Assistant Merchandiser

Smallworld Accessories Limited; Lewes; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Team events

Birthday leave

Employee assistance programme

Discount platform

Job summary

Smallworld Accessories Limited is seeking an experienced Assistant Merchandiser to assist the Merchandiser with daily trading, stock management and seasonal planning. You will work closely with an MAA to coordinate priorities and support development, shaping stock availability and sales across the department.

Based in Lewes, you’ll contribute to accurate planning, trading commentary and timely stock replenishment, applying strong analytical skills and advanced Excel usage.

Qualifications

• Experience as Senior MAA or Assistant Merchandiser, ready to take on supervisory responsibility.
• Practical experience using and maintaining a WSSI.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Support the Merchandiser with day-to-day trading using data analysis to recommend actions.
• Produce weekly and monthly trade packs with clear trading commentary.
• Keep WSSI accurate and support sales reforecasting and stock management.
• Own allocation and stock-replenishment decisions to hit KPIs like sell-through and availability.
• Coordinate with warehouse, buying and retail teams to ensure timely stock delivery and planogram/graphics arrival.

Skills

Analytical skills

Excel advanced

Planning & organisation

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Industry knowledge

Tools

WSSI

Job description

Are you an experienced Senior MAA or Assistant Merchandiser with a passion for fashion and a keen eye for detail? Are you looking to build on your experience in trade analysis and stock management while supporting the development of an MAA?

If so, this could be the role for you!

ASSISTANT MERCHANDISER

THE ROLE

Reporting to the Merchandiser, you'll support seasonal planning, day-to-day trading and stock management. You’ll also work closely with an MAA (Merchandise Administration Assistant), providing day-to-day guidance, helping to coordinate their priorities and supporting their development.

This role has real weight in how the department performs. Accurate planning and stock management here shape everything downstream, from stock availability to sales. If you've already worked as a Senior MAA or Assistant Merchandiser, you'll recognise most of what's involved here, and we'll help you build on it from day one.

ABOUT US

Here at Smallworld Accessories, we design, supply and merchandise fashion accessories as a concession partner in over 1,500 stores nationwide, working with some of the UK's leading retailers. Our range covers everything from sunglasses and belts to jewellery and kids' accessories, brought to life in stores by our head office team in Lewes and field-based teams across the country.

Flair, quality and attention to detail shape what we design, with market relevance considered from the start. A lot happens behind the scenes to take a range from concept to shelf: work that has real impact on the business. We care about our people and our products in equal measure: ethically sourced materials are standard and colleagues get the time and support to grow, not just targets to hit.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Support the Merchandiser with the day-to-day trading of the department, using data analysis to recommend actions.
• Support the production of weekly and monthly internal and external trade packs, providing clear, concise trading commentary.
• Keep the WSSI accurate and up to date, supporting sales reforecasting and the management of stock, intake and markdown.
• Take ownership of allocation and stock-replenishment decisions, with support from the Merchandiser, to ensure we achieve key KPIs, including sell-through, cover and availability.
• Work closely with the warehouse, buying and retail teams to ensure stock is delivered to stores accurately and that graphics, POS and planograms arrive on time.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• Experience as a Senior MAA or Assistant Merchandiser, ready to take on supervisory responsibility.
• Practical experience using and maintaining a WSSI.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and make clear recommendations.
• Confident using Excel at an intermediate-to-advanced level, including VLOOKUPs, pivot tables and similar functions.
• Strong planning and organisational skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• A methodical, accurate approach, even when deadlines are tight.
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to stay calm and tactful under pressure.
• A good understanding of the industry and our competitors.
• The right to work in the UK, as we’re unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
• The ability to work in our Lewes office; relocation assistance is not available.

WHY JOIN US

• Real progression: get hands-on with trade analysis and take a genuine role in developing the MAA, with full support as you grow into it.
• A seat at the table with Buying and Design, with direct exposure to how decisions are made at a senior level.
• See your decisions land on shelves nationwide, working with some of the biggest names in UK retail.
• A team that invests in real training and development, with colleagues who genuinely stick around.

BENEFITS

• Regular team events and activities organised by our social committee.
• An additional day of annual leave to celebrate your birthday, plus long-service recognition.
• Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme.
• A lifestyle and savings platform offering a range of employee discounts.

Smallworld Accessories is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.