At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse trends and manage stock to create exciting Boyswear collections.
- Company: Join Next, a leading retail brand with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private health insurance, and a generous staff discount.
- Why this job: Travel globally and work with creative teams to shape the future of fashion.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for trends are essential.
- Other info: Dynamic entry-level role with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 ÂŁ per year.
Join us at Next! We are looking for an Assistant Merchandiser to join the Boyswear department.
Overview
Do you love trends and communicating with people all over the world? Would you like the opportunity to travel globally? Are you passionate about analysis, trading, managing stock, and developing relationships? We want someone who can interpret data and work with our Buyers and Designers to build, trade, and promote trend‑driven product ranges.
Responsibilities
- Formulate range structure proposals by analysing market trends, consumer preferences, and sales data; present assortment plans, pricing strategies, and key product features.
- Prepare visually engaging presentations for formal meetings, clearly communicating proposals and addressing stakeholder questions.
- Appraise performance and propose strategies: evaluate past season performance, departmental metrics, and supplier performance; identify opportunities and create improvement strategies.
- Build and maintain relationships with suppliers, fostering open communication and transparency.
- Plan and review capacity, production, and fabric reservations: forecast demand, coordinate with suppliers, and adjust plans as needed.
- Maintain merchandise systems: keep data accurate, confirm contracts, manage sizing, forecasts, and inventory levels, and perform regular audits.
- Guide trainees and manage tasks: set expectations, delegate, provide feedback, and monitor progress.
- Control spend: review budgets, identify cost savings, analyse spending patterns, and negotiate favourable terms with suppliers.
- Monitor in‑season performance: track sales, inventory, and markdowns; adjust decisions to maximise profitability and minimise risk.
Qualifications
- Strong communication skills – articulate ideas and strategies to stakeholders orally and in writing.
- Technical merchandising skills – use data analysis tools, inventory systems, merchandising software, and apply pricing and markdown strategies.
- Open‑mindedness – adapt to market changes, encourage innovation, and foster continuous improvement.
- Passion for product and trends – stay informed about industry developments and curate assortments that resonate with the target audience.
- Eligible for sponsorship: the role is not eligible for skilled worker sponsorship; applicants must have alternative immigration status.
About the Team & Benefits
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Profit‑related bonus based on company performance.
- Private health insurance – surgery choices.
- Sharesave scheme – savings from net pay to buy Next shares at a discount.
- Pension – fixed contribution rates and optional voluntary contributions.
- 25% staff discount on most Next products plus additional discounts.
- Wagestream – help you make the most of your money.
- Salary finance – affordable loans, 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 – cycle‑to‑work scheme for electric vehicles.
- Free parking (excluding London locations).
- Travel2Next – bus services based on location.
- On‑site dining facilities (excluding London locations).
- National and local discounts on goods and services (e.g., cinema tickets).
- Wellhub – discounted gym membership.
- Simply Health – healthcare subscription service.
- Aviva Digicare Workplace+ – 7 free services including Digital GP appointments and annual health checks.
- On‑site GP and physio at Leicester Head Office.
- A range of dedicated third‑party wellbeing partners.
- Free eye testing – voucher for specific locations.
Conditions apply to all benefits. These benefits are discretionary and subject to change.
Location: Leicester, England, United Kingdom.
Seniority level: Entry level.
Employment type: Full‑time.
Job function: Marketing and Sales.
Industry: Retail.
We aim to support all candidates during the application process and are happy to provide workplace adjustments when necessary. If you need support due to a disability or long‑term condition, please email headoffice_careers@next.co.uk (please include “Workplace Adjustments” in the subject) or call 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.
Assistant Merchandiser - Boyswear in Leicester employer: Next
Contact Detail:
Next Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Merchandiser - Boyswear in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. The more relationships you build, the better your chances of landing that Assistant Merchandiser role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your analytical skills! Prepare some examples of how you've used data to make decisions or improve processes. This will impress potential employers and show them you're ready to tackle the challenges of merchandising.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! You’ll need to communicate your ideas clearly, so rehearse presenting your proposals. Get feedback from friends or family to refine your delivery before any interviews.
✨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 the Next team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Merchandiser - Boyswear in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Trends: When you're writing your application, let your love for trends shine through! Talk about how you stay updated with the latest styles and how that passion can help us at Next in the Boyswear department.
Be Data-Driven: Since the role involves a lot of analysis, make sure to highlight your experience with data. Share examples of how you've used data to make decisions or improve performance in past roles – we love seeing those numbers!
Communicate Clearly: Strong communication skills are key for this position. In your application, be clear and concise. Use bullet points if needed to make your ideas easy to digest – we want to see how you articulate your thoughts!
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 – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Next
✨Know Your Trends
Before the interview, dive deep into current trends in boyswear. Familiarise yourself with popular styles, colours, and fabrics. This will not only show your passion for the product but also help you articulate how you can contribute to the team.
✨Master the Data
Brush up on your data analysis skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data in past roles to inform merchandising decisions. Think about specific examples where your analysis led to successful outcomes, as this will demonstrate your technical merchandising skills.
✨Engaging Presentations
Practice creating visually engaging presentations. You might be asked to present your ideas during the interview, so ensure you can clearly communicate your proposals and address potential questions from stakeholders confidently.
✨Build Relationships
Showcase your ability to build and maintain relationships. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with suppliers or team members in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how they’ve helped foster open dialogue and transparency.