Merchandiser - The Set

The Role:

NEXT is recruiting for multiple Merchandisers across Womens and Mens for our very own brand - The Set.

What is The Set?

The Set, effortless, sophisticated, timeless, affordable pieces giving our consumers versatility at great value. 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.

Here, you’ll own your vision, take charge of your creativity, and enjoy true autonomy. If you’re

ready to lead, innovate, and make your mark, The Set is where you belong.

Check out the current range here and for a look behind the scenes click here.

What You’ll Take On

We are looking for a Merchandiser who would relish a new challenge. You will have commercial awareness, the ability to maximise sales, and experience in trading as well as motivating a team.

Building Relationships: Across new, existing and potential partners to unlock growth opportunities. Professionalism and calmness are musts as is the ability to persuade and reach mutually beneficial outcomes. Travelling to suppliers is a pivotal part of building these relationships.

Monitoring In-Season Performance and Trading Opportunities: 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.

Formulating Range Structure Proposals: Analyse market trends, consumer preferences, and sales data to identify opportunities as well as develop range structures that align with the brands’ positioning and target market. Present proposals outlining assortment plans, pricing strategies, and key product features.

Presenting in internal and external 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.

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. Responsible for preparing and communicating data and sales information to the brands.

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.

Collaboration: Working in a small team, alongside a buyer and designer to maximise growth of your area with a real product focus.

What You’ll Bring

Great Communication Skills: Prepare clear and engaging presentations for internal meetings and partner discussions. Tailor your communication style to your audience, ensuring information is conveyed effectively and actively listen to feedback and respond thoughtfully to questions or concerns. You must be confident in dealing with suppliers and their teams in order to build a trust based relationship.

Solid Technical Merchandising Skills: Utilise your technical expertise to analyse data, forecast sales and programme and capacity planning effectively. Contract negotiations to support successful trading relationships. Collaborating with internal tech teams to utilise fabrics across ranges. 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 products and trends, staying informed about the latest developments and innovations. Use your passion for products and trends to drive creative merchandising strategies and inspire your team. Actively seek out opportunities to collaborate with design teams and brand partners to bring innovative products to market.

Benefits