Assistant Merchandiser (Seraphine)

At NEXT Wholly Owned Brands were a collective of London-based fashion and lifestyle brands. From our beginnings with Lipsy in 1998 to becoming part of the UKs largest fashion retailer NEXT in 2008 weve evolved into a group of bold design-led brands each with its unique identity.

At the heart of our business is a passionate team driven by creativity innovation and a shared ambition to deliver exceptional results. We foster a culture where individuality is celebrated curiosity is encouraged and challenging the status quo is part of how we grow.

Who are Seraphine

Known for its innovative and stylish clothing designed to help women feel confident and retain their personal style during pregnancy and motherhood. . Designed by an in-house team of maternity experts many of whom are mothers the brand emphasizes the importance of form fit and comfort in its products.

Role Purpose

To support the Merchandiser in the running of the department and deputising for them in their absence. This role is key in delivering department deadlines supporting the Merchandise Assistant (MA) and achieving department KPIs.

Role Responsibilities

• Department Management & Trading
  • Responsible for the smooth day-to-day running of the Merchandising department and completing department deadlines
  • Forecasting sales and stock levels with the Merchandisers support to achieve sales plans and margin/profit targets for the department
  • Monitoring department performance to identify opportunities and potential risk/loss
  • Maximising profit by ensuring size ratios and returns rates are reflective of customer needs and reviewed according to the website
  • Responsible for ensuring intake targets are achieved and ensuring launch product is delivered in a timely manner
• Strategy & Analysis
  • Developing a strong understanding of product performance across the various channels and knowing how to impact performance
  • Contributing to department strategy by demonstrating an ability to recognise innovative ideas and solutions that have a commercial gain
  • Running and interpreting any ad hoc analysis required and proposing actions as a result
• Team Development
  • Developing the Merchandise Assistant through their development programme by identifying and setting measurable objectives and using a flexible management style
  • Managing the Merchandise Assistants day-to-day workload and supporting the prioritisation of their tasks.

Senior Assistant Merchandisers will be responsible for an area within a department with the opportunity to plan & trade and develop relationship with Buyer

Technical Requirements

• Experience operating at an Assistant Merchandiser level within the fashion and apparel industry
• Passionate about developing a career in merchandising
• Experience of planning weekly sales stock and intake management
• Confident in participating in weekly trade meetings
• Outstanding ability to build relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally
• An aspiring manager with the ability to develop your Merchandise Assistant
• For our Senior Assistant Merchandiser opportunities you will need to demonstrate significant previous experience managing your own category and performance
• Analytical skills attention to detail proactive
• Remain calm under pressure/ cope with fast pace changeable environment
• Resilience with the ability to challenge the status quo