Join our Trainee Merchandiser Graduate Scheme
From analysing sales to ordering stock for supplies, our Merchandising programme is an amazing opportunity to work with our Buying, Design and Technology teams. If you have an analytical eye, this is the programme for you.
Location: Leicester
What are we looking for
Our current Trainee Merchandisers come from a variety of backgrounds - our scheme is popular with those that have a head for figures and a heart for fashion. We have a large intake of Business and Economics students, but we do cast a wide net with our recruitment, and retail experience could be a great alternative for those wanting to get into Merchandising too.
The key skills that we need you to show us are having an eye for product, a strong analytical mind, great communication, and a real interest for Next - us as a business, our competitors, the market, as well as the Merchandising role. We want your passion to shine through!
What can we offer you
Our scheme is designed to last 12-18 months, which, during that time, will provide you with continued support and guidance (as well as some epic social events) that you’ll need to flourish as a trainee. We can offer academy-style workshops with our in-house Learning and Development team, as well as ongoing progress support from your direct management and team of like-minded colleagues.
We know that the most successful trainees start with a great first experience, and we want to support that where we can. Our starting salary for Trainee Merchandisers is an impressive £25,000, alongside a generous staff discount, annual bonus scheme, sharesave scheme, and many more.
We also have dedicated previous Trainees across the business who are solely responsible for putting on awesome social events which create an opportunity for Trainees to get to know each other, get to know Leicester and share experiences - a great way to make some lifelong friends along the way!
Whilst our social side is a popular hit with easing into your new role, we also have a 19-bedroom fully furnished trainee house located in the heart of Leicester, where our Trainees can rent a room in the first six months of their Next journey. All of the bedrooms are en-suite and fully furnished, with lots of storage space and the latest fibre-optic WiFi, plus a 42” TV. So, enjoy a drink with your housemates, or relax after a long day in your spacious bedroom!
Learn more about Next
We are Next
One of the UK's best-loved Retail brands, a mainstay on the FTSE 100 and a leading Retail employer. It's got to be Next.
Our Culture - What we do
Whether it’s through our 500-plus retail stores, our pioneering Directory business or our 200 international stores, customers all over the world are choosing, buying and loving everything we do – from our clothing ranges and stunning homeware collections to exclusive brands like Lipsy.
Our brand is associated with exciting products, beautiful design and exceptional quality. We bring this into our office space - it's a beautiful place to work and design new ideas and products.
We probably offer the best career training in Retail: 70% of our managers within the Product area of Head Office started as trainees. You could be next.
We're a sociable bunch, with trainees regularly heading to bowling, Nando's, BBQs and other excuses to get out and explore together.
Our HQ has a house just down the road for all new trainees to stay while they arrange accommodation and find their feet in Leicester.
If you don't want to leave the office to socialise, that's fine too: we have our own coffee and smoothie bars onsite, so there's always an excuse to go for a catch-up.
We believe in having an open office. If you have a query with another department, just get on up and walk over for a chat - we're all working together, there are no closed doors.
It’s going to be really fast paced - but I promise you that you really will enjoy it.
Our Graduates - Who we are
It’s a great experience... It’s such a fantastic opportunity to get into the workplace.
Our Future - Where we're going
Will Ryder, Merchandise Manager
Our customers have three ways to shop: in our stores, through our famous printed Directory and also online, which is now our most profitable channel. We deliver to over 70 counties worldwide and have warehouses throughout Europe.
We are passionate about creating exciting, beautifully designed and excellent quality clothing and homeware, presented in collections that reflect the aspirations and means of our customers.
Joining us as a Trainee or on a Placement, you will be having an impact on the company from your very first day. Your opinions might influence how our website develops, or which products make it onto the shelves for the Christmas rush.
We're passionate about the product and enjoy making a difference every day. If this sounds like something you want to be a part of, apply today.