Assistant Merchandiser

Debenhams Group; London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading online department store as an Assistant Merchandiser, where you'll support planning and trading, influence commercial decisions, and lead a dynamic team. This role offers a chance to excel in a fast-paced environment while honing your skills in merchandising and data analysis.

Qualifications

• Experience in a merchandising role, preferably in retail or fashion.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and analyse WSSI and KPIs for forecasting.
• Support trading in-season and manage stock levels.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Proactive management

Team player

Tools

WSSI

Excel

Job description

The Role

We’re looking for a commercially aware, detail-driven Assistant Merchandiser to join our dynamic team. You’ll play a key role in supporting the planning and trading of your department, owning reporting, data analysis, and intake management while influencing commercial decisions with real impact. This is a fantastic opportunity to take your next step in Merchandising and grow in a fast-paced, high-performing environment.

About Us

You know all about our high street roots and bricks and mortar stores. Now, we're looking to the future. Since 2021, we've embraced some changes. Debenhams hasn’t made a comeback - we’ve been here since 1778, evolving and adapting to the times. This is Debenhams today - Britain’s Leading Online Department Store.

We are more than a department store - we are an institution. From creating the blueprint for designer collaborations with designers at Debenhams, to launching countless brands and inventing the beauty counter, we’ve consistently shaped the retail landscape.

We don’t underestimate the power of our brand or the place we hold in people’s hearts. This is only the beginning of the next chapter for Debenhams.

Britain needs Debenhams.....Debenhams needs you!

What You'll Be Doing

• Planning & Forecasting: Maintain and analyse WSSI and KPIs to support in forecasting and driving commercial actions. Track performance, monitor OTB, and contribute to monthly forecasts.
• Critical Path & Trading: Support the team in trading in-season and maintaining the category critical path. Use data, past trends, and competitor analysis to drive decisions and actions.
• Rebuy Management: Independently review product performance to identify rebuy opportunities, support intake strategy, and ensure availability of key and core lines.
• Stock & Intake: Proactively manage stock levels and intake, supporting accurate order placement, phasing, and seasonal planning. Monitor supplier delivery schedules and adapt intake strategies accordingly.
• Team Leadership: Support and guide junior team members, lead on MAA development, and deputise for the Junior Merchandiser/Merchandiser when needed.
• Reporting & Analysis: Deliver accurate weekly trade reports, line cards, and ad-hoc analysis to support business decisions. Own the accuracy of attribution and data management across the department.

What We're Looking For

• Experience working in a merchandising role, ideally within a fast-paced retail or fashion environment
• Strong analytical skills with a commercial mindset and attention to detail
• Confident using WSSI and forecasting tools, with solid Excel and data manipulation abilities
• Clear communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work cross-functionally
• Organised and proactive, able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• A team player who enjoys mentoring others and sharing best practices
• Passionate about product, trends, and driving performance through smart decision-making

What to expect from here:

1. If we believe you could be a great fit for the role, we’ll invite you for an informal conversation via phone or Microsoft Teams with our Talent Acquisition Manager.
2. If successful, you’ll then meet with one of our Senior Merchandisers at Debenhams House to discuss your experience in more detail and explore the value you can bring to the team.
3. Most of our hiring processes consist of two stages. You will meet with the Head of Merchandising to present a response to a brief - You may also be asked to meet with Senior Leadership
4. We will conclude the process after this stage and feedback soon after your final meeting with a final decision.

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