At a Glance
- Tasks: Support merchandising strategies and maximise sales while managing stock effectively.
- Company: Join White Stuff, a vibrant brand known for its unique designs and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holiday, discounts, and bonuses.
- Other info: Opportunity to make a real impact in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that values your ideas and encourages growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in merchandising with strong communication and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Who we are: White Stuff was established in 1985 through a simple idea. This idea grew and now we have shops and concessions in the UK and internationally, selling women’s and men’s clothing as well as beautiful accessories and homeware. Our original prints (all designed in house), intricate details and considered design touches reflect our personality and make us subtly distinctive. Our people are at the heart of our brand, constantly moving and driving us forward. We’re sociable, talented and like-minded and we’re not hierarchical or political in how we do business. We encourage entrepreneurial ideas and accountability at all levels.
Who you are: You will have a passion and enthusiasm for product and a keen interest in our product categories. You’ll have the ability to multitask and work independently in a fast-paced environment both in the office and from home. It’s essential to have a keen eye for detail and accuracy and you need to have amazing time management, communication, and organizational skills.
Primary objective of the job: As an Assistant Merchandiser at White Stuff, you will support the Merchandiser to plan and trade the department. You will think commercially and innovatively to maximise sales and profit and minimise markdown.
What you’ll be doing:
- Contribute to departmental Merchandising planning and trading strategy, with the customer and brand in mind
- Support the Merchandiser in developing seasonal departmental strategies that deliver the company objectives and maximise profitability
- Set up department planning WSSIs for the season under guidance of the Merchandiser
- Support the Merchandiser in planning core business from top line through to line card level
- Manage the right stock at the right time through the business
- Collate and produce weekly trade analysis for departments to support in delivery maximum profit for the season, irrespective of fluctuating trends, retail climate and internal and external circumstances
- Responsible for rolling monthly WSSI packs. Re-forecast department WSSI, Category Cards and line cards to review sales, stock and markdown and intake. Completes monthly margin roll in line with WSSI submit
- Produce markdown and promotion costing. Calculate uplifts and impact on margin
- Regularly review size ratios and make recommendations for buying ratios and balance backs
- Support the development of the department MAA through coaching, workload management and knowledge sharing
- Support Merchandise function in delivery of training for MAA’s and new Assistant Merchandisers
What you’ll need:
- Currently working as an Assistant Merchandiser, ideally within the retail industry, with experience of planning, forecasting, WSSI management and trading a department
- Ability to demonstrate commercial awareness with an understanding of consumer trends and competitors
- Ability to proactively manage workload, prioritising and delegating when necessary
- Communicate accurately, clearly and concisely both in writing and verbally
- Good ability to problem solve
- Strong team working skills, able to build positive cross-functional relationships
- Initiative and good decision-making skills
- Experience mentoring an Allocator or Merchandising Admin Assistant, with the ability to develop and coach others is preferred but not essential
- Excellent PC skills, to include Excel (intermediate to advanced)
What we will offer you: As an Assistant Merchandiser at White Stuff you will be entitled to an array of great benefits, some of which include:
- Hybrid working (3-4 days in the office)
- Quarterly/Annual bonus opportunity
- Up to 25 days holiday per annum, plus bank holidays
- 2 extra (paid!) days off per year to volunteer in the local community
- 50% discount
- Subsidised BUPA Dental Insurance
- Healthcare cash plan and Life Assurance
- Interest free season ticket loan
- Pension Contribution
We are committed to creating an environment where we can all be proud to work and be ourselves. Part of this commitment is being an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, and age.
Assistant Merchandiser Merchandising · White Stuff Head Office, London · employer: White Stuff
WHITE STUFF is an excellent employer that fosters a vibrant work culture where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to training and development opportunities while enjoying generous benefits like a quarterly bonus and up to 25 days of holiday each year. Join us in the North Central area, where your leadership can make a meaningful impact across our stores in Beverley and Manchester.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Merchandiser Merchandising · White Stuff Head Office, London ·
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like White Stuff, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like White Stuff!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Merchandiser Merchandising · White Stuff Head Office, London ·
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at White Stuff, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at White Stuff and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show White Stuff that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at White Stuff
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
