Next Plc
Assistant Merchandiser
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About 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?
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
The Day to Day:
- 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, Production, and Fabric Reservations: Forecast demand accurately to plan capacity and production schedules. Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely fabric reservations and 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 correct sizing, forecasts, and inventory levels. Conduct regular audits to identify and resolve discrepancies.
- 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 develop skills and confidence.
- 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.
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Your Team:
Joining any department in Next is a super exciting opportunity indeed! As an Assistant Merchandiser, you'll be at the forefront of driving the excitement for the products and ensuring they resonate with the market. Your technical skills in data analysis and inventory management will be crucial in making informed decisions and keeping everything running smoothly. Plus, being surrounded by a team of industry experts will surely provide an enriching environment for growth and collaboration!
About You:
- 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.
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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 35,000 people across the UK and Ireland. We’re the UK’s 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we’re the market leader. At the last count we have over 500 stores, plus the Next Online and it’s now possible to buy on-line from over 70 countries around the world! So we’ve gone global!
Benefits:
- 25% off most NEXT, MADE*, Lipsy*, Gap* and Victoria's Secret* products (*when purchased through NEXT)
- Company performance based bonus
- Sharesave scheme
- On-site Nursery available; OFSTED outstanding in all areas
- 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty
- Early VIP access to sale stock
- Access to fantastic discounts at our Staff Shops
- Restaurants with great food at amazing prices
- Access a digital GP and other free health and wellbeing services
- Free on-site parking
- Financial Wellbeing - Save, track and enhance your financial wellbeing
- Apprenticeship - Grow and develop on the job whilst gaining a qualification
- Direct to Work - Discount online and instore, collect your items the next day for free from your place of work or local store
- Support Networks - Access to Network Groups to empower and celebrate each other
- Wellhub - Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships, with apps, PT sessions and more
Conditions apply to all benefits. These benefits are discretionary and subject to change.
We aim to support all candidates during the application process and are happy to provide workplace adjustments when necessary. Should you need support with your application due to a disability or long-term condition, feel free to get in touch with us by email headoffice_careers@next.co.uk (please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call us on 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.
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