Assistant Merchandiser

JR United Kingdom; Havant; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Assistant Merchandiser to join their dynamic team. This role is pivotal in ensuring the right products are available at the right time, driving sales through data analysis and stock management. You'll collaborate closely with various teams to forecast and optimize product availability, making a significant impact on customer satisfaction. If you have a passion for retail and a keen eye for detail, this position offers a fantastic opportunity to grow in a supportive and inclusive environment. Join a company that values equality and personal development while crafting clothes for life's everyday adventures.

Benefits

Online discounts via Perkbox

Access to learning management system THRIVE

Dental Insurance

EAP support around the clock

Critical illness/Death in service for Salaried staff

Eye Tests/contributions to glasses

Sabbatical leave in line with service

Enhanced Family Friendly policies

Qualifications

• Previous experience as an Allocator, Trainee Merchandiser or Assistant Merchandiser.
• Strong numerical ability and experience with Excel and reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Support the Merchandising team to ensure product availability and drive sales.
• Assist in forecasting, allocations, and trading decisions for seamless customer experience.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication

Organisational Skills

Retail Background

Market Insight

Tech Savvy

Team Player

Tools

Excel

Reporting Tools

Product Lifecycle Management Systems

Job description

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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

1. Input into the department strategy, producing historical analysis as required.
2. Assist in the creation of the department forecasting and building of range plans, taking traded history and planned future events into consideration.
3. Produce and maintain line flows reflecting up to date forecasts, commitment and ensure all contracts are reported correctly on the system.
4. Feedback current performance to the Merchandiser and make suggestions for repeats, cancellations and markdowns, understanding the implications on profitability.
5. Propose and cost markdown events and promotional activity.
6. Oversee the availability of stock to ensure launch dates are met and intake targets are achieved in line with forecasts.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Input into cross functional activity as required eg. retail operations, Visual Merchandising and Logistics.
11. Supervise, train and develop the Trainee Merchandiser where appropriate.
12. Develop self through personal development, store and competitor visits as well as building on your understanding of other functions within the business.
13. Deputise for the Merchandiser as required.
14. 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.
• 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:

• 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.

Benefits:

• 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)
• EAP support around the clock- UNUM/Retail Trust/ Fashion Textiles Support
• Critical illness/Death in service for Salaried staff
• Eye Tests/contributions to glasses
• Sabbatical leave in line with service
• Enhanced Family Friendly policies i.e. Maternity Leave