Assistant Merchandiser - Home Textiles

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Home team and broaden your knowledge within the Textiles department!

Let’s talk quality… When it comes to UK retail, it’s hard to find a company with a bigger focus on quality. We sell thousands of items an hour and our repeat customer base comes back to us time and time again for our renowned quality products. For anyone in the Homeware and/or Textiles field - this is the place to learn. To grow. And to thrive.


Merchandising

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!


Your role
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.


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, recognizing 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.


Your team
Positioned as a fast fashion area, range newness, trading agility and managing a diverse supply base will be a fundamental part of your role. With supplies all over the world the assistant will be expected to travel. The merchandising team is led by a Senior Merchandiser who has years of experience in managing and developing assistants of all levels.


Your benefits
We’ll discuss more of what you’ll get when you work for Next at interview, but here’s an overview of what you can expect:

Profit–related bonus
25 days holiday and the opportunity to buy more
Contributions into a pension scheme
Life assurance
Sharesave scheme, which allows you to invest in Next and claim your share of our success
A fantastic restaurant, coffees shops and juice bar
On-site nursery (salary sacrifice scheme) in Leicester
Staff shop
Free parking on-site, including car sharing
Free company bus service to and from Leicester city centre and other areas
25% staff discount on most Next products – either in our stores or delivered directly to your desk
National and local discounts on goods and services
A digital GP healthcare service

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.