Assistant Merchandiser in Newmarket

Are you a commercially minded Assistant Merchandiser looking for a role where you can make a real impact? My client is looking for a detail-oriented and proactive individual to join their Buying & Merchandising team, offering the opportunity to take ownership of key merchandising activities and develop your expertise across the full product lifecycle. This is an exciting opportunity to combine analytical skills with commercial decision-making, working closely with international suppliers and playing an important role in driving sales, optimising stock availability, and improving business performance. What You’ll Be Doing In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to take ownership of a varied and commercially focused workload, including: * Driving sales and profitability: Support stock planning and management to maximise sales, maintain availability, and minimise markdowns. * Developing your commercial expertise: Get involved in forecasting, budgeting, and category planning to help deliver strong business performance. * Managing the product lifecycle: Gain valuable end-to-end exposure, from initial planning and purchasing through to stock clearance. * Optimising stock availability: Use Slimstock forecasting software to manage stock levels and ensure performance aligns with key business KPIs. * Taking ownership of the critical path: Oversee approximately 1,200 SKUs from purchase through to end of life, ensuring products are delivered in line with sales and marketing requirements. * Building international supplier relationships: Work directly with suppliers across China and India, placing repeat orders, negotiating pricing, and coordinating container fill and shipment planning. * Coordinating logistics: Take a lead role in managing inbound and outbound shipping consignments, developing your understanding of international supply chain operations. * Influencing business decisions: Produce meaningful analysis and reporting to support product reviews, identify opportunities, and improve overall performance. * Contributing to trade discussions: Take part in weekly trade meetings, sharing insights and recommendations to support effective decision-making. Reporting & Analysis You’ll play an important role in turning data into actionable commercial insights. Your responsibilities will include: * Producing weekly stock and sales reports, including managing Slimstock ordering. * Preparing Libra’s fortnightly Repeat Proposal report to support buying decisions. * Creating and analysing ad-hoc reports to highlight trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement. * Maintaining daily reporting schedules and monitoring weekly KPIs to keep performance on track. What My Client Is Looking For My client is keen to hear from someone who enjoys working with data, has a strong commercial mindset, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. You’ll ideally bring: * Strong analytical skills and excellent attention to detail. * A proactive approach, with the confidence to identify opportunities and take initiative. * Good communication and relationship-building skills. * Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities. * A genuine interest in merchandising, stock management, and commercial performance. * Previous experience in merchandising, retail, or supply chain would be beneficial, but this is also an opportunity to build on your existing skills and develop further. What’s In It for You? * A varied and rewarding role: Take on real responsibility across stock planning, supplier management, reporting, and logistics. * Commercial exposure: Develop a broader understanding of how buying, merchandising, sales, and supply chain operations work together. * International experience: Build relationships with suppliers across China and India and gain valuable insight into global supply chain management. * Career development: Expand your merchandising expertise and develop the commercial skills needed to progress your career. * Hybrid working: Enjoy a working pattern with four days in the office and some flexibility. If you’re looking for your next step in merchandising and want a role where you can broaden your experience, take ownership, and make a meaningful contribution to business performance, this could be an excellent opportunity for you