Assistant Merchandiser - 12 Month FTC

As an Assistant Merchandiser at The Very Group, you'll take on various responsibilities that are vital to the success of our merchandising operations. This includes developing commercial range plans, analysing historical performance and market trends, and working closely with both the buying team and suppliers. Your role is essential in ensuring that we create a shopping experience tailored to our customers' needs.

To be considered for the Assistant Merchandiser role at The Very Group, candidates should ideally have prior experience in merchandising and a solid understanding of retail operations. Proficiency in Excel and the ability to analyse and articulate findings from various reports are key skills. A positive attitude towards learning and development is also essential.

The Assistant Merchandiser plays a crucial role in enhancing customer satisfaction by analysing market trends and historical data to ensure that product ranges resonate with our customers. By effectively collaborating with the buying team and suppliers, you help create a diverse collection of products that meet the needs and preferences of our valued customers.

The work environment for an Assistant Merchandiser at The Very Group is dynamic and collaborative. With a strong focus on teamwork, you’ll work cross-functionally with different departments while also having the opportunity to develop individual skills. The Very Group promotes a flexible, hybrid working model and fosters an inclusive workplace culture.

At The Very Group, career growth is highly encouraged. As an Assistant Merchandiser, you'll have the chance to develop your skills under the guidance of experienced merchandisers while working on varied projects. Contributing to significant business decisions allows for excellent networking and professional development opportunities within the company.

When answering this question, be sure to discuss specific experiences in merchandising you have had. Highlight any relevant roles, showcasing your skills in market analysis, product selection, or supplier negotiations that align with the day-to-day functions of an Assistant Merchandiser.

Consider discussing your time management strategies and tools you might use to handle multiple tasks. Explain how you assess urgency and importance while communicating your workload effectively to your team, ensuring alignment on priorities.

When providing an answer, choose a specific instance where your analysis of sales data or market trends led to a tangible change. Explain the context, your analytical process, and the outcome to demonstrate your critical thinking skills.

Your response should outline any relevant experiences with merchandising software or analytical tools like Excel, along with any merchandising systems you've used. Being specific about your capabilities will show that you are prepared for the demands of the role.

Discuss various resources and strategies that you utilize to keep yourself informed about market trends. Be it reading industry reports, following relevant news, or participating in webinars, convey your proactive approach to stay ahead in the merchandising arena.

In your answer, provide insights into your communication style and strategies for collaboration. Highlight experiences or techniques that have helped you establish strong working relationships and enhance teamwork in the retail environment.

Use this opportunity to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Identify common challenges such as tight deadlines or conflicting priorities and discuss your approach to handling these situations, focusing on strategic planning and adaptability.

Explain your analytical process when working with historical data, such as identifying key performance indicators (KPIs) and trends. Discuss how you draw insights from this data to aid in future merchandising decisions, showing a solid understanding of data-driven strategies.

Your answer should emphasize the importance of attentiveness and quality assurance practices. Discuss techniques you employ to review information meticulously and ensure that all aspects of the merchandising process maintain high standards.

Share any relevant experiences in commercial range planning you may have, highlighting your methodology in developing plans that cater to target customers. Discuss any successes from your planning efforts to substantiate your experience positively.