At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Merchandiser in managing range plans and forecasting sales.
- Company: Seasalt, a thriving B Corp retailer with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 34 days leave, 50% discount, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact in retail merchandising.
- Qualifications: Experience in merchandising, strong Excel skills, and excellent communication.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 29000 £ per year.
Seasalt began in 1981 with a small shop in Penzance, selling workwear to local mariners and practical overalls to artists. Today, we’ve grown into a thriving omnichannel retailer with over 80 UK and Ireland stores, 400+ wholesale stockists, and a growing international and online footprint.
As a B Corp and winner of both Drapers “Best Place to Work” and CIPD’s “Best Recognition Programme”, we care deeply about our people, our communities and our long-term impact. Our Head Office teams provide the foundations that empower our people to drive sustainable growth across the UK and international markets.
As an Assistant Merchandiser, you’ll play a key role in supporting the Merchandiser to deliver agreed sales and profit targets. You’ll help manage the Range Plan with accuracy, ensuring clear analysis and insight is available to shape both current and future collections. Taking responsibility for category and attribute‑level forecasting, flow lines, and line card management, you’ll also create price‑change models to support seasonal markdowns and promotional activity.
Working collaboratively within the product team, you’ll contribute to shared goals, partnering closely with the Assistant Buyer to help build each season’s range. You’ll follow the Buying Calendar and Critical Path diligently, communicate clearly with colleagues, and occasionally deputise for the Merchandiser when needed.
Please note, this is a full-time, 12 month temporary contract to cover family leave. This role could either be based in Cornwall or remotely within the South West of the UK, with monthly travel to our Head Office.
You'll help us by:
- Supporting the Merchandiser by collating information for the Range Plan for all sales channels, ensuring the range plan is accurately maintained and submitted for company roll ups in a timely manner.
- Assisting with line level forecasting based on historical sales.
- Ensuring all relevant tasks are completed in line with the Critical Path.
- Working with the Merchandiser to understand and actualise commitment, sales, markdown and open to buy.
- Proactively identifying blocks of product to create forecasting models and making recommendations for new orders, rephasing of current commitments and fabric commitment based as required, and in line with trade.
- Ensuring all purchase orders are accurate and reflect the required level of commitment, the correct sizing and the desired intake dates, updating department ratios where necessary from size analysis.
- Assessing channel performance, key driving categories and best and worst selling lines and suggest appropriate course of action to Merchandiser to maximise sales.
- Creating price change models (either markdown or promotional) under the supervision of our Merchandisers, as a reaction to current trade.
- Working with the Merchandiser to build and update relevant seasonal reports.
- Collating and providing information for the Merchandiser including: commitment and intake phasing, the departmental margin and sales history for the Range Plan (rate of sale, cover).
- Assessing sales (by option), reviewing intake of stock and distribution in line with requirements.
The skills you'll be sharing with the team:
- Experience of working within a merchandising function.
- Experience managing line cards.
- Experience of range planning.
- MS office experience – particularly excel with use of formulas.
- Excellent problem-solving skills.
- Able to work closely with key stakeholders.
- Able to work numerically, analyse and report back on data.
- Effective communication.
- Well organised with effective prioritisation.
- Ability to work well to deadlines.
- Good attention to detail.
- Experience working in retail would be desirable.
Why we hope you’ll love working with us:
The success of Seasalt is down to the skill and hard work of our team. We don't just want to attract the best and brightest people to come and work with us, we want you to stay and grow with us.
As well as doing everything we can to support your development professionally, we believe encouraging personal growth is just as important. So you can fulfil your passion and purpose, not just at work but in life, we offer a range of benefits that are designed to enhance your career and wellbeing:
- Salary: £27,000 - £29,000 depending on experience (Band 2)
- 34 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), increasing with length of service
- Attractive 50% employee discount
- Flexible benefits allowance to personalise your benefits package
- Private Medical Scheme including 24/7 virtual GP
- Free access to our Employee Assistance Programme through Retail Trust with 24/7 support
- Pension plan with generous 7% employer contributions
- Life assurance programme
- Enhanced family leave policies
- Flexible working opportunities with our hybrid working approach
- Learning and Development opportunities
- Do Good Things with our two days per year paid volunteering opportunities
- Employee networks to develop and provide support to our people, including the Inclusion & Belonging Network
- 100s of savings on top retailers and gym memberships through our discount hub
At Seasalt we have a brilliant team of people – they're what make Seasalt a fantastic place to work. We love to celebrate uniqueness and are committed to making Seasalt a place where everyone feels they belong. As an inclusive employer, we want to invite a diverse range of candidates to apply for our roles.
We aim to work flexibly where possible and value a range of perspectives - diversity of thought helps us to grow – so please apply if this is a role that would make you excited to come to work every day. We're happy to help with any adjustments to our recruitment process and beyond. Just drop us an email at careers@seasaltcornwall.co.uk
Closing date for applications is 6th November 2026, however our roles can close earlier so we would recommend applying as soon as you are able.
Assistant Merchandiser - 12 Month Temporary Contract in Exeter employer: Seasalt Cornwall
Seasalt is an exceptional employer that values its employees and fosters a supportive work culture, making it a fantastic place to grow your retail career. With a commitment to personal and professional development, employees enjoy generous benefits including a competitive salary, extensive annual leave, and a strong focus on wellbeing through health plans and volunteering opportunities. Located in Cambridge, the role of Assistant Store Manager offers a unique chance to be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering outstanding customer service while celebrating diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Merchandiser - 12 Month Temporary Contract in Exeter
✨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 Assistant Merchandiser - 12 Month Temporary Contract in Exeter
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 Seasalt Cornwall:Don’t forget to personalise your application for Seasalt Cornwall! 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 Seasalt Cornwall
✨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 Seasalt Cornwall 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 Seasalt Cornwall and contribute positively during your temporary stint.
