We are seeking a commercially focused and highly organised Footwear Merchandiser to take full ownership of one of the fastest-growing categories within a leading UK fashion brand. This is a pivotal role in shaping seasonal footwear ranges, ensuring stock is managed effectively and sales and margins are maximised across retail, ecommerce, and wholesale channels. Based at their brand-new, state-of-the-art headquarters, this is an exciting opportunity to influence the future growth of the footwear category in a dynamic fashion business.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the merchandising strategy for the footwear department, ensuring seasonal ranges meet commercial targets.
- Analyse weekly sales and stock performance, highlighting risks and opportunities to maximise profit.
- Manage the full lifecycle of footwear product lines - from intake through to markdown strategy.
- Maintain and update the WSSI, ensuring stock levels, intake, and open-to-buy are aligned to budgets and KPIs.
- Work closely with Buyers to deliver balanced ranges by category (casual, formal, seasonal, sports-inspired), ensuring the right price points and mix across channels.
- Monitor sell-through rates and availability, taking action on repeats, cancellations, and rebuys where necessary.
- Provide accurate forecasts to inform planning and ensure continuity of best-selling footwear styles.
- Track competitor and market trends within footwear to support commercial decisions and drive innovation.
- Collaborate with Logistics, Finance, and Retail to ensure smooth deliveries and stock flow.
- Build strong supplier relationships, negotiating costs and delivery timelines specific to footwear production.
- Support seasonal sign-off meetings with clear data-driven insights on category performance.
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience in merchandising, ideally with specific expertise in footwear (men's, women's, or both).
- Strong commercial awareness and a genuine passion for footwear product.
- Solid understanding of footwear lifecycle - including fit approvals, size ratios, and supplier lead times.
- Excellent analytical and forecasting skills with advanced Excel knowledge.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage complex critical paths across multiple suppliers.
- Confident communicator with proven ability to influence Buyers, Suppliers, and Senior Stakeholders.
- Resilient, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
- A degree in a relevant discipline (business, merchandising, fashion) desirable.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Office based role.
- Staff discount and seasonal footwear allowance.
- Modern HQ with excellent facilities.
- Strong career progression opportunities within a growing fashion business.