Assistant Merchandiser

Role Title - Assistant Merchandiser Department - Merchandiser Reports To - Merchandiser Contract Type - Full-Time, Fixed Term (12 months) Working Arrangements/Pattern - Hybrid Working – 3 days per week office based Working Location - FatFace HQ, Havant, PO9 1QJ Who are we? For over 30 years, we’ve travelled, we’ve laughed, we’ve grown. We believe life is for living and more fun with those we love. We are Made for Life. Our mission statement: Crafting clothes for life’s everyday adventures. Today, tomorrow and always. Our Product formula: Considered style. Trusted Quality. B Corp certified. We are proud to have featured in the Sunday Times top 10 best places to work 2025 and best places to work for women 2025. Equality and inclusion isn’t an aspiration but the standard. We promote and drive equality within our workforce to ignite an inclusive foundation for us all to build from and truly connect with our customers, colleagues, and communities alike. You play a key part in creating an environment free from prejudice, racism, sexism, harassment, bullying and any other form of marginalisation in our workplaces. Role Summary As an Assistant Merchandiser , you will play a key role in supporting the Merchandising team to ensure the right product is in the right place, at the right time. You will help drive sales and profitability by analysing data, managing stock levels, and optimizing product availability. Working closely with Buying, Merchandising, and Retail teams, you will assist in forecasting, allocations, and trading decisions, ensuring a seamless customer experience. This role is perfect for someone with a keen eye for detail, strong analytical skills, and a passion for retail. Role Responsibilities Input into the department strategy, producing historical analysis as required. Assist in the creation of the department forecasting and building of range plans, taking traded history and planned future events into consideration. Produce and maintain line flows reflecting up to date forecasts, commitment and ensure all contracts are reported correctly on the system. Feedback current performance to the Merchandiser and make suggestions for repeats, cancellations and markdowns, understanding the implications on profitability. Propose and cost markdown events and promotional activity. Oversee the availability of stock to ensure launch dates are met and intake targets are achieved in line with forecasts. Under the direction of the Merchandiser, place orders with suppliers and manage the progress of stock into the business, reviewing quantities, shipment modes and delivery dates. Keep the product systems up to date with the latest information. Review the performance of stock between all channels and suggest appropriate action, such as transfers of stock between DC’s or store distribution extensions/restrictions. Undertake analysis of category/season/product performance on an ongoing basis and feedback lessons learnt to influence merchandising decisions both in season and for the future. Input into cross functional activity as required eg. retail operations, Visual Merchandising and DC. Supervise, train and develop the Trainee Merchandiser where appropriate. Develop self through personal development, store and competitor visits as well as building on your understanding of other functions within the business. Deputise for the Merchandiser as required. Play your part in delivering the company sustainability strategy. Align self to companies social and environmental mission and champion any actions that you can directly impact at all times’ Skills and Experience Experience: Previous experience as an Allocator, Trainee Merchandiser or Assistant Merchandiser. Analytical Skills: Strong numerical ability and experience with Excel and reporting tools. Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication, with strong negotiation and presentation skills. Organisational Skills: Effective planning and self-organisation capabilities. Retail Background: Experience in a retail environment is ideal, with knowledge of merchandising principles and systems. Role Competencies Market Insight: Understand customer profiles, product ranges, and competitors. Tech Savvy: Proficient in Excel, reporting and product lifecycle management systems. Team Player: Strong cross-functional and collaboration skills Key Contacts and Relationships: Design, Buying, Merchandising, Sourcing, Quality Logistics Retail, Ecom, Wholesale & Partners Brand team Accountable for Resources: Stock (forecasting and movement) and availability Accuracy of information on internal systems Company integrity - relationship with externals Financial – ensure profitability of category through stock management. FatFace Benefits: Financial & Protection Benefits Sick pay allowances Critical Illness Income protection/ Death in service (for salaried colleagues) Pension scheme – with net deduction and salary sacrifice options Dental insurance (colleague-funded) Discounts & Perks 60% off FatFace products 25% discount at Next stores (across full price products) O2 phone discount Discounted gym membership Cycle to Work scheme (for salaried colleagues) EV vehicle scheme (for salaried colleagues) Perkbox – our online platform offering: Day-one access Exclusive brand discounts Wellbeing content Home workouts and more Health & Wellbeing Specsavers eye care scheme Eye tests and contributions to glasses Free period products EAP support 24/7 via UNUM, Retail Trust, and Fashion & Textiles Support Learning & Development THRIVE – our learning management system: Day-one access 1,000s of learning resources Time Off & Leave 25 days holiday plus bank holidays Sabbatical leave (in line with service) Enhanced family-friendly policies – including enhanced maternity leave Flexible Working Opportunities – flexible working requests can be made from day one of employment and are considered on an individual basis. Additional Perks Refer a Friend scheme Join us to make a tangible impact on our merchandising success and help shape the future of our product offerings We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply — you might be just the right fit.