π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Trainee Marketing Executive
πΉ Company: Next Plc
πΉ Location: Leicester, United Kingdom
πΉ Job Type: Full time
πΉ Category: Marketing
πΉ Date Posted: 2025-07-04
πΉ Experience Level: Entry level (0-2 years)
πΉ Remote Status: Hybrid (Manchester office with potential visits to Leicestershire)
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting the development and implementation of marketing strategies across client accounts, with a focus on affiliate marketing.
- Managing relationships with affiliate partners and conducting performance analysis.
- Collaborating with internal teams to optimize results and represent the team at external events.
ASSUMPTION: This role is ideal for a recent graduate or early-career professional looking to gain experience in digital marketing, specifically affiliate marketing.
π Key Responsibilities
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Supporting the development and implementation of marketing strategies across client accounts, focusing on affiliate marketing.
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Managing relationships with affiliate partners through program optimization and recruitment.
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Conducting analysis of campaign performance and creating pre- and post-campaign reports for clients.
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Collaborating with the internal Total Search team to optimize results.
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Utilizing strong multi-tasking and project management skills to handle multiple client accounts.
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Building key relationships by representing the team at external conferences and industry events.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive self-starter who can manage multiple tasks and client relationships effectively.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: A bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field.
Experience: Entry level (0-2 years) with an interest in performance-based marketing, specifically affiliate marketing.
Required Skills:
- Excellent client-facing skills and the ability to build strong relationships.
- Highly analytical with an interest in performance-based marketing.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Intermediate to advanced level user of Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets with strong numeracy skills.
Preferred Skills:
- Previous experience in digital marketing or a related field.
- Familiarity with affiliate marketing platforms and tools.
ASSUMPTION: While previous experience is not required, a strong interest in digital marketing and a willingness to learn are essential for success in this role.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Β£20,000 - Β£25,000 per annum (based on industry standards for entry-level marketing roles in the UK)
Benefits:
- 25 days' holiday per year, plus bank holidays.
- Generous staff discount on all Next products.
- Pension scheme.
- Life assurance.
- Health cash plan.
- Employee assistance programme.
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with flexibility for occasional overtime or weekend work as needed.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for entry-level marketing roles in the UK. Actual compensation may vary based on individual qualifications and experience.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Next Plc is a leading UK-based multinational retailer, primarily selling clothing, footwear, and homeware. It operates both online and through high street stores.
Company Size: Next Plc is a large enterprise with over 700 stores and approximately 40,000 employees worldwide.
Founded: Next Plc was founded in 1982 and has since grown to become one of the UK's largest fashion retailers.
Company Description:
- Next Plc is known for its wide range of affordable fashion and homeware products, catering to various customer demographics.
- The company is committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing, aiming to become a net-zero carbon business by 2040.
- Next Plc offers a diverse range of career opportunities, with a strong focus on employee development and growth.
Company Specialties:
- Fashion retail
- E-commerce
- Omnichannel retailing
- Sustainable and ethical sourcing
Company Website: http://www.nextplc.co.uk
ASSUMPTION: Next Plc's large size and diverse product range offer numerous opportunities for career growth and development within the marketing team.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is an entry-level position within the digital marketing team, offering a trainee-level opportunity to gain experience in affiliate marketing.
Reporting Structure: The trainee marketing executive will report directly to the channel leads and executives within the Total Platform team.
Work Arrangement: This role is based in the Manchester office on a hybrid basis, with potential visits to the head office in Leicestershire for collaboration with the wider team.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a marketing executive role within the Total Platform team or other marketing disciplines.
- Expanding skills and expertise in digital marketing, with opportunities to work on various client accounts and campaigns.
- Potential to move into a management or leadership role within the marketing team.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, with a clear path for progression within the marketing team.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Next Plc's offices are modern, open-plan workspaces that foster collaboration and creativity.
Office Location(s): Manchester (primary), Leicestershire (head office)
Geographic Context:
- Leicester is a vibrant city in the East Midlands region of the UK, with a diverse cultural scene and a rich history.
- The Manchester office is located in the heart of the city, offering easy access to public transportation and numerous amenities.
- Both locations offer a mix of urban and rural environments, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and leisure.
Work Schedule: The work schedule is primarily Monday to Friday, with some flexibility for occasional overtime or weekend work as needed.
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a good balance between office collaboration and remote work, allowing for flexibility and a healthy work-life balance.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial virtual call with the hiring team to discuss the role and assess cultural fit.
- In-person interview at the head office in Leicestershire, including a presentation and interview-style questions.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Cultural fit and alignment with Next Plc's values.
- Problem-solving skills and analytical thinking.
- Communication and presentation skills.
- Understanding of digital marketing principles and affiliate marketing concepts.
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role.
- Prepare for the interview by researching Next Plc's brand, values, and recent marketing campaigns.
- Practice your presentation skills and be prepared to discuss your ideas for improving affiliate marketing strategies.
ATS Keywords: Affiliate marketing, digital marketing, client management, project management, performance analysis, self-motivation, organizational skills, adaptability, attention to detail, team collaboration, enthusiasm
ASSUMPTION: The interview process is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best candidate for the role and the team.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets
- Affiliate marketing platforms (e.g., Affiliate Window, CJ Affiliate, AWIN)
- Google Analytics
- Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is not required, as training will be provided. However, a willingness to learn and adapt to new tools is essential.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer first
- One team
- Integrity
- Innovation
- Excellence
Work Style:
- Collaborative and supportive team environment
- Fast-paced and dynamic work culture
- Focus on continuous learning and development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you align with Next Plc's company values, particularly 'customer first' and 'one team'?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with tight deadlines?
- Do you possess strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team?
ASSUMPTION: Next Plc places a strong emphasis on cultural fit and values-driven decision-making, with a focus on finding candidates who align with their core principles.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple client accounts and projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and time management.
- Working in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines, which may require occasional overtime or weekend work.
- Adapting to a hybrid work arrangement, balancing office collaboration and remote work effectively.
- Developing expertise in affiliate marketing, which may require a steep learning curve for those new to the field.
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a willingness to learn and grow in the role.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to entry-level marketing executive or marketing assistant positions within other retail or e-commerce companies.
- However, Next Plc's large size and diverse product range offer unique opportunities for career growth and development within the marketing team.
- Career paths may include progression to marketing executive, senior marketing executive, or management roles within the marketing department.
ASSUMPTION: While this role is similar to other entry-level marketing positions, the unique opportunities and growth potential at Next Plc set it apart from comparable roles in the industry.
π Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing an affiliate marketing strategy for a new client, including research, planning, and execution.
- Conducting a performance analysis of an existing affiliate marketing campaign and providing data-driven recommendations for improvement.
- Managing relationships with affiliate partners, including recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing communication.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the trainee marketing executive's responsibilities and the skills required to succeed in the role.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a trainee marketing executive within the Total Platform team?
- How does the Total Platform team collaborate with other marketing disciplines within Next Plc?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the marketing team?
- How does Next Plc support work-life balance for its employees, particularly in hybrid work arrangements?
- Can you provide an example of a successful affiliate marketing campaign that the Total Platform team has implemented, and what made it successful?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to provide insight into the role, the team, and the company, helping candidates make an informed decision about their application.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role.
- Prepare for the initial virtual call by researching Next Plc's brand, values, and recent marketing campaigns.
- Practice your presentation skills and be prepared to discuss your ideas for improving affiliate marketing strategies.
- Follow up after the interview to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the role.
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.