Merchandise Assistant - NEXT Wholly Owned Brands

Are you a highly analytical, commercially minded individual who is passionate about product and the world of fashion? NEXT Wholly Owned Brands is expanding, and our brands are constantly growing! Because of this we are always looking for talented, upcoming Merchandise Assistants to join our team.

We are currently establishing a Talent Pool for future Merchandise Assistant opportunities. While we do not have a live vacancy right now, joining our Talent Pool means we can keep in touch with you about roles as soon as they become available. It's the perfect way to get ahead and be considered first as our team grows!

The role of Merchandising Assistant

Without our Merchandisers, there would be no product in our stores and on our website! The Merchandising team ensures that we have the right products, in the right place, at the right time and in the right quantities. This role is responsible for maximising the profitability of each line working closely with the buying team and suppliers to plan and build our fabulous product ranges.

What the Merchandising Assistant will be doing:

• The guardian of the critical path liaising with suppliers, ensuring it is up to date to ensure stock is delivered in a timely manner
• Identifying trends and reviewing sales performance for your department categories
• Building relationships with our suppliers and be the go-to person for any queries around stock intake
• Supporting your Assistant Merchandiser and Merchandiser with collating sales reporting and general admin and analysis
• Collaborating with the buying department on your category, working with the Buying Assistant to drive forward trade

What Next is looking for:

• Strong analytical skills and a love of Excel - spreadsheets are the one!
• Strong team ethos – working together and building excellent relationships with your team, along with all other key partnerships.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
• An awareness of high street, catwalk and competitor key trends.
• Great problem-solving skills.
• The ability to manage your own time.
• Retail/store experience would be beneficial
• For our Senior MA vacancies, you will need experience within a similar merchandising or allocation role

What we can do for you…

• 25% off a huge selection of Next, Lipsy, GAP and Victoria's Secret products & 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty
• Hot deals and exclusive offers from over 3,500 retailers through Perks At Work
• We recognise hard work with our company performance-based bonus
• Life Assurance
• Join our Next Sharesave Scheme
• Digital GP Service for help at home
• Lesson the impact with our Annual Travel Card Loan
• Never miss a package and with Direct to Desk delivery
• Bag a bargain at our sample sales
• Hybrid & flexible working across the business to support your work-life balance
• Learn, develop and grow with our personal development plans
• Enjoy more time with friends and family with Early Bank Holiday finishes
• Join in the fun with our year-round office events

Diversity & Inclusion

We recognise that our differences are what make us who we are. We want people to want to work for us and be their true selves. We are dedicated to attracting and developing a talent team, and recognise that all unique backgrounds and experiences contribute to our future success.

We want to create an inclusive and inspiring environment where individuals feel valued and respected, and where people can achieve their full potential and be their very best, whoever they are.

Wellbeing

We believe that wellbeing is having the opportunity to achieve your full potential, cope with day to day pressures, be productive and thrive in all aspects of your life. We encourage a culture that promotes and enables us all to achieve positive wellbeing, by focusing on mental, physical and financial health.

Benefits of working at Next:

• 25% off most NEXT, MADE*, Lipsy*, Gap* and Victoria's Secret* products (*when purchased through NEXT)
• 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty
• Hot deals and exclusive offers from over 3,500 retailers through our online benefits platform
• Company performance based bonus
• Early VIP access to sale stock via Direct to Desk
• Life assurance
• Sharesave scheme
• Annual Travel Card Loan
• Sample Sales
• Fantastic L&D opportunities
• Flexi-Hour Scheme
• Direct to Work - Discount online and instore, collect your items the next day for free from your place of work or local store
• Support Networks - Access to Network Groups to empower and celebrate each other
• Wellhub - Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships, with apps, PT sessions and more