Merchandising Assistant

In this busy, varied role, you'll be the mediator between Buying, Stores Operations and Trading – taking into account conflicting needs and coming up with a solution that works for everyone.

Our Merchandising Department is a little bit different from most other organisations. Our added-value comes from the quality products we sell and the volume we sell it at. Yes, we merchandise our products on cases and pallets. But that doesn't mean it can't be attractive to our customers (and practical for the store too). We do things our own way at Aldi. But whatever we're doing, we must be getting it right. With a wave of impressive sales figures behind us, we're opening new stores at lightning speed.

We are currently recruiting for a Merchandising Assistant to join our team on a 12-month fixed term contract. We are looking for a proactive and positive individual to join our growing team.

Our Merchandising Assistants are seen as key contacts for the rest of the business, particularly our Buying and Stores teams. We’ll need you to be a confident communicator, ready to provide fantastic Merchandising support and knowledgeable advice on how our products should be displayed. You’ll enjoy the level of exposure that this role offers: a chance to see how every product, and its display, impacts upon sales and enhances the customer experience.

If you’re always striving to improve and want to join a really important part of the business, apply to join #TeamAldi today!

Your New Role

• Develop merchandising plans in line with the Merchandising Review calendar, working cross functionally with Buying and Operations
• Ensure all merchandising layouts are profitable, operationally efficient, customer focused and appropriate in terms of product mix, layout and the trading environment of our stores
• Understand and adhere to department processes
• Ensure all merchandising plans are issued to stores in a timely manner
• Operate the space planning software system (Spaceman) and ensure the information contained within is kept up to date. Provide feedback to the Merchandising Manager to ensure systems are fit for purpose and meet ongoing needs
• Handle and understand data, both internal and from external providers
• Carry out space utilisation analysis on an ongoing basis to develop category and store level sales
• Maintain the store planogram folders, ensuring they are up to date at all times
• Conduct store visits where necessary, including visiting competitors stores
• Deal with day-to-day activities arising within the merchandising department
• Ensure that a polite and professional manner is maintained in all internal/external communications
• Contribute positively and constructively to the merchandising team

About You

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well in a team - ability to build strong successful working relationships cross functionally
• Good attention to detail with a confident open-minded approach
• Excellent organisation, time, and diary management with the ability to meet tight deadlines whilst maintaining a high standard of work
• Ideally work experience in a retail Head Office Space and range planning role or having dealt with planograms on the shop floor
• A willingness to learn new systems and processes e.g. Spaceman / JDA / Relex merchandising software
• An experienced user of Microsoft Office - Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Be driven and passionate about making an impact and be corporate and professional with their approach
• Ability to recognise areas in need of improvement and have the knowledge, desire, and confidence to make suggestions and change it
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal
• Ability to influence internal and external stakeholders
• High analytical and commercially aware
• Full UK driving licence desirable (Role will involve some travel to Aldi stores, competitors and suppliers within the UK - overnight stays may be necessary occasionally)

What You’ll get in Return

• Salary starting £36,080 rising to £42,135
• Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm, with the opportunity of 2 days a week remote working
• 5 weeks’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• In office flexi-time
• Full training provided
• Pension scheme
• Private employee medical insurance after 4 years
• Company sick pay scheme
• Company maternity and adoption pay after 1 year and paternity leave pay after 2 years
• Long service rewards
• Access to MyBenefits, where you can find a wide range of benefits, including our bike to work scheme, shopping and cinema discounts, health cash plan, a FREE will, travel and discounted gym memberships, as well as a host of benefits to support your financial and wellbeing needs
• Access to a free,24/7, confidential virtual GP service for all Aldi Colleagues and their children (under the age of 16)

Aldi is an equal opportunities employer. We’re committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and are dedicated to promoting a culture of inclusion, providing an environment in which collaboration, respect and fairness are essential. We value diversity and are dedicated to treating all of our colleagues and prospective colleagues fairly and with respect.

If you’re looking for a career that gives you more, apply today!