At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to manage supplier relationships and ensure timely product delivery.
- Company: Leading supplier of automotive and bike accessories with exciting brands.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a fast-paced environment with potential for career growth.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in North-West or East Midlands office with a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative business and make a real impact on supply chain operations.
- Qualifications: Degree in business or supply chain, plus 3 years in merchandising or demand planning.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join one of the leading Suppliers/Distributors of automotive /bike accessories and apparel. This innovative and exciting business also has its own well recognised and successful brands. We are looking for an Assistant import Merchandiser to join on a Fixed-Term Contract to develop and maintain strong relationships with international suppliers and ensure timely delivery, availability, quality and cost efficiency of products. Also oversee supplier performance, negotiates terms, and resolve issues to maintain smooth supply chain operations. Coordinates shipments, compliance, and documentation while aligning inventory with business needs.
This position has the potential to be based either in their North-West or East Midlands office.
Assistant Import Merchandiser - Responsibilities
Order Processing
- Raise purchase orders, review retail orders, and ensure correct print positions and templates.
Supplier Coordination
- Liaise with international manufacturers (e.g., in Vietnam, Pakistan, China) to manage planning and production.
- Evaluate supplier capabilities, capacity, and compliance with ethical sourcing and sustainability standards
- Conduct regular performance reviews and factory audits to ensure quality and reliability
- Negotiate lead times and minimum order quantities to optimise cost and flexibility
- Resolve production issues, delays, and quality concerns through proactive communication and problem-solving
- Collaborate with Supply Chain Director and Supply Manager to onboard new vendors and manage risk
- Drive continuous improvement in workflow efficiency and supplier responsiveness
- Analyse historical data to improve forecasting and lead time accuracy
Critical Path Management
- Develop and maintain detailed critical path schedules for each product category and season.
- Track key milestones: sample approvals, bulk production, inspections, shipping, and delivery
- Use internal documents and ERP systems to update timelines and flag potential delays
- Implement contingency plans to mitigate delays and ensure timely product launches
- Align production timelines with marketing campaigns, retail drops, and seasonal demand
- Drive continuous improvement in workflow efficiency and supplier responsiveness
Shipment Planning
- Work with suppliers to approve shipments and ensure on time handover to freight forwarders
- Collaborate with Import Merchandiser to ensure all documentation is provided and shipment details and priorities are clearly communicated for inbound planning
Cross Functional Collaboration
- Communicate status updates and risks to cross-functional teams including design, demand, sales, and logistic
Assistant Import Merchandiser - Requirements
- Degree in business, supply chain or other relevant fields ideal.
- A minimum of 3 year experience in a merchandising/demand planning/forecasting role
- Highly organised - able to manage own workload
- Capability to multitask in a fast paced environment.
- Proactive, with the ability to foresee problems and find solutions to mitigate business risk
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Fluent in English, other languages are a plus
- Good knowledge of software tools: Excel advanced, SAP and Microsoft Dynamics NAV
Assistant Merchandiser in Blackburn employer: People Marketing Fashion Recruitment
At People Marketing Fashion Recruitment, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values innovation and collaboration in the fashion industry. Our vibrant work culture fosters creativity and professional growth, offering employees opportunities to enhance their skills through hands-on experience and mentorship. Located in a dynamic fashion hub, we provide unique advantages such as access to leading retailers and the chance to work with talented professionals who are passionate about quality and fit in womenswear.
Contact Details:
People Marketing Fashion Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Merchandiser in Blackburn
✨Get to Know the Local Scene
Temporary roles in logistics and supply chain often rely on local connections. Visit local businesses or warehouses and introduce yourself! You'd be surprised how often work is filled through word of mouth, so put yourself out there.
✨Leverage Industry Events
Look for trade shows, logistics expos, or supply chain seminars happening in your area. These events are goldmines for networking and often feature companies looking for temporary staff. It’s a great way to make a lasting impression!
✨Be Ready to Flex Your Skills
In temporary roles, employers want people who can easily adapt. Brush up on your knowledge of inventory management systems or logistics software—anything that can show you're ready to jump in right away. It will make you stand out!
✨Apply through Our Website!
Don't forget to check our listings at StudySmarter! We often have great temporary roles in logistics and supply chain that you can apply for directly. Getting your application in through our site is a solid step towards landing your next gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Merchandiser in Blackburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Logistics Know-How:When applying for a Assistant Merchandiser in logistics and supply chain, make sure to highlight your relevant skills such as inventory management, procurement knowledge, and experience with logistics software. Tailor your CV to show any specific projects or coursework you've completed that relate to the field—specifics matter!
Flexibility is Key:Since this is a temporary position, it's important to showcase your flexibility in your cover letter. Employers want to know that you can hit the ground running and adapt quickly to changing priorities, so share examples of previous roles where you've shown this adaptability.
Include Certifications and Training:If you have any relevant certifications like a Forklift License or training in supply chain management, make sure these are front and centre in your application. They really can set you apart in the logistics field, especially for a temporary role where employers may prefer someone who's ready to jump straight into the task at hand.
Why You Want This Role:In your cover letter, express why you're interested in this temporary position at People Marketing Fashion Recruitment. Use it as a chance to show your enthusiasm for the logistics field and how this experience will help you grow professionally. Remember, it’s about more than just the job—show us you're keen to learn and make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at People Marketing Fashion Recruitment
✨Know Your Supply Chain Basics
Brush up on fundamental supply chain concepts, like inventory management and logistics strategies. Since this is a temporary role, having a quick grasp of these basics can set you apart and show that you can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you solved logistics challenges. Interviewers love hearing how you approached issues like delays or order discrepancies, so come prepared with a couple of solid examples that highlight your critical thinking skills.
✨Stay Flexible and Open-Minded
As a temporary candidate, we need to demonstrate adaptability. Be prepared to discuss how you can quickly integrate into different teams and handle diverse tasks. This can really showcase your potential to thrive in a fast-paced environment like logistics.
✨Get Familiar with Logistics Tools
Familiarise yourself with common supply chain management software, such as SAP or Oracle. Mentioning these tools during your interview can impress your interviewer at People Marketing Fashion Recruitment and demonstrate your readiness to engage with their systems right away.