Role: Assistant Merchandiser
Position Type: Permanent, Full-Time (35 hours)
Location: Havant, Hampshire (Hybrid working- 3 days per week office based)
Who are we?
For over 30 years, we’ve travelled, we’ve laughed, we’ve grown. We believe life is for living and more fun with those we love. We are Made for Life.
Our mission statement:
Crafting clothes for life’s everyday adventures. Today, tomorrow and always.
Our Product formula:
Considered style. Trusted Quality. B Corp certified.
Equality and inclusion isn’t an aspiration but the standard. We promote and drive equality within our workforce to ignite an inclusive foundation for us all to build from and truly connect with our customers, colleagues, and communities alike. You play a key part in creating an environment free from prejudice, racism, sexism, harassment, bullying and any other form of marginalisation in our workplaces.
Role Summary
As an Assistant Merchandiser, you will play a key role in supporting the Merchandising team to ensure the right product is in the right place, at the right time. You will help drive sales and profitability by analysing data, managing stock levels, and optimizing product availability.
Working closely with Buying, Merchandising, and Retail teams, you will assist in forecasting, allocations, and trading decisions, ensuring a seamless customer experience. This role is perfect for someone with a keen eye for detail, strong analytical skills, and a passion for retail.
Role Responsibilities
• Input into the department strategy, producing historical analysis as required.
• Assist in the creation of the department forecasting and building of range plans, taking traded history and planned future events into consideration.
• Produce and maintain line flows reflecting up to date forecasts, commitment and ensure all contracts are reported correctly on the system.
• Feedback current performance to the Merchandiser and make suggestions for repeats, cancellations and markdowns, understanding the implications on profitability.
• Propose and cost markdown events and promotional activity.
• Oversee the availability of stock to ensure launch dates are met and intake targets are achieved in line with forecasts.
• Under the direction of the Merchandiser, place orders with suppliers and manage the progress of stock into the business, reviewing quantities, shipment modes and delivery dates. Keep the product systems up to date with the latest information.
• Review the performance of stock between all channels and suggest appropriate action, such as transfers of stock between DC’s or store distribution extensions/restrictions.
• Undertake analysis of category/season/product performance on an ongoing basis and feedback lessons learnt to influence merchandising decisions both in season and for the future.
• Input into cross functional activity as required eg. retail operations, Visual Merchandising and Logistics
• Supervise, train and develop the Trainee Merchandiser where appropriate.
• Develop self through personal development, store and competitor visits as well as building on your understanding of other functions within the business.
• Deputise for the Merchandiser as required.
• Play your part in delivering the company sustainability strategy.
Skills and Experience
• Experience: Previous experience as an Allocator, Trainee Merchandiser or Assistant Merchandiser.
• Analytical Skills: Strong numerical ability and experience with Excel and reporting tools.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication, with strong negotiation and presentation skills.
• Organisational Skills: Effective planning and self-organisation capabilities.
• Retail Background: Experience in a retail environment is ideal, with knowledge of merchandising principles and systems.
Role Competencies
• Market Insight: Understand customer profiles, product ranges, and competitors.
• Tech Savvy: Proficient in Excel, reporting and product lifecycle management systems.
• Team Player: Strong cross-functional and collaboration skills
Key Contacts and Relationships:
• Design, Buying, Merchandising, Sourcing, Quality
• Logistics
• Retail, Ecom, Wholesale & Partners
• Brand team
Accountable for Resources:
• Stock (forecasting and movement) and availability
• Accuracy of information on internal systems
• Company integrity - relationship with externals
• Financial – ensure profitability of category through stock management.
FatFace Benefits
* 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
* Perkbox our online platform to use from day one (this includes amazing online discounts, home workouts, wellbeing content, popular brand discounts etc.)
* THRIVE – Our learning management system- access from day one with 1000’s of pieces of learning
* Dental Insurance (employee funded)
* Pension scheme
* EAP support around the clock- UNUM/Retail Trust/ Fashion Textiles Support
* Critical illness/Death in service for Salaried staff
* Sick pay allowances
* O2 phone discount
* Eye Tests/contributions to glasses
* Sabbatical leave in line with service
* Enhanced Family Friendly polices i.e. Maternity Leave
* Refer a friend scheme