Assistant Merchandiser

About the Role: Join the Next Licensing team for an exciting opportunity to work with a range of Childrenwear brands, including smALLSAINTS, Baker by Ted Baker, Little Bird, Superdry, Paul Smith Junior, Clarks Clothing, Laura Ashley Girls, and Castore Kids. This role is a fantastic chance to make a significant impact on the continued success of our Licensed Brands. Key aspects of the position involve product development, where you will collaborate closely with factories and the design team, as well as maintaining essential brand relationships.

Formulating Range Structure Proposals: Analyse market trends, consumer preferences, and sales data to identify opportunities and 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 the 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 capitalize 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.

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:

Great Communication

Skills:

Prepare clear and engaging presentations for internal meetings and brand partner discussions. Tailor your communication style to your audience, ensuring information is conveyed effectively. Actively listen to feedback and respond thoughtfully to questions or concerns.

Solid Technical Merchandising

Skills:

Utilise your technical expertise to analyse data, forecast sales, and plan inventory effectively. Ensure accuracy in merchandise systems and contract negotiations to support successful trading relationships. Stay updated on industry best practices and trends to enhance your merchandising capabilities.

Energetic, Enthusiastic, and Self-Confident: Approach your role with energy and enthusiasm, inspiring others with your passion and positivity. Demonstrate confidence in your abilities and decisions, especially when presenting information or leading discussions.

Open-Mindedness to New Ways of Working: Embrace innovation and creativity, actively seeking out new ideas and solutions to challenges. Be receptive to feedback and different perspectives, recognising that diverse viewpoints can lead to better outcomes. Encourage a culture of continuous improvement and experimentation within your team.

Enjoyment of the Product/Trend Side of the Role: Immerse yourself in the world of product and trends, staying informed about the latest developments and innovations. Use your passion for product and trends to drive creative merchandising strategies and inspire your team.…