Job Specifications
Role Title: Trainee Merchandiser
Department: Merchandising
Reports To: Merchandiser
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Arrangements/Pattern: Full Time, 35 hours
Working Location: FatFace HQ, Havant
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
The Trainee Merchandiser is the entry level role within the Merchandising team, providing essential operational and analytical support to the category team. Working closely with the Assistant Merchandiser, Merchandiser, and wider cross functional partners, the role focuses on accurate system management, stock and intake administration, and in season trading support. This role builds the core technical, commercial, and organisational skills required for progression within the merchandising career pathway.
Role Responsibilities
Strategy & Trading Support
Carry out required stock and trading actions to support seasonal peaks, SALE, new stores, space changes, and additional channels.
Support trade decisions through accurate data preparation and timely execution of actions.
Attend and contribute to Lessons Learnt meetings; prepare analysis on product mixes and performance.
Collate and provide feedback on Transport store performance and ranging to support future phase planning.
Systems & Accuracy (NEXT Product System)
Maintain size ratios within the NEXT Product System using sales analysis by channel.
Track items and support contract approvals through Power BI, investigating and following up on issues.
Support FatFace Branch Merchandising teams with ad hoc manual allocations.
Propose Transport store ranges to the Assistant Merchandiser using data and performance insight.
Load and maintain lead times in the NEXT Product System with guidance from the Merchandiser and aligned to Lead Time schedules.
Contracts & Administration
Maintain accurate size ratios through sales and stock analysis, reviewing outputs with the Assistant Merchandiser.
Raise contracts using the Contract Tracker in line with the Critical Path.
Circulate weekly Contract Tracker progression summaries to the wider category team.
Process contract amendments in line flow, updating estimates to reflect new delivery dates.
Flag risks and issues that may require broader planning or trading changes.
Critical Path Support
Attend Critical Path meetings and support Assistant Merchandiser with follow up actions.
Communicate regularly with suppliers and internal teams regarding progress and risks.
Highlight delivery or production issues promptly to the Assistant Merchandiser and Merchandiser.
Intake & Launch Readiness
Review Due to Ship dates and flag risks in line with the Critical Path.
Chase Permission to Ship (PTS) and escalate delays.
Check Inbound Logistics Systems, approve worklist items where appropriate, and flag issues.
Support launch preparation by setting up and maintaining core data, including housekeeping deliveries.
Monitor intake to ensure stock moves into free stock in a timely manner across all channels.
Proactively identify, help resolve intake or stock availability issues and communicate changes to department.
Trading & In Season Analysis
Own the setup, validation, and circulation of the Sales and Stock report and weekly bestsellers.
Update intake information and highlight any significant changes or risks.
Analyse Sales and Stock data, reporting findings and proposed actions with a focus on:
Stock pushes
Fast cover
Intake due
Warehouse transfer proposals
Present summarised findings and suggested actions in category trade meetings.
Communicate agreed trading actions promptly to NEXT Branch Merchandising teams.
Action warehouse transfers in a timely manner, follow up on outstanding actions and take accountability for their completion.
Run in week sales analysis to support weekly and future trade planning.
Team Contribution & Development
Actively participate in peer learning and training opportunities.
Take full ownership of responsibilities, meeting expectations set by the Assistant Merchandiser and Merchandiser.
Demonstrate a proactive approach to learning, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
Broader Merchandising Responsibilities
Participate in store visits
About the Company
MADE FOR LIFE. Considered style. Trusted quality. Responsibly sourced. Proud to be a B Corp(tm).
FatFace is an active lifestyle clothing and accessories retailer proudly based in the UK. Born in 1988, FatFace has grown from selling just a few t-shirts and sweatshirts to become one of the UK's most iconic, multi-channel retail brands stocking a wide range of Womenswear, Menswear, Childrenswear, Footwear, and Accessories. With over 200 stores in the UK, Ireland and the USA, together with established e-commerce and wholesale ...
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