Contracts

• Support Trainee Merchandisers in loading accurate size ratios into the NEXT Product System.
• Set up and maintain the Contract Tracker with guidance from the Merchandiser.
• Complete contract approvals and ensure accuracy of contract data and spend alignment.
• Flag risks and issues that may require broader planning or trading changes and proactively influence solutions to enable the contract to be raised.

Critical Path Management

• Lead merchandising input into Critical Path meetings. Carry out follow up actions with support from Trainee Merchandiser.
• Follow up with regular communication to suppliers, flagging risks, delays, and proposing solutions to mitigate impact.
• Find solutions to issues and delays to help maintain launch position targets and critical path progression.

Intake & Launch Readiness

• Analyse and report accurate launch position two phases in advance, issuing weekly launch reports with supporting commentary.
• Monitor air freight usage and spend against budget, highlighting risks and corrective actions.
• Complete ROSA (Rate of Sale Allocation) reviews for new lines and communicate insight to FatFace Branch Merchandising.

Trading & In Season Support

• Own the setup, validation, and circulation of key trading reports including Season to Date and Sales by Line.
• Report on launch performance, identifying issues and proposing solutions.
• Support review of in season Line Flow forecasts and actuals, prioritising actions with the Merchandiser.
• Analyse performance trends and contribute category commentary for trade sheets.
• Support category analysis presentations in trade meetings.
• Review proposed trading actions from Trainee Merchandisers, providing constructive feedback based on sales and stock analysis.
• Support summarised reporting and action tracking in department trade meetings.
• Review and confirm Partner replenishment requests.

Supplier Support

• Set up 3‑ to 5‑year historical data to support supplier forecasting.
• Maintain production planning sheets.
• Contribute to supplier meetings by providing accurate data and analysis.

Team Contribution & Development

• Mentor and support Trainee Merchandisers in building technical and commercial capability.
• Deliver training to support the development needs of Trainee Merchandisers.
• Identify and participate in peer learning and development opportunities.
• Take full ownership of responsibilities, meeting expectations set by the Merchandiser.
• Set clear day today expectations for Trainee Merchandisers.

Broader Merchandising Responsibilities

• Conduct regular store visits and competitor shopping.
• Support cross functional initiatives and ad hoc analysis with Visual Merchandising, Responsible Sourcing, Retail Ops, Ecommerce, and Marketing.
• Actively contribute to the delivery of the company sustainability strategy.
• To abide by all FatFace policies, procedures and brand values

Skills and Experience

• Experience as a Trainee Merchandiser/Assistant Merchandiser or strong merchandising/analytical retail background.
• High level of numerical accuracy and attention to detail.
• Confident use of Excel and retail systems; experience with reporting tools such as Power BI an advantage.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Clear communicator with a collaborative and proactive approach.
• Strong desire to develop a long term career in merchandising.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• Collaboration: Builds positive relationships and works inclusively with others to achieve shared goals.
• Communication: Communicates clearly, openly and respectfully, ensuring others feel informed, listened to and valued.
• Customer Focus: Puts customer needs at the heart of decisions and actions to deliver exceptional experiences.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for actions, commitments and results. Being reliable, following through and learning from mistakes.
• Adaptability: Responds positively to change and challenges, approaching new ideas, experiences and opportunities with a curious and open mindset.
• Problem Solving: Uses good judgement, initiative, curiosity, creativity and available digital tools to find practical solutions and improve outcomes.
• Living Our Values: Consistently demonstrates FatFace brand values and follows company policies, procedures and ways of working.
• Purpose and Impact: Supports FatFace's social and environmental commitments by championing opportunities within their role to make a positive impact through everyday behaviours, actions and decisions.

Line Manager Competencies:

• Commercial Acumen: Uses brand understanding and commercial insight to make informed decisions that support performance and growth.
• Financial and Resource Management: Manages budgets, forecasts and resources responsibly, balancing commercial performance with effective cost control and planning.
• Performance Management: Sets clear expectations, addresses challenges honestly and constructively, and supports high performance to help individuals and teams succeed.
• Team Development: Builds the capability, empowerment and engagement of team members through everyday conversations, feedback and development.

Role Competencies:

• Analytical Capability: Accurately analyses data to support trading and planning decisions.
• Execution Excellence: Delivers tasks to a high standard and on time.
• Commercial Awareness: Understands the impact of decisions on sales, margin, and stock.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with Buying, Merchandising, and cross functional teams.
• Learning Agility: Seeks feedback and continuously builds capability.
• Ownership & Accountability: Takes responsibility for outcomes and continuous improvement.

Collaboration and Deliverables:

Collaboration

• ☐ External Agency or Consultant
• ☐ External Supplier
• ☒ NEXT Business Partners
• ☐ FatFace Directors
• ☒ Store Teams
• ☒ Internal Product Teams (Design, Buying, Merchandising)
• ☒ Internal Support Teams (Finance, IT, Retail Operations, People, Compliance, Property)
• ☐ Internal Creative Teams (Marketing, Creative, Studio)
• ☒ Industry Networking

Deliverables

• ☐ Department Spend vs Budget
• ☐ Team Performance and Development
• ☐ Compliance and Governance Requirements
• ☒ Commercial Reporting
• ☐ Project Delivery
• ☒ Timelines and Deadlines
• ☐ Resource Planning

FatFace Benefits:

Financial & Protection Benefits

• Sick pay allowances
• Critical Illness Income protection/ Death in service (