Merchandising Talent Pool

This is an expression of interest for future opportunities, not an immediate hiring vacancy. By applying, you are joining our candidate pool and not applying for a live vacancy.

We love seeing enthusiastic applications, and we want to help you make the best decision for your career! We encourage all applicants to self-assess against our key criteria. You’ll thrive in this role if you:

-Have proven experience as a Merchandiser or Assistant Merchandiser (or a strong Trainee/Merchandising Admin Assistant background).
-Have strong technical merchandising skills across data analysis, inventory planning, and in-season trade.
-Are confident liaising directly with external brand partners and/or senior stakeholders, as well as presenting performance insights.
-Possess a solid grasp of commercial finance—managing sales budgets, profit targets, and markdown strategy.
-Enjoy combining numerical analysis with a genuine interest in retail products and market trends.

The Role
We are continually seeking talented merchandising professionals at all levels to join our talent pool for future opportunities within multiple product divisions. We welcome candidates ranging from driven Assistant Merchandisers to seasoned Merchandisers.

In a Merchandising role at NEXT, you will play a critical role in the commercial success of the business by turning data into powerful decisions. Operating in a fast-paced, exciting, and highly rewarding environment, you will forecast demand, manage stock, and strategically shape ranges alongside Buyers and Designers. Working closely with creative teams and industry leaders across the business, you will ensure the right product hits the customer quickly, directly driving profitable growth for NEXT and its partners.

What You’ll Take On
Depending on your level and category focus, your day-to-day will involve a combination of:

1. Commercial & Strategic Planning: Formulating range structures, establishing seasonal and in-season sales forecasts, setting profit targets, and managing Open-to-Buy (OTB) and sales budgets.
2. In-Season Trading & Stock Management: Monitoring daily and weekly sales performance, managing intake flow, identifying trading opportunities to drive sales, and implementing effective markdown/exit strategies to minimise stock risk.
3. Cross-Functional & Brand Collaboration: Working closely with Buying, Design, Marketing, and global suppliers or external Brand Partners to curate balanced, customer-led assortments and build strong, trust-based relationships.
4. Data-Driven Range Building: Preparing selection packs, analysing historical performance data, and using insights to influence future seasonal ranges, pricing strategies, and option plans.
5. Merchandise Systems & Administration: Ensuring high accuracy across merchandising systems, confirming supplier contracts, updating delivery schedules, and conducting regular stock/sizing audits.
6. Team Leadership & Development: Coaching, mentoring, and developing Trainee and Assistant Merchandisers, setting clear goals, delegating tasks effectively, and fostering a high-performing team culture.
   

What You’ll Bring

1. Analytical Fluency: A natural passion for numbers, solid mathematical skills, and the ability to interpret complex data, identify patterns, and spot commercial growth opportunities.
2. Relevant Background: A degree in an analytical/business discipline (e.g., Maths, Economics, Business, Statistics) or relevant experience within fashion, lifestyle, or branded retail merchandising.
3. Commercial Sharpness: Strong commercial acumen with a drive for hitting financial targets, maximising profit, and managing spend effectively.
4. Great Communication & Influence: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with confidence presenting insights to internal stakeholders and senior brand partners.
5. Product & Trend Focus: A genuine interest in fashion, trends, and products, enabling you to understand the "why" behind customer buying habits.
6. Agility & Organisation: Highly organised with exceptional time management, an open mind to new ways of working, and a resilient "can-do" attitude in a fast-paced environment.

Sponsorship
Candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship for this role will be required to meet the Home Office sponsorship requirements. For further information please see: .

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