Role Title - Assistant Merchandiser Department - Merchandiser
Reports To - Merchandiser
Contract Type - Full-Time, Fixed Term (12 months)
Working Arrangements/Pattern - Hybrid Working – 3 days per week office based
For over 30 years, we’ve travelled, we’ve laughed, we’ve grown. Crafting clothes for life’s everyday adventures. Trusted Quality. 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. As an Assistant Merchandiser, you will play a key role in supporting the Merchandising team to ensure the right product is in the right place, at the right time. You will help drive sales and profitability by analysing data, managing stock levels, and optimizing product availability.
Working closely with Buying, Merchandising, and Retail teams, you will assist in forecasting, allocations, and trading decisions, ensuring a seamless customer experience. This role is perfect for someone with a keen eye for detail, strong analytical skills, and a passion for retail.
Input into the department strategy, producing historical analysis as required.
Assist in the creation of the department forecasting and building of range plans, taking traded history and planned future events into consideration.
Feedback current performance to the Merchandiser and make suggestions for repeats, cancellations and markdowns, understanding the implications on profitability.
Under the direction of the Merchandiser, place orders with suppliers and manage the progress of stock into the business, reviewing quantities, shipment modes and delivery dates. Review the performance of stock between all channels and suggest appropriate action, such as transfers of stock between DC’s or store distribution extensions/restrictions.
Undertake analysis of category/season/product performance on an ongoing basis and feedback lessons learnt to influence merchandising decisions both in season and for the future.
retail operations, Visual Merchandising and DC.
Supervise, train and develop the Trainee Merchandiser where appropriate.
Develop self through personal development, store and competitor visits as well as building on your understanding of other functions within the business.
Deputise for the Merchandiser as required.
Align self to companies social and environmental mission and champion any actions that you can directly impact at all times’
Experience: Previous experience as an Allocator, Trainee Merchandiser or Assistant Merchandiser.
Analytical Skills: Strong numerical ability and experience with Excel and reporting tools.
Effective planning and self-organisation capabilities.
Retail Background: Experience in a retail environment is ideal, with knowledge of merchandising principles and systems.
Tech Savvy: Proficient in Excel, reporting and product lifecycle management systems.
Design, Buying, Merchandising, Sourcing, Quality
Retail, Ecom, Wholesale & Partners
Brand team
Financial – ensure profitability of category through stock management.
Financial & Protection Benefits
Sick pay allowances
Pension scheme – with net deduction and salary sacrifice options
Dental insurance (colleague-funded)
Discounts & Perks
~25% discount at Next stores (across full price products)
~ O2 phone discount
~ Discounted gym membership
~ Cycle to Work scheme (for salaried colleagues)
~ Perkbox – our online platform offering:
~ Exclusive brand discounts
~ Wellbeing content
~ Specsavers eye care scheme
EAP support 24/7 via UNUM, Retail Trust, and Fashion & Textiles Support
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.
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.