Role: Merchandiser
Position Type: Fixed Term (6 months), Full-Time (35 hours)
Location: Havant, Hampshire (Hybrid working - 3 days per week in the office)
Who are we?
For over 30 years, we've traveled, laughed, and grown. We believe life is for living and is more fun with loved ones. Our purpose is to bring style and positivity to our customers' lives through our clothing, actions, and values. We are Made for Life. Equality and inclusion are standards, not aspirations.
We promote and foster equality within our workforce to create an inclusive environment where everyone can connect with colleagues, customers, and communities without prejudice, racism, sexism, harassment, bullying, or marginalization.
Role Summary
To plan and manage key KPIs such as sales, stock, and markdowns to maximize sales and margins across channels, and to achieve terminal stock targets.
Role Responsibilities
1. Collaborate cross-functionally with the product team to develop department product strategies aligned with overall company goals, including proposing financial parameters and ensuring successful implementation.
2. Create weekly and seasonal plans by channel and category for sales, margins, stock, and markdowns, considering trading history and upcoming events.
3. Develop a range plan at the grade level that meets strategic channel, financial, and space requirements.
4. Work closely with the DBMS team to develop and select a balanced, commercial range that delivers the product strategy, obtaining management approval.
5. Plan seasonal pricing and promotional activities in partnership with the Buyer, aligned with overall strategy and supported by financial analysis.
6. Contribute to and implement supplier strategies with short, medium, and long-term plans for partnerships, development, and improvement.
7. Conduct weekly re-forecasting of product lines and department forecasts to maximize profitability and control stock levels, highlighting trading opportunities and risks.
8. Review, propose, and cost markdown events and promotions, assessing their impact on margin and profit.
9. Manage stock availability to ensure maximum profitability, meeting launch dates, and optimizing stock levels across channels.
10. Oversee order placement with suppliers, monitor stock progress, review quantities, shipment modes, and delivery dates, and keep product systems updated.
11. Participate in cross-functional activities such as retail operations, visual merchandising, finance, and logistics.
12. Lead and motivate your merchandising team through performance management, development, and appraisals, ensuring alignment with company goals.
13. Contribute to the company's sustainability strategy.
Skills and Experience
* Business-related Degree
* Proven merchandising experience at Junior Merchandiser or Merchandiser level
* Previous retail experience essential
* Team management and task delegation skills
* Highly numerate with data interpretation skills for decision-making, budgeting, and financial planning
* Strong communication and influencing skills at all levels
* Ability to present complex information clearly
* Excellent planning and organizational skills with adaptability to changing business needs
Role Competencies
* Thorough understanding of merchandising principles and systems
* Knowledge of critical path and product lifecycle
* Understanding of customer profiles, product ranges, and competitors
* Proficiency in Excel, BI, and product systems
* Brand and commercial awareness
Key Contacts and Relationships
Includes team members in D, B, M, Sourcing, Brand, Channels (retail, e-commerce, wholesale, partners), Logistics, Directors, and Suppliers.
Resources Managed
* Brand integrity and product alignment with brand identity
* Company and external relationships
* Financial performance within the category
* Stock levels and profitability
* Leadership and development of direct reports
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