Working Pattern: Typically 5 days in the office, with core hours flexible between 8am-6pm.
The Role
We are looking for an Assistant Merchandiser to join the Home team. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make an impact and contribute to the continuing success of the Home department.
What You’ll Take On
Formulating Range Structure Proposals: Analyse market trends, consumer preferences, and sales data to identify opportunities as well as develop range structures that align with brand positioning and target market. Present proposals outlining assortment plans, pricing strategies, and key product features.
Presenting in Formal Meetings: Prepare visually engaging presentations that effectively communicate range proposals. Clearly articulate rationale behind proposals, incorporating data and insights. Address questions and concerns from stakeholders with confidence and clarity.
Appraising Performance and Proposing Strategies: Evaluate previous season performance, departmental metrics, and supplier performance. Identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats and propose strategies to address performance gaps and capitalise on opportunities.
Building Relationships with Suppliers: Cultivate open communication and collaboration with suppliers, establishing trust and transparency in negotiations and business dealings.
Planning and Reviewing Capacity and Production: Forecast demand accurately to plan capacity and production schedules. Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely production and regularly review progress against production targets and adjust plans as needed.
Maintaining Merchandise Systems: Ensure accuracy in merchandise systems by updating data regularly. Confirm supplier contracts and maintain forecasts, and inventory levels. Conduct regular audits to identify and resolve discrepancies.
Controlling Spend: Review budgets regularly to monitor spending and identify opportunities for cost savings. Analyse spending patterns and implement strategies to optimise allocation of resources. Negotiate favourable terms with suppliers to achieve cost efficiencies.
Monitoring In-Season Performance: Track sales performance, inventory levels, and markdowns throughout the season. Identify trends and patterns to make informed decisions and adjustments. Implement strategies to maximise profitability and minimise risk.
What You’ll Bring
Home Experience: You will ideally have experience working with Home products as an Assistant or a Trainee ready for your first Assistant role.
Communication Skills: Clearly articulate ideas, proposals, and strategies to stakeholders in both verbal and written communication. Foster open and transparent communication within the team, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Listen actively to understand the needs and perspectives of others, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding.
Technical Merchandising Skills: Utilise data analysis tools and techniques to interpret sales data, market trends, and performance metrics. Understand inventory management systems and merchandising software to maintain accurate records and make informed decisions. Apply pricing and markdown strategies effectively to optimise sales and profitability.
Open-Mindedness: Embrace new ideas, approaches, and perspectives, recognising that innovation often comes from unconventional sources. Be willing to adapt to changing market dynamics and evolving consumer preferences. Encourage creativity and innovation within the team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Passion for Product and Trends: Stay informed about the latest trends, developments, and innovations in the industry. Demonstrate enthusiasm and excitement for the products you're merchandising, inspiring others with your passion. Use your knowledge and insights into consumer preferences to curate assortments that resonate with your target audience.
Sponsorship
Candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship for this role will be required to meet the Home Office sponsorship requirements. For further information please see: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa .
We encourage early applications for our roles, as our recruitment process begins as soon as the role is advertised. If we successfully fill the position, this advert may close earlier than planned.
At NEXT, we believe the best work happens when there are no barriers to collaboration. That’s why we are a Google-powered workspace. From your very first day, you’ll be using the full Google Workspace suite; Docs, Drive, and Meet, to stay connected and move fast.
If your previous experience is rooted in other software suites, don’t worry! We’ll point you to a digital Google toolkit the moment you join, packed with handy guides and insider tips to help you transition smoothly and hit the ground running.
#LI-Onsite
You know Next, but did you know we’re a FTSE-100 retail company employing over 44,000 people across the Next group. We’re the UK’s 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we’re the market leader. At the last count we have over 450 stores, plus the Next Online and it’s now possible to buy on-line from over 80 countries around the world! So we’ve gone global!
