship-Building Abilities: The job requires building relationships with key stakeholders. Share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with others, whether internally or externally, to achieve common goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Next
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Assistant Merchandiser, you'll be dealing with sales forecasts and stock levels. Brush up on your numerical skills and be prepared to discuss how you would approach forecasting and managing stock effectively.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
This role requires strong relationships with both internal teams and external suppliers. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully built and maintained these relationships in your previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Fashion
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the fashion industry and merchandising. Discuss any relevant experiences or trends that excite you, showing that you're not just qualified but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Prepare for Trade Meeting Scenarios
Since participating in weekly trade meetings is part of the job, think about how you would contribute to discussions. Prepare some insights or ideas related to product performance and how you would address potential risks or opportunities.
