The Role:
- Do you love trends and talking to people all over the world?
- Would you like the opportunity to travel globally with your job?
Are you passionate about analysis, trading, managing stock, and relationship development?
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We are looking for amazing people who can interpret data and use this talent to work with our Buyers and Designers to build and trade trend driven product ranges for our customers!
We are always looking for Assistant Merchandisers to join Next, across the following fashion departments:
Womenswear
Womenswear Non Clothing
Menswear
Childrenswear
Brands
What You'll Take On
Building Relationships:
Across new, existing and potential partners to unlock growth opportunities. You will be one of our Brand Partners main contacts with Next. Professionalism and calmness are musts as is the ability to persuade and reach mutually beneficial outcomes.
Monitoring In-Season Performance and Trading Opportunities:
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.
Formulating Range Structure Proposals:
Analyse market trends, consumer preferences, and sales data to identify opportunities as well as develop range structures that align with the brands’ positioning and target market. Present proposals outlining assortment plans, pricing strategies, and key product features.
Presenting in internal and external 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.
Maintaining Merchandise Systems:
Ensure accuracy in merchandise systems by updating data regularly. Confirm supplier contracts and maintain correct sizing, forecasts, and inventory levels. Conduct regular audits to identify and resolve discrepancies. Responsible for preparing and communicating data and sales information to the brands.
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.
Guiding Trainees and Managing Tasks:
Provide clear direction and support to trainees, setting expectations and goals. Delegate tasks effectively, providing guidance and feedback as needed. Monitor progress and provide coaching to help trainees and assistants develop skills and confidence.
What You'll Bring
Great Communication Skills:
Prepare clear and engaging presentations for internal meetings and partner discussions. Tailor your communication style to your audience, ensuring information is conveyed effectively and actively listen to feedback and respond thoughtfully to questions or concerns. You must be confident in dealing with senior brand partners and their team in order to build a trust based relationship.
Solid Technical Merchandising Skills:
Utilise your technical expertise to analyse data, forecast sales, and plan inventory effectively. Ensure accuracy in merchandise systems and contract negotiations to support successful trading relationships. Stay updated on industry best practices and trends to enhance your merchandising capabilities.
Energetic, Enthusiastic, and Self-Confident:
Approach your role with energy and enthusiasm, inspiring others with your passion and positivity. Demonstrate confidence in your abilities and decisions, especially when presenting information or leading discussions.
Open-Mindedness to New Ways of Working:
Embrace innovation and creativity, actively seeking out new ideas and solutions to challenges. Be receptive to feedback and different perspectives, recognizing that diverse viewpoints can lead to better outcomes. Encourage a culture of continuous improvement and experimentation within your team.
Enjoyment of the Product/Trend Side of the Role:
Immerse yourself in the world of products and trends, staying informed about the latest developments and innovations. Use your passion for products and trends to drive creative merchandising strategies and inspire your team. Actively seek out opportunities to collaborate with design teams and brand partners to bring innovative products to market.
Sponsorship
Next has assessed the role advertised and based on current UKVI criteria, the Assistant Merchandiser role is not eligible for skilled worker sponsorship. Next will be unable to sponsor you and expects that you will have alternative Immigration status to take up the role.
#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!
