Assistant Merchandiser (Sponsorship Available) At NEXT

Summary

Working Pattern: Typically 5 days in the office, with core hours flexible between 8am-6pm.

The Role

NEXT is recruiting for an Assistant Merchandiser for its Womenswear Non-Clothing team.

What You’ll Take On

Building Relationships

Across new and existing stakeholders to unlock growth opportunities. Professionalism and calmness are musts as the day to day contact for a wide supply base. The ability to persuade, negotiate and reach mutually beneficial outcomes is key.

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 NEXT’s 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 maximise 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. Ensure that critical path deadlines are met and that the critical path is reviewed regularly to respond to new and emerging challenges.

Data and Sales Reporting

Responsible for preparing and communicating data and sales information to the wider team including Director level.

Controlling Spend

Review budgets and commitment regularly to monitor spend. Analyse spending patterns and implement strategies to optimise allocation of open to buy and maximise flexibility to trade in season. Negotiate favourable terms with suppliers to achieve cost efficiencies and lead time benefits.

Guiding Product Admin and Managing Tasks

Provide clear direction and support to product admin, helping to set expectations and goals. Delegate tasks effectively, providing guidance and feedback as needed. Monitor progress and provide coaching to help develop skills and confidence.

What You’ll Bring

Great Communication Skills

Prepare clear and engaging presentations for internal and external meetings. 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 team when presenting trade or selection.

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. Contribute to a culture of empowerment and ownership 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, buying and tech teams to bring innovative products to market.

Sponsorship

Candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship for this role will be required to meet the Home Office sponsorship requirements.

NEXT encourages early applications for its roles, as the recruitment process begins as soon as the role is advertised. If the position is successfully filled, this advert may close earlier than planned.

Working at NEXT

At NEXT, the belief is that the best work happens when there are no barriers to collaboration. That’s why NEXT is a Google-powered workspace. From the first day, employees will be using the full Google Workspace suite; Docs, Drive, and Meet, to stay connected and move fast.

If previous experience is rooted in other software suites, NEXT will provide access to a digital Google toolkit packed with handy guides and insider tips to help employees transition smoothly and hit the ground running.

#LI-Onsite

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays
Profit-related bonus – based on company performance
Private health insurance- surgery choices
Sharesave scheme – make savings from your net pay to buy NEXT shares at a discount
Pension – fixed contribution rates from both an employer and employee perspective, but you’re also able to make additional voluntary contributions (AVCs) if you wish to save more
25% staff discount on most NEXT products – plus discount on other products
Wagestream – helping you make the most out of your money
Salary finance – offers access to affordable loans repaid through salary, simple savings and free financial education
Life assurance
Direct to work – NEXT orders delivered free to the office for collection
VIP sale – early access to the NEXT sale
Access to NEXT staff shops
Octopus energy – like cycle-to-work, but for electric vehicles
Free parking (excluding London locations)
Travel2NEXT – bus services dependent on location
On site dining facilities (excluding London locations)
National and local discounts on goods and services – this includes things like discounted cinema tickets
Wellhub – includes access to discounted gym membership
Simply health – a healthcare subscription service
Aviva Digicare Workplace+ healthcare service – 7 Free services including Digital GP appointments and an annual health check
Onsite GP – Leicester Head Office
Onsite Physio – Leicester Head Office
A range of dedicated 3rd party wellbeing partners
Free eye testing – voucher to use at specific locations

Conditions apply to all benefits. These benefits are discretionary and subject to change.

Additional Information

NEXT aims to support all candidates during the application process and is happy to provide workplace adjustments when necessary.

Should support be required with an application due to a disability or long-term condition, candidates can get in touch by email at headoffice_careers@next.co.uk (please include ‘Workplace Adjustments’ in the subject line), or call 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.

How to Apply

If this opportunity interests you, head to the company’s official website for full details — click here to submit your application.