Assistant Merchandiser

Smallworld Accessories Limited; Lewes; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Team events

Birthday leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Employee discounts

Job summary

Smallworld Accessories in Lewes is seeking an experienced Senior MAA or Assistant Merchandiser to support seasonal planning, trading, and stock management. You will guide the Merchandise Administration Assistant and influence day-to-day priorities.

This role shapes stock availability, sell-through, and KPIs, with a clear path to leadership as you build on your trading experience and develop your skills in data analysis and planning.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

WSSI knowledge

Data analysis

Excel (VLOOKUP)

Planning skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Industry knowledge

Right to work UK

Tools

WSSI tools

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, develop, supply and merchandise our own fashion accessory ranges, working as a concession partner with some of the UK’s leading retailers, including Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Next and John Lewis. From sunglasses, jewellery and belts to children’s accessories, our products are sold in more than 1,500 stores nationwide.

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 stores, giving our teams the opportunity to make a real contribution to the business. We care about our people and our products, with responsible sourcing and colleague development both important to how we work. Our people are given the support and opportunities they need to learn, develop and grow with us.

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.