Merchandiser (Cerene)

About Cerene
Cerene is a fiercely feminine brand designed for women who dress with intention and take pleasure in choosing something that feels personal. Beauty that doesn’t ask for attention, yet is always noticed. Detail for personal joy, not for show. Confidence that feels natural, not performed. Each collection combines expressive print, delicate structure, and thoughtful detail, balanced with chic effortless wearability. Our dream is to create collections that are creative and original. Cerene is beautifully bold.
 

About Us
At NEXT Wholly Owned Brands, we’re a collective of London-based fashion and lifestyle brands. From our beginnings with Lipsy in 1998, to becoming part of the UK’s largest fashion retailer, NEXT, in 2008 we’ve evolved into a group of bold, design-led brands, each with its unique identity.

At the heart of our business is a passionate team driven by creativity, innovation, and a shared ambition to deliver exceptional results. We foster a culture where individuality is celebrated, curiosity is encouraged, and challenging the status quo is part of how we grow.
 

About the Role
To maximise the profitability of the department by leading a team, working with the Buyer and suppliers to strategically plan, build, and trade commercial product ranges. The role ensures the business plan is achieved by having the right product, in the right place, at the right time, and in the right quantities.

Role Responsibilities

Strategy & Planning

• Develop and execute the department strategy with the Buyer/Designer to maximise profit, by understanding customer needs and utilising strong knowledge of competitor product, pricing, and trading activity
• Formulate and propose planning parameters by analysing past and proposed season ranges, considering the impact of sales contribution by channel
• Manage and control the Critical Path for each phase with the Buyer, ensuring deadlines are met and proactively communicating any impact on launch position and actions taken
• Ensure range balance by working with Buyer, Designer, and Technologist, optimising the use of trials and stock buys, and ensuring commerciality to the brand
• Appraise and develop suppliers in conjunction with the Buyer to maintain a strong supply base

Trading & Forecasting

• Actively trade the department by continually reviewing performance and potentialising emerging trends to maximise profit and minimise risk
• Manage weekly/monthly forecasts (WSSI), clearly communicating changes/impact on stock position, and controlling intake with the Buying and Technical teams to achieve optimum stock levels and minimise markdown
• Control the intake margin to achieve plan, ensuring all orders are entered accurately and authorised promptly according to the Critical Path
• Oversee the execution of markdowns and promotions within agreed parameters, accurately forecasting the effect on sales, stocks, and profit
• Monitor and analyse KPI’s including returns rates and attribute analysis (sizing, price, colour), making recommendations to adjust future buys where necessary
   

Leadership & Collaboration

• Manage and develop the team, including delegating tasks, prioritising workflow, and conducting regular performance appraisals against competencies
• Manage internal and external relationships to develop partnerships, actively contributing to the development of junior members within the function
• Work with cross-functional teams (e.g., Supply Chain, Site Optimisation, Retail Operations) to identify opportunities to maximise profit
• Suggest, pilot, and optimise AI-driven processes to improve or solve specific commercial friction points
   

Technical Requirements

• Extensive experience across multiple fashion categories
• Proven experience managing and developing a team
  Experience working directly with senior leadership, possesses excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build strong relationships across the business
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and motivate the team through challenging periods of change
• Shows innovation by challenging existing processes and practices to drive the business forward
• Strong knowledge of the competition’s product offer, pricing strategy and trading activity