Company Overview
At Next, we believe in the power of what we can achieve together. Bring your energy, play to your strengths, and embrace change. Challenge yourself, support others, and make things happen that will exceed expectations.
Join one of the UK’s largest retailers where there’s always something new to work on. We’re constantly innovating, creating exciting products, and pushing boundaries, so no two days are ever the same.
Whether you’re part of our dynamic warehouse team making furniture or joining our talented developers and tech engineers, you’ll be working alongside some of the country’s most skilled professionals who know how to work hard and have fun!
Your Role:
Developing Range Structure Proposals: Analyze market trends, consumer preferences, and sales data to uncover opportunities and create range structures that align with brand positioning and target market needs. Present comprehensive proposals detailing product assortments, pricing strategies, and key product features.
Delivering Presentations in Meetings: Prepare engaging, visually appealing presentations to communicate range proposals effectively. Present your rationale clearly, using data and insights to support your ideas. Confidently address any questions or concerns from stakeholders.
Evaluating Performance and Proposing Solutions: Assess the performance of previous seasons, departmental metrics, and supplier performance. Identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, then propose strategies to address performance gaps and capitalize on new opportunities.
Building Supplier Relationships: Develop strong relationships with suppliers based on open communication and collaboration. Negotiate with suppliers to ensure transparency and mutually beneficial business dealings.
Managing Capacity, Production, and Fabric Reservations: Accurately forecast demand to plan production schedules. Work with suppliers to ensure timely fabric reservations and production timelines, regularly reviewing progress and making adjustments as needed.
Maintaining Merchandise Systems: Ensure merchandise systems are up-to-date and accurate, including supplier contracts, sizing, forecasts, and inventory levels. Conduct regular audits to spot and resolve discrepancies.
Guiding Trainees and Managing Tasks: Provide direction and support to trainees, setting clear expectations and goals. Delegate tasks and offer guidance, feedback, and coaching to help them develop their skills and confidence.
Controlling Expenditure: Regularly review budgets to monitor spending and identify potential savings. Analyze spending patterns and implement strategies to optimize resource allocation. Negotiate favorable terms with suppliers to achieve cost efficiencies.
Monitoring In-Season Performance: Track sales, inventory levels, and markdowns during the season. Spot trends and patterns to make informed decisions and adjustments, aiming to maximize profitability and minimize risk.
About You:
Communication Skills: Effectively communicate ideas, proposals, and strategies both verbally and in writing. Foster open communication within the team and actively listen to others’ perspectives to promote collaboration.
Technical Merchandising Expertise: Use data analysis tools to interpret sales data, market trends, and performance metrics. Understand inventory management and merchandising systems to maintain accurate records and make informed decisions. Apply pricing and markdown strategies to optimize sales and profitability.
Open-Mindedness: Be open to new ideas, approaches, and perspectives, recognizing that innovation often arises from unconventional thinking. Adapt to changing market conditions and evolving consumer preferences, encouraging creativity and continuous improvement within the team.
Passion for Products and Trends: Stay current with the latest industry trends and innovations. Be enthusiastic about the products you merchandise, inspiring others with your passion. Use your understanding of consumer preferences to curate product assortments that resonate with your target audience.
Your Benefits:
We’ll discuss more during the interview, but here’s a sneak peek at the benefits:
- Profit-related bonus
- 25 days holiday with the option to purchase more
- Pension scheme contributions
- Life assurance
- Sharesave scheme to invest in Next and share in our success
- Access to a fantastic restaurant, coffee shops, and juice bar at Enderby Head Office
- On-site nursery (salary sacrifice scheme) at Head Office
- Staff shop at Head Office
- Free on-site parking, including car sharing options at Head Office
- Free company bus service from Leicester city centre and surrounding areas to Head Office
- 25% staff discount on most Next products, available both in-store and online
- National and local discounts on goods and services
- Digital GP healthcare service
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