At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Merchandising team in strategic planning and stock management for fashion products.
- Company: Join the dynamic team at Very, a leading digital retailer.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday, and a £250 benefits allowance.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in fashion merchandising while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in merchandising with strong analytical and Excel skills.
About us
We're the team behind digital retailer Very. Our purpose, helping families get more out of life, powers everything we do. And we want our people to get more out of life too! If you're high-performing, ambitious and make the most of every opportunity, we want to hear from you. In return, you'll enjoy heaps of flexibility, great perks and benefits, and the freedom to be yourself, keep learning and take your career wherever you want it to go. If you love making a difference, you'll love making it sparkle for millions of Very customers.
About the team
You'll be joining the Merchandising team who look to provide the customer with the right product at the right time. Working closely with the Buying team to build assortment strategies and focusing on ensuring the best possible range for our customers. Looking at internal data, history and competitor performance whilst managing brand and supplier relationships.
About the role
We're hiring a commercially minded and highly analytical Assistant Merchandiser to join our Fashion team. Supporting the Merchandiser and wider Buying team, you'll play a key role in strategic planning, stock management, trading analysis, and supplier collaboration. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious merchandising professional who thrives in a fast-paced retail environment and enjoys using data insights to drive business performance.
- Supporting range and assortment planning, including forecasting and maintaining range plans
- Delivering weekly, monthly and seasonal trading analysis, identifying opportunities, risks and actionable recommendations
- Managing in-season stock, intake and order books to ensure products arrive as planned
- Monitoring product availability and sell-through performance, taking proactive action
- Analysing market trends, competitor activity and customer demand to support commercial decision making
- Supporting pricing, promotions and markdown activity through performance analysis and forecasting
- Building strong relationships with Buying, Operations and Supplier partners
About you
We're looking for someone who can combine strong analytical capability with excellent commercial awareness. You'll ideally have:
- Previous experience in a Merchandising, Assistant Merchandiser or Merchandise Admin role within fashion retail.
- Strong numerical and analytical skills with the ability to interpret large data sets.
- Experience of forecasting, stock management and trading analysis.
- Excellent Excel skills and confidence working with planning and reporting tools.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- A proactive approach to problem solving and continuous improvement.
- Strong communication and influencing skills.
Some of our benefits
- Flexible, hybrid working model
- Inclusive culture and environment, check out our Glassdoor reviews
- £250 flexible benefits allowance to suit your needs
- 27 days holiday + bank holidays
- LinkedIn learning access
- Bonus potential (performance and business-related)
- Up to 25% discount on Very.co.uk
- Matched pension up to 6%
- More benefits can be found on our career site
What happens next?
Our talent acquisition team will be in touch if you're successful so keep an eye on your emails! We'll arrange a short call to learn more about you, as well as answer any questions you have. If it feels like we're a good match, we'll share your CV with the hiring manager to review. Our interview process is tailored to each role and can be in-person or held remotely. You can expect a two-stage interview process for this position:
- 1st stage - An informal 30-45 minute video call with the hiring team to discuss your skills and relevant experience. This is a great opportunity to find out more about the role and to ask any questions you may have.
- 2nd Stage - A one-hour formal task-based interview where you can expect both competency and technical questions.
As an inclusive employer please do let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments. If you'd like to know more about our interviews, you can find out here.
Diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities
We're building a culture of everyday inclusion, and welcome applications from anyone who believes they can do the job. We don't discriminate based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We want our recruitment process to be accessible to everyone. If you need reasonable adjustments to apply, interview, or perform a role, let us know via 'll be happy to support you. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer and have nine brilliant colleague networks - including DAWN (Disability Awareness at Very) and Think (Neurodiversity at Very) - that are helping us make Very an even more inclusive place to work.
Assistant Merchandiser - Fashion employer: The Very Group
The Very Group is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of Liverpool, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have access to flexible working arrangements, a competitive bonus structure, and a range of additional benefits that enhance your overall well-being. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team where your contributions to knowledge management will make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Merchandiser - Fashion
✨Get Down to the Fashion Events
Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like The Very Group!
✨Join Fashion-Focused Communities
Become a part of online fashion communities on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Participate in discussions and share your insights on trends or your personal style journey. It’s a great way to get noticed by brands looking to fill positions, including The Very Group.
✨Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio
Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for The Very Group.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at The Very Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Merchandiser - Fashion
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at The Very Group.
Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to The Very Group!
Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at The Very Group. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Very Group
✨Showcase Your Style Portfolio
For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!
✨Know the Latest Trends and Brands
Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills
In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Dress the Part
This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!