N Brown – who we are and why work for us?
N Brown is a leading UK digital retail platform for clothing, footwear, home and technology, headquartered in Manchester and employing over 1,200 people nationwide. Through our strategic retail brands JD Williams, Jacamo and Simply Be and our unique payments offering, we exist to champion inclusivity and serve the underserved. Our customers are our passion, and we take great pride in delivering products that ensure they can look and feel amazing, without compromising on choice, value and accessibility.
We’re committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment that values equality for all. Our vision is that by ‘championing inclusion, we’ll become the most loved and trusted fashion retailer’. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging are, therefore, at the heart of our culture.
In May 2024 we were delighted to be named one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024. We work hard to create a happy and inclusive culture for everyone and we’re so proud to have made this list - as voted for by our very own colleagues!
The role
The Junior Merchandiser reports to a Merchandiser or Senior Merchandiser, the role will have a larger degree of Merchandising as well as operating in the wider team structure. The aim is to maximise commercial opportunities through the effective management of inventory, driving demand and service through improved availability and forecasting and reducing markdown to maximise profit.
A day in the life of a Junior Merchandiser here at N Brown
- Present weekly trade information within the division and generate performance data for promotional activity
- Re-forecast, manage, buy and cancel product where required
- Review the WSSI in season and make recommendations to Merchandisers and Senior Merchandisers to maximise trading opportunities
- Support the Merchandiser/Senior in departmental control of markdown spend
- Identify patterns and implement action plans to minimise risks in TF Management;
- Produce analysis to support future range planning
- Prepare and present corrective action plans to clear and maintain dormancy levels;
- Pre-empt future problems using supplier knowledge, shipping info and liaison with CSO and warehouses
- Calculate colour/size ratio breakdowns considering MOQs and lead times to ensure the appropriate levels of availability always
- Working with the buying team to build the most commercial range possible to meet and exceed both budget targets and customer expectations.
- Support the execution of PARETO ranking
- Using range plans/frame-work collate information for strategy, range control and sign-off meetings
- Maintain an action plan to address missed or potential missed dates on the critical path
- Assist in department production and fabric planning
- Work with suppliers to ensure communication of updates to the production/fabric plans
- Support/communicate with Partnership Team
- SME for AM Role
- Ad hoc duties are also an essential daily part of the Junior Merchandisers role, also providing administrative support when required
What are we looking for?
- Relevant degree in fashion or the ability to demonstrate the required level of skills through work-experience
- Excellent administrative, communication and organisation skills
- A keen interest in fashion and customer first
- Driven & motivated
- Retail experience essential
What’s in it for you?
- Hybrid working (2-3 days in the office at a minimum)
- 24 days holiday (+ 8 bank holidays)
- Annual bonus scheme
- Enhanced maternity and adoption leave
- Company pension with up to 8% N Brown contribution
- Mental Health support both internally and externally, including access to our wellbeing champions and counselling services
- A range of financial wellbeing support
- Stream - a financial wellbeing tool that helps you track your pay, access earnings early and manage your money with confidence
- Colleague discount across all N Brown brands
- Onsite café with subsidised rates and local restaurant discounts!
- Life Assurance and Private Medical Insurance
- Paid volunteer time – all our colleagues can take a full day paid to volunteer for a charity of their choice
Ways of Working
We offer hybrid working which varies across the business depending on the role you’re in. Our Head Office is located in the Northern Quarter in Manchester City Centre. So if you are travelling by train, tram or bus we’re perfectly located, plus we’re surrounded by cool cafes, trendy bars and the best places to eat!