Assistant Merchandiser – Home

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

• Formulate Range Structure Proposals: Analyse market trends, consumer preferences, and sales data to identify opportunities and develop range structures that align with brand positioning and target market. Present proposals outlining assortment plans, pricing strategies, and key product features.
• Present 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.
• Appraise Performance and Propose 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.
• Build Relationships with Suppliers: Cultivate open communication and collaboration with suppliers, establishing trust and transparency in negotiations and business dealings.
• Plan and Review 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.
• Maintain Merchandise Systems: Ensure accuracy in merchandise systems by updating data regularly. Confirm supplier contracts and maintain forecasts, inventory levels. Conduct regular audits to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Control 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.
• Monitor 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: 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.
• 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. 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.
• 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.

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 aim to support all candidates during the application process and are happy to provide workplace adjustments when necessary.

Benefits

• 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)
• 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.
• A range of dedicated 3rd party wellbeing partners
• Free eye testing ‑ voucher to use at specific locations

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