Assistant Merchandiser

About the Role

Debenhams Group is undergoing a dynamic transformation aimed at revitalizing its brand, culture, and relationships with both colleagues and customers. Amidst an evolving retail landscape, effective communication is key to fostering trust, aligning teams, and enhancing the reach of our efforts across both internal and external audiences.

We seek a commercially savvy and detail-oriented Assistant Merchandiser to join our energetic team. This position is crucial in assisting with departmental planning and trading activities, managing reporting, analyzing data, and overseeing intake processes while influencing impactful commercial choices. The role is located at our central London office, offering an excellent opportunity to advance your merchandising career in a fast-paced and high-achieving setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and analyze Weekly Sales and Stock Intake (WSSI) alongside key performance indicators to assist in forecasting and driving commercial strategies.
• Monitor open-to-buy (OTB) levels and contribute to monthly forecasting efforts.
• Support in-season trading and maintain the category’s critical path by leveraging data, historical trends, and competitor insights to steer decisions.
• Evaluate product performance independently to identify rebuy possibilities and support intake strategies ensuring availability of essential and core products.
• Proactively oversee stock and intake levels, assist with accurate ordering, phasing, and seasonal planning.
• Track supplier delivery schedules and adjust intake plans as necessary to maintain smooth operations.
• Provide leadership and guidance to junior colleagues, lead merchandise assortment analysis (MAA) development, and step in for Junior Merchandiser/Merchandiser when required.
• Produce precise weekly trade reports, detailed line cards, and ad-hoc analyses to back informed business decisions.
• Maintain data fidelity by ensuring accurate attribution and data management throughout the merchandising department.

Qualifications and Skills

• Experience in a merchandising capacity, preferably within a fast-moving retail or fashion environment.
• Strong analytical skills combined with a sharp commercial perspective and close attention to detail.
• Proficiency in using WSSI and forecasting tools, with advanced skills in Excel and data handling.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Highly organized, proactive, and able to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Team-oriented with enthusiasm for mentoring colleagues and promoting best practices.
• A passion for products, trends, and enhancing performance through smart decision-making.

Working Environment and Culture

At Debenhams Group, we embrace change, innovation, and rapid growth. We view every challenge as an opportunity and every day as a chance to innovate and push boundaries. Ideal candidates are those who thrive in dynamic, high-growth environments and are eager to contribute fresh ideas and energy to help shape the future of retail.

We foster an inclusive workplace where respect for all people and valuing individual differences is fundamental. We encourage everyone to be authentic and true to themselves without exception.

Benefits

• Attractive bonus scheme, company pension plan, share ownership options, private medical insurance, and life assurance.
• Discounts available across all company brands.
• Comprehensive wellbeing programs.
• Continual learning opportunities and strong pathways for career progression internally.
• Interest-free season ticket loan.