Assistant Merchandiser

Lewes, East Sussex | £29,000-£34,000 DOE | Hybrid and Flexible Working

Love the numbers, enjoy making decisions and ready to take ownership?

If you're a Merchandising professional who enjoys getting under the skin of trading performance, spotting opportunities and turning analysis into action, this could be a brilliant next step!

We're working with an established, growing fashion accessories business supplying major UK retailers with a fantastic variety of products, from jewellery and hair accessories to sunglasses, belts, children's accessories and seasonal collections.

With exciting plans for the future and a focus on developing its Merchandising team, the business is looking for an Assistant Merchandiser who can bring commercial thinking, confidence and a proactive approach to the role.

So, what will you be doing?

Reporting to the Merchandiser, you'll play a key role in the day-to-day running of the department. This is an opportunity to move beyond simply producing reports and really use your analysis to influence decisions, manage stock and help drive sales and profit.

You'll be trusted to take ownership of key areas of the department, with support from the Merchandiser when needed.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Getting to grips with trade: Analysing weekly performance, identifying what's selling well, where things aren't going to plan and what action needs to be taken.
• Making the numbers count: Maintaining the WSSI, updating forecasts and using Excel to turn data into clear, commercially focused recommendations.
• Keeping stock in the right place: Taking responsibility for allocations, replenishment, new-store openings and direct-to-store deliveries, ensuring stock gets where it needs to be.
• Spotting risks before they become problems: Monitoring delivery delays, stock availability and trading performance, highlighting issues early and suggesting practical solutions.
• Maximising product performance: Analysing store and product results, reviewing stock placement and recommending changes to help improve sell-through.
• Supporting markdown decisions: Identifying opportunities and making recommendations to help manage stock and protect profitability.
• Helping someone else grow: Guiding and supporting a Merchandising Administration Assistant (MAA), delegating tasks, sharing knowledge and helping them develop their skills.
• Being a trusted right hand: Keeping the Merchandiser informed, contributing to meetings and helping keep the department running smoothly when they're away.

In short, you'll have real responsibility for your area, with the opportunity to influence decisions rather than simply report on what's happening.

What will you bring?

We're looking for someone who enjoys taking responsibility, is confident working with numbers and can see the bigger commercial picture.

You might currently be a strong Senior Merchandising Admin Assistant ready to step up, or an Assistant Merchandiser looking for a role with more ownership and responsibility.

Ideally, you'll have:

• Previous experience in a Merchandising team, at Senior MAA or Assistant Merchandiser level.
• A good understanding of weekly trade, stock management and allocations.
• Working knowledge of WSSI and merchandising forecasts.
• Strong Excel skills, including formulas, pivot tables, lookups and data analysis.
• The confidence to interpret results, question figures and make sensible recommendations.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to juggle priorities without losing sight of the detail.
• Experience supporting, coaching or developing others, or the confidence and desire to take on this responsibility.
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to raise issues, share ideas and keep people informed.

We're particularly keen to hear from people who want to take ownership. You don't need to know every answer, but you do need to be comfortable asking questions, suggesting solutions and taking responsibility for getting things done.

Why could this be a great move?

This is a role for someone who wants to make a genuine contribution to how a department trades.

You'll have the opportunity to work closely with the Merchandisers, Buyers, Design and wider business, gaining insight into the decisions that shape product performance and commercial results.

There's also a people-development element, with responsibility for supporting an MAA and helping them build their own confidence and capability. If you enjoy sharing your knowledge and helping others improve, this is a great opportunity to develop those skills further.

The business is continuing to evolve its systems and processes, so while Excel and manual reporting currently play an important part in the role, there's scope to be involved in improvements as things develop.

It's a collaborative environment where people are encouraged to share ideas, take accountability and keep learning. For the right person, there's plenty of opportunity to broaden their experience and build towards their next career move.

What's in it for you?

Alongside a salary of £29,000-£34,000, depending on experience, you'll receive:

• An extra day off for your birthday.
• Health insurance, subject to eligibility criteria.
• An Employee Assistance Programme.
• Lifestyle and savings discounts.
• Company social events.
• Long-service recognition.
• On-site parking.
• Hybrid working and flexibility around working arrangements.

If you're ready to take more ownership of trading, get closer to commercial decision-making and develop your skills in both merchandising and people management, we'd love to hear from you.

Get in touch for a confidential chat to find out more. No pressure, just a conversation about the opportunity and what you're looking for next!

BH37673