At a Glance
- Tasks: Monitor sales, analyse trends, and develop merchandising strategies for kidswear.
- Company: Join a leading retail brand with a vibrant team culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and a generous staff discount.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting role that combines creativity with commercial strategy.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in merchandising or trading.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Working Pattern: Typically 5 days in the office, with core hours flexible between 8am-6pm.
The Role
We are looking for a Merchandiser who would relish a new challenge or a Senior Assistant Merchandiser who is ready to take the next step. You will have commercial awareness, the ability to maximise sales, and experience in trading as well as motivating a team. This is a 12 month fixed term contract.
What You’ll Take On
- Monitoring In-Season Performance and Trading Opportunities: 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.
- Formulating Range Structure Proposals: Analyse market trends, consumer preferences, and sales data to identify opportunities as well as develop range structures that align with the brands’ positioning and target market. Present proposals outlining assortment plans, pricing strategies, and key product features.
- Presenting in Internal and External Meetings: Prepare visually engaging presentations that effectively 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.
- 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. Responsible for preparing and communicating data and sales information to the brands.
- 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.
- Guiding Trainees and Management: Provide clear direction and support to assistants, setting expectations and goals. Delegate tasks effectively, providing guidance and feedback as needed. Monitor progress and provide coaching to help trainees and assistants develop skills and confidence.
What You’ll Bring
- Great Communication Skills: Prepare clear and engaging presentations for internal meetings and external discussions. Tailor your communication style to your audience, ensuring information is conveyed effectively and actively listen to feedback and respond thoughtfully to questions or concerns. You must be confident in dealing with senior stakeholders and their teams in order to build a trust based relationship.
- 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 products and trends, staying informed about the latest developments and innovations. Use your passion for products and trends to drive creative merchandising strategies and inspire your team. Actively seek out opportunities to collaborate with design teams and brand partners to bring innovative products to market.
Sponsorship Candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship for this role will be required to meet the Home Office sponsorship requirements.
About The Team
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Profit‑related bonus – based on company performance
- Private medical insurance
- Sharesave scheme – buy NEXT shares at a discount
- Pension – fixed contribution rates from both an employer and employee perspective, with optional additional voluntary contributions
- Life assurance
- Group income protection
- Wagestream – helps you make the most out of your money
- Salary finance – offers access to affordable loans repaid through salary, simple savings and free financial education
- 25% staff discount on most NEXT products – plus discount on other products
- 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 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 – includes discounted cinema tickets
- Wellhub – 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 third‑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.
Merchandiser - Kidswear - 12 Months Fixed Term Contract in Leicester employer: Next
At NEXT, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. Our employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including 25 days of holiday, private medical insurance, and a profit-related bonus, all while working in a supportive environment that encourages personal and professional growth. Located in a dynamic setting, our team members have access to unique perks such as early sale access, on-site dining, and wellness services, making NEXT a truly rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandiser - Kidswear - 12 Months Fixed Term Contract in Leicester
✨Get Your Foot in the Door Early
In retail, many temporary roles pop up during peak seasons, like Christmas or summer sales. Keep an eye on the calendars for these spikes and start scouting for opportunities a bit in advance. We can even help you stay sharp on your search!
✨Utilise Local Connections
Visit local shops in person and chat with managers about potential temporary openings. Many retail positions are filled by word-of-mouth, so don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation while you grab a coffee or do your weekly shopping!
✨Show Off Your Availability
Retail managers love flexibility! Make sure to highlight your availability in a casual chat or when you apply through our website. The more open you are to work varied shifts, the more likely they are to bring you on board—especially for temporary gigs!
✨Be Ready for On-the-Spot Interviews
When you walk into a shop, be prepared for the possibility of an on-the-spot interview. Dress comfortably but smartly, have a few key points about your experience ready, and be enthusiastic. Remember, it’s all about making that positive first impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandiser - Kidswear - 12 Months Fixed Term Contract in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you've got, whether it’s casual jobs or volunteer work. Employers want to see that you can interact well with customers, so think about any instances where you've gone the extra mile to help someone out.
Flexibility Is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary position, you should emphasise your flexibility in your application. Mention your availability clearly in your cover letter and CV—employers love knowing they can rely on you to work varied hours, especially during busy periods!
Keep It Short and Sweet:For temporary roles, we don’t need an essay! Keep your CV and cover letter concise, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills. Highlight any specific retail achievements, like sales targets met or product knowledge that demonstrates your eagerness to dive straight in.
Tailor Your Application to Next:Don’t forget to personalise your application for Next! Take a look at their values and product range, and if you’ve had previous experience with similar brands, mention that. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and have a good understanding of what they do.
How to prepare for a job interview at Next
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In retail, it's all about customer interaction, so be ready to share examples of how you've handled tough customer situations. We recommend thinking through a couple of scenarios before the interview where you went above and beyond to help a customer, as these can really make you stand out.
✨Brush Up on Product Knowledge
Temporary roles often have a steep learning curve because you'll need to pick up product knowledge fast. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the main products or services that Next offers, and if possible, try to understand their current promotions. It’ll give you the edge to engage customers effectively.
✨Flexibility is Key
Being in a temporary retail role means you may need to adapt quickly to different tasks or shifts. Be prepared to highlight your flexibility and willingness to take on varied responsibilities during the interview. Think of examples where you've had to juggle multiple tasks at once – that’ll show you're a great fit for the dynamic retail environment.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since retail roles often require collaboration, be ready to showcase your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you worked well with colleagues, especially in fast-paced situations. This will underline your ability to slot into the team at Next and contribute positively during your temporary stint.
