Assistant Merchandiser 12 Month Fixed Term Contract – Maternity Cover Based at our Head Office in Whyteleafe, just 15 minutes outside of Croydon and easily commutable from London. We work in a competitive hybrid working model, with 2 core days at head office and 3 days working from home, plus flexi core hours. Our benefits are worth getting excited about… 50% staff discount, colleague social events and a paid day off for your Birthday, to name a few! An exciting opportunity has become available for a talented Assistant Merchandiser or Senior Merchandising Admin Assistant to join our Lingerie merch team. We’re looking for someone who is a real whizz on Excel, is passionate about analysis and strategy, and has the ability to drive performance through exceptional use of data. This role has line management responsibility so it’s essential you thrive on supporting, developing and empowering your team to create a great dynamic, and in turn deliver exceptional results. The role Supports Trade, reviewing department performance and responding to trading patterns, highlighting risks and opportunities to the merchandiser. Under the merchandiser's guidance review all aspects of your categories’ WSSIs, forecasting sales & profit based on current trends and managing terminal stocks. Highlighting sales, profit and stock risks and opportunities. Manages line cards with MAA support, ensuring full availability of continuity lines, making suggestions of re-orders to merchandiser and highlighting any stock risks. Supports strategy/buy planning by pulling lessons learnt and analysing data. Contributes to the buying and sign off process. Attend and contribute to weekly critical path meetings. Feedback to Merchandiser & management and seeks to resolve issues. Supports MAA with intake management and is solution orientated when dealing with suppliers and ensures critical dates are met. Solving problems under Merchandiser guidance. Plan and prepare size breakdowns and sizing grid. Review and sign off with the Merchandiser before sending to suppliers. Build relationships with internal and external partners including buying, wholesale, warehouse, VM and channel. Assist in the training and development as well as support the Merchandising Admin Assistant in the day to day running of the department. You'll be great if you have: Previous experience at Assistant Merchandiser or Senior Merchandising Admin Assistant level - preferably within a fashion retailer Excellent communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally. Strong commercial awareness and the ability to react appropriately to in-season trading. Advanced numeracy skills and a strong knowledge of Excel An amazing stakeholder manager and relationship builder, who leads by example, inspiring individuals & teams to do their best. An affinity with our brand and is an authentic ambassador of our people values. At Ann Summers, we are proud to continue embracing inclusion, diversity, and equality in our everyday practices, supporting our people to be themselves. We are committed to building teams with a variety of backgrounds, skills, and views. What do we bring to the party? Being part of the AS team offers some fab benefits, not only is it a great business to be part of, but you will also enjoy: 29 days Holidays (including Bank Holidays) and additional day holiday up to 33 days for each additional year you’re a part of the AS family Your Birthday off Workplace pension Company perks scheme Holiday purchase scheme Eye care vouchers Retail Trust – wellbeing programme Colleague social activities Access to our internal L&D platform - Thrive Free onsite car park at HO Season ticket loan A bit about Ann Summers You might know us as the destination for must-have lingerie, or even the inventors of the Rampant Rabbit, and you’re right, but we’re SO much more than that… We’re a unique brand that strives to EMPOWER, lives to PUSH BOUNDARIES, gets kicks off MAKING IT HAPPEN and is ALWAYS INCLUSIVE! Our approach to AI in our recruitment process… Real people. Real connections. That’s how we hire. Tapping into the expertise of our Talent team and Hiring Managers to select, interview and hire exceptional talent. AI is a fantastic support tool but getting to know our amazing applicants is what we do, and what we do well! During the application process we want to get to know you, your authentic self. We welcome the use of AI as a support tool for any preparation, from sparking ideas to supporting your research, but it's essential that the final content is developed by YOU, and is a true reflection of your own thoughts, experience and voice. After all you don’t want to match the crowd, you want to stand out! The Recruitment Process All successful candidates will be contacted for an initial telephone chat to discuss the role and your experience. Should you be successful you will then be invited for an in-person interview. We regret that due to high volumes we are unable to acknowledge every application. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK, unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. Ann Summers complies with all GDPR policies and by responding to this ad your details will be kept on record for a total of 6 months unless expressed otherwise.