Merchandising Talent Pool

This is an expression of interest for future opportunities, not an immediate hiring vacancy. By applying, you are joining our candidate pool and not applying for a live vacancy.

We are continually seeking talented merchandising professionals at all levels to join our talent pool for future opportunities within multiple product divisions. We welcome candidates ranging from driven Assistant Merchandisers to seasoned Merchandisers.

In a Merchandising role at NEXT, you will play a critical role in the commercial success of the business by turning data into powerful decisions. Operating in a fast-paced, exciting, and highly rewarding environment, you will forecast demand, manage stock, and strategically shape ranges alongside Buyers and Designers. Working closely with creative teams and industry leaders across the business, you will ensure the right product hits the customer quickly, directly driving profitable growth for NEXT and its partners.

What You’ll Take On
Depending on your level and category focus, your day-to-day will involve a combination of:

1. Commercial & Strategic Planning: Formulating range structures, establishing seasonal and in-season sales forecasts, setting profit targets, and managing Open-to-Buy (OTB) and sales budgets.
2. In-Season Trading & Stock Management: Monitoring daily and weekly sales performance, managing intake flow, identifying trading opportunities to drive sales, and implementing effective markdown/exit strategies to minimise stock risk.
3. Cross-Functional & Brand Collaboration: Working closely with Buying, Design, Marketing, and global suppliers or external Brand Partners to curate balanced, customer-led assortments and build strong, trust-based relationships.
4. Data-Driven Range Building: Preparing selection packs, analysing historical performance data, and using insights to influence future seasonal ranges, pricing strategies, and option plans.
5. Merchandise Systems & Administration: Ensuring high accuracy across merchandising systems, confirming supplier contracts, updating delivery schedules, and conducting regular stock/sizing audits.
6. Team Leadership & Development: Coaching, mentoring, and developing Trainee and Assistant Merchandisers, setting clear goals, delegating tasks effectively, and fostering a high-performing team culture.
    

What You’ll Bring

1. Analytical Fluency: A natural passion for numbers, solid mathematical skills, and the ability to interpret complex data, identify patterns, and spot commercial growth opportunities.
2. Relevant Background: A degree in an analytical/business discipline (e.g., Maths, Economics, Business, Statistics) or relevant experience within fashion, lifestyle, or branded retail merchandising.
3. Commercial Sharpness: Strong commercial acumen with a drive for hitting financial targets, maximising profit, and managing spend effectively.
4. Great Communication & Influence: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with confidence presenting insights to internal stakeholders and senior brand partners.
5. Product & Trend Focus: A genuine interest in fashion, trends, and products, enabling you to understand the "why" behind customer buying habits.
6. Agility & Organisation: Highly organised with exceptional time management, an open mind to new ways of working, and a resilient "can-do" attitude in a fast-paced environment.

Sponsorship
Candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship for this role will be required to meet the Home Office sponsorship requirements. For further information please see: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.
 

#LI-DNI

You know Next, but did you know we’re a FTSE-100 retail company employing over 44,000 people across the Next group. We’re the UK’s 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we’re the market leader. At the last count we have over 450 stores, plus the Next Online and it’s now possible to buy on-line from over 80 countries around the world! So we’ve gone global!

• 25% off most NEXT, MADE*, Lipsy*, Gap* and Victoria's Secret* products (*when purchased through NEXT)
• Company performance based bonus
• Sharesave scheme
• On-site Nursery available; OFSTED outstanding in all areas
• 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty
• Early VIP access to sale stock
• Access to fantastic discounts at our Staff Shops
• Restaurants with great food at amazing prices
• Access a digital GP and other free health and wellbeing services
• Free on-site parking
• Financial Wellbeing - Save, track and enhance your financial wellbeing
• Apprenticeship - Grow and develop on the job whilst gaining a qualification
• Direct to Work - Discount online and instore, collect your items the next day for free from your place of work or local store
• Support Networks - Access to Network Groups to empower and celebrate each other
• Wellhub - Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships, with apps, PT sessions and more

Conditions apply to all benefits. These benefits are discretionary and subject to change. 
We aim to support all candidates during the application process and are happy to provide workplace adjustments when necessary. Should you need support with your application due to a disability or long-term condition, feel free to get in touch with us by email headoffice_careers@next.co.uk (please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call us on 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.