Product Assistant

Manchester United; Manchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent sports club in Manchester is looking for a proactive Product Assistant to support the Product team. The successful candidate will manage product samples, liaise with various teams, and assist in product range development. Strong organization, analytical skills, and a relevant degree are preferred. The role offers professional development and wellness resources.

Benefits

Annual incentive scheme

Wellness support resources

Exclusive discounts

Gym facilities

Enhanced family leave benefits

Career development opportunities

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Experience in product development, merchandising, or retail.
• Solid understanding of market trends and product lifecycle.
• Ability to travel within the UK and Europe.

Responsibilities

• Manage product samples and critical paths.
• Provide marketing support for effective product showcasing.
• Liaise with teams to ensure accurate product information.

Skills

Strong organisation

Attention to detail

Confidence using Excel

Strong communication skills

Numerical and analytical skills

Proactive attitude

Education

Relevant degree (e.g., Business, Fashion)

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

PowerBI

Job description

Purpose

We’re looking for a proactive and organised Product Assistant to support the smooth running of our Product team. Sitting at the centre of our product operations, you’ll work closely with suppliers, factories, internal teams, and licensees to help bring high-quality products to market. This role plays a vital part in developing exciting ranges—both self-sourced and licensee produced—that meet our brand’s quality, safety, cost, and margin goals.

If you’re passionate about product, thrive in a fast‑paced environment, and want to grow your career, this is the perfect role to make a meaningful impact.

The Role :

As a key member of the Product team, you’ll support day‑to‑day product operations and gradually take ownership of product development tasks. Your responsibilities will include :

• Managing product samples and critical paths
• Providing marketing support to ensure products are showcased effectively
• Working with the Merchandising Assistant to track deliveries
• Handling administrative tasks such as raising purchase orders and compiling sales reports
• Assisting in the development of product ranges—with opportunities to lead your own ranges over time
• Liaising with the Mega Store and E‑Commerce teams to ensure accurate and timely product information
• Managing licensee product and packaging approvals
• Maintaining website product data, including attribution and customer journey optimisation
• Conducting competitor and trend analysis to support decision‑making
• Supporting ad‑hoc tasks to keep the department running efficiently

You’ll collaborate internally across Product, Merchandising, E‑Commerce Trading, Marketing, and Brand, while also engaging with suppliers, partners, and licensees on a regular basis.

The Person :

We’re looking for someone who is organised, enthusiastic, and commercially aware—someone who thrives on variety and is eager to learn. You will bring :

• Strong organisation, efficiency, and attention to detail
• Confidence using Excel & PowerPoint, PowerBI experience is beneficial, but training will be given
• A solid understanding of market trends and the product development process
• Strong numerical and analytical skills
• The ability to work well in a team and independently
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Effective time management and a proactive, can‑do attitude
• Willingness to take on tasks of all sizes

Experience & Background :

• Experience in product development, merchandising, buying, or selling—ideally within retail
• Understanding of the full product lifecycle
• Strong consumer and competitor awareness
• Proven commercial acumen
• Ability to travel within the UK and Europe when required
• We are also open to applications from graduates with a relevant degree (e.g., Business, Fashion, Retail, Product, or similar) who can demonstrate strong interest, curiosity, and enthusiasm for retail and product management

What We Offer :

At Manchester United, we recognise that our people are at the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a range of rewards designed to support your professional and personal well‑being :

• Annual incentive scheme
• Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and & nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+ Workplace
• Exclusive Discounts through our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners
• Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team‑building activities
• Enhanced family Leave Benefits and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days
• Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programs
• A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth