Job Description
Role Title: Trainee Merchandiser
Department: Merchandising
Reports To: Merchandiser
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Arrangements/Pattern: Full Time, 35 hours
Working Location: FatFace HQ, Havant
Who are we?
For over 30 years, we’ve travelled, we’ve laughed, we’ve grown. We believe life is for living and more fun with those we love. We are Made for Life.
Our mission statement:
Crafting clothes for life’s everyday adventures. Today, tomorrow and always.
Our Product formula:
Considered style. Trusted Quality. B Corp certified.
We are proud to have featured in the Sunday Times top 10 best places to work 2025 and best places to work for women 2025.
Equality and inclusion isn’t an aspiration but the standard. We promote and drive equality within our workforce to ignite an inclusive foundation for us all to build from and truly connect with our customers, colleagues, and communities alike. You play a key part in creating an environment free from prejudice, racism, sexism, harassment, bullying and any other form of marginalisation in our workplaces.
Role Summary
The Trainee Merchandiser is the entry level role within the Merchandising team, providing essential operational and analytical support to the category team. Working closely with the Assistant Merchandiser, Merchandiser, and wider cross functional partners, the role focuses on accurate system management, stock and intake administration, and in season trading support. This role builds the core technical, commercial, and organisational skills required for progression within the merchandising career pathway.
Role Responsibilities
Strategy & Trading Support
* Carry out required stock and trading actions to support seasonal peaks, SALE, new stores, space changes, and additional channels.
* Support trade decisions through accurate data preparation and timely execution of actions.
* Attend and contribute to Lessons Learnt meetings; prepare analysis on product mixes and performance.
* Collate and provide feedback on Transport store performance and ranging to support future phase planning.
Systems & Accuracy (NEXT Product System)
* Maintain size ratios within the NEXT Product System using sales analysis by channel.
* Track items and support contract approvals through Power BI, investigating and following up on issues.
* Support FatFace Branch Merchandising teams with ad hoc manual allocations.
* Propose Transport store ranges to the Assistant Merchandiser using data and performance insight.
* Load and maintain lead times in the NEXT Product System with guidance from the Merchandiser and aligned to Lead Time schedules.
Contracts & Administration
* Maintain accurate size ratios through sales and stock analysis, reviewing outputs with the Assistant Merchandiser.
* Raise contracts using the Contract Tracker in line with the Critical Path.
* Circulate weekly Contract Tracker progression summaries to the wider category team.
* Process contract amendments in line flow, updating estimates to reflect new delivery dates.
* Flag risks and issues that may require broader planning or trading changes.
Critical Path Support
* Attend Critical Path meetings and support Assistant Merchandiser with follow up actions.
* Communicate regularly with suppliers and internal teams regarding progress and risks.
* Highlight delivery or production issues promptly to the Assistant Merchandiser and Merchandiser.
Intake & Launch Readiness
* Review Due to Ship dates and flag risks in line with the Critical Path.
* Chase Permission to Ship (PTS) and escalate delays.
* Check Inbound Logistics Systems, approve worklist items where appropriate, and flag issues.
* Support launch preparation by setting up and maintaining core data, including housekeeping deliveries.
* Monitor intake to ensure stock moves into free stock in a timely manner across all channels.
* Proactively identify, help resolve intake or stock availability issues and communicate changes to department.
Trading & In Season Analysis
* Own the setup, validation, and circulation of the Sales and Stock report and weekly bestsellers.
* Update intake information and highlight any significant changes or risks.
* Analyse Sales and Stock data, reporting findings and proposed actions with a focus on:
* Stock pushes
* Fast cover
* Intake due
* Warehouse transfer proposals
* Present summarised findings and suggested actions in category trade meetings.
* Communicate agreed trading actions promptly to NEXT Branch Merchandising teams.
* Action warehouse transfers in a timely manner, follow up on outstanding actions and take accountability for their completion.
* Run in week sales analysis to support weekly and future trade planning.
Team Contribution & Development
* Actively participate in peer learning and training opportunities.
* Take full ownership of responsibilities, meeting expectations set by the Assistant Merchandiser and Merchandiser.
* Demonstrate a proactive approach to learning, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
Broader Merchandising Responsibilities
* Participate in store visits and support creation of visit feedback or insight packs.
* Actively support the delivery of the company sustainability strategy through day today merchandising activity.
* Align self to companies social and environmental mission and champion any actions that you can directly impact at all times’
Skills and Experience
* Experience: Previous experience as an Allocator, Trainee Merchandiser or Assistant Merchandiser.
* Analytical Skills: Strong numerical ability and experience with Excel and reporting tools.
* Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication, with strong negotiation and presentation skills.
* Organisational Skills: Effective planning and self-organisation capabilities.
* Retail Background: Experience in a retail environment is ideal, with knowledge of merchandising principles and systems.
Role Competencies
* Strong numerical and analytical skills with high attention to detail.
* Interest in fashion retail and a desire to build a career in merchandising.
* Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
* Confident using Microsoft Excel; openness to learning new systems and tools.
* Clear communicator with a proactive, solution focused attitude.
FatFace Benefits:
Financial & Protection Benefits
* Sick pay allowances
* Critical Illness Income protection/ Death in service (for salaried colleagues)
* Pension scheme – with net deduction and salary sacrifice options
* Dental insurance (colleague-funded)
Discounts & Perks
* 60% off FatFace products
* 25% discount at Next stores (across full price products)
* O2 phone discount
* Discounted gym membership
* Cycle to Work scheme (for salaried colleagues)
* EV vehicle scheme (for salaried colleagues)
* Perkbox – our online platform offering:
* Day-one access
* Exclusive brand discounts
* Wellbeing content
* Home workouts and more
Health & Wellbeing
* Specsavers eye care scheme
* Eye tests and contributions to glasses
* Free period products
* EAP support 24/7 via UNUM, Retail Trust, and Fashion & Textiles Support
Learning & Development
* THRIVE – our learning management system:
* Day-one access
* 1,000s of learning resources
Time Off & Leave
* 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
* Sabbatical leave (in line with service)
* Enhanced family-friendly policies – including enhanced maternity leave
* Flexible Working Opportunities – flexible working requests can be made from day one of employment and are considered on an individual basis.
Additional Perks
* Refer a Friend scheme
Join us to make a tangible impact on our merchandising success and help shape the future of our product offerings!
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply — you might be just the right fit.