About: People Marketing Fashion Recruitment (est. 1989) is a boutique recruitment agency specialising in the fashion & lifestyle industry. We recruit for a diverse range of vacancies in the UK and internationally, including jobs in design, technical, quality, sourcing, production, sales, buying & merchandising and ecommerce.
The majority of our consultants have first-hand industry experience, and our team are passionate and knowledgeable about the industry and the individuals who work in it. We have an extensive network of candidates built up over the last 25 years. We have an impressive client list of retailers, brands and suppliers within fashion & textiles. We are proud of our reputation for providing a high quality personalised service, and for placing the right candidates in successful long term career opportunities. Our business continues to grow through recommendations from candidates and clients.
People Marketing's client, one of the leading Suppliers/Distributors of automotive/bike accessories and apparel, has a fantastic opportunity for an Assistant Import Merchandiser.
As part of an innovative and exciting business that also has its own well-recognised and successful brands, the Assistant Import Merchandiser will develop and maintain strong relationships with international suppliers and ensure the timely delivery, availability, quality, and cost-efficiency of products. The successful applicant will also oversee supplier performance, negotiate terms, and resolve issues to maintain smooth supply chain operations.
This position has the potential to be based either in their North-West or East Midlands office.
Assistant Import Merchandiser - Responsibilities
Order Processing:
Raise purchase orders, review retail orders, and ensure correct print positions and templates.
Supplier Coordination
Liaise with international manufacturers, e.g. in Vietnam, Pakistan, and China, to manage planning and production.
Coordinate shipments, compliance, and documentation while aligning inventory with business needs.
Evaluate supplier capabilities, capacity, and compliance with ethical sourcing and sustainability standards
Conduct regular performance reviews and factory audits to ensure quality and reliability
Negotiate lead times and minimum order quantities to optimise cost and flexibility
Resolve production issues, delays, and quality concerns through proactive communication and problem-solving
Collaborate with Supply Chain Director and Supply Manager to onboard new vendors and manage risk
Drive continuous improvement in workflow efficiency and supplier responsiveness
Analyse historical data to improve forecasting and lead time accuracy
Critical Path Management:
Develop and maintain detailed critical path schedules for each product category and season.
Use internal documents and ERP systems to update timelines and flag potential delays
Implement contingency plans to mitigate delays and ensure timely product launches
Align production timelines with marketing campaigns, retail drops, and seasonal demand
Drive continuous improvement in workflow efficiency and supplier responsiveness
Shipment Planning:
Work with suppliers to approve shipments and ensure on time handover to freight forwarders
Collaborate with Import Merchandiser to ensure all documentation is provided and shipment details and priorities are clearly communicated for inbound planning
Cross Functional Collaboration:
Communicate status updates and risks to cross-functional teams including design, demand, sales, and logistics.
Assistant Import Merchandiser - Requirements
Degree in business, supply chain or other relevant fields
A minimum of 3 years' experience in a merchandising/demand planning/forecasting role
Highly organised - able to manage own workload
Capability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
Proactive, with the ability to foresee problems and find solutions to mitigate business risk
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Good knowledge of software tools: Excel advanced, SAP and Microsoft Dynamics NAV
