Assistant Merchandiser - The Set

Job ID
Job ID 72541
Team
Team Product
Location
Location Market Harborough
Contract Type
Contract Type Perm
Job Schedule
Job Schedule Full time
Salary
Salary £33,000-£45,000
Posting Date
Posting Date 21/01/2026
Apply Before
Apply Before 02/02/2026
Woman in a blue patterned dress walking between shelves filled with brightly coloured yarn cones.

Summary

About the Role:
This role is a fantastic chance to make a significant impact on the continued success of The Set. Key aspects of the position involve product development, where you will collaborate closely with factories and the buying and design teams, as well as maintaining essential brand relationships.

Formulating Range Structure Proposals: Analyse market trends, consumer preferences, and sales data to identify opportunities as well as 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 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 capitalise 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.

What is The Set? The Set, effortless, sophisticated, timeless, affordable pieces. We believe great design should be accessible for everyone, so we have created perfect multipacks and stand alone items that mix and match effortlessly together so you can curate endless outfits. The Set is Next's own groundbreaking brand. Our ambitious growth plans are already underway- and now, we’re looking for ambitious people to help us take this momentum to the next level.

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, recognizing 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. Actively seek out opportunities to collaborate with brand partners to bring innovative products to market.

Sponsorship
Next has assessed the role advertised and based on current UKVI criteria, the Assistant Merchandiser role is not eligible for skilled worker sponsorship. Next will be unable to sponsor you and expects that you will have alternative Immigration status to take up the role.

We encourage early applications for our roles, as our recruitment process begins as soon as the role is advertised. If we successfully fill the position, this advert may close earlier than planned.

#LI-Onsite

Benefits

  • 25% off most NEXT, MADE*, Lipsy*, Gap* and Victoria's Secret* products (*when purchased through NEXT)
  • Company performance based bonus
  • Sharesave scheme
  • On-site Nursery available; OFSTED outstanding in all areas
  • 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty
  • Early VIP access to sale stock
  • Access to fantastic discounts at our Staff Shops
  • Restaurants with great food at amazing prices
  • Access a digital GP and other free health and wellbeing services
  • Free on-site parking
  • Financial Wellbeing - Save, track and enhance your financial wellbeing
  • Apprenticeship - Grow and develop on the job whilst gaining a qualification
  • Direct to Work - Discount online and instore, collect your items the next day for free from your place of work or local store
  • Support Networks - Access to Network Groups to empower and celebrate each other
  • Wellhub - Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships, with apps, PT sessions and more

Conditions apply to all benefits. These benefits are discretionary and subject to change.

We aim to support all candidates during the application process and are happy to provide workplace adjustments when necessary. Should you need support with your application due to a disability or long-term condition, feel free to get in touch with us by email headoffice_careers@next.co.uk (please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call us on 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.

Team Overview

This is where ideas become incredible collections. Designers, Buyers, Merchandisers, and Technologists collaborate to create products our customers love. You'll spot global trends, strategically balance our range plans and meticulously test quality so every season feels fresh, inspiring and exceptional.

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Our brands

You’ve probably heard of NEXT, but did you know about our portfolio? Every brand in our offering brings a distinct story, attitude and community. Spanning contemporary lifestyle brands, established high street names and timeless collections, together they showcase the vibrancy of today’s retail world.

About NEXT

You know Next, but did you know we’re a FTSE-100 retail company employing over 35,000 people across the UK and Ireland. We’re the UK’s 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we’re the market leader. At the last count we have over 500 stores, plus the Next Online and it’s now possible to buy on-line from over 70 countries around the world! So we’ve gone global!
A group of smiling NEXT employees stand together outside the company’s modern glass-fronted building, posing beneath the large NEXT logo.

Are you ready to take it on?

Challenges. Opportunities. The future. Let’s take it on at NEXT.