Head of Merchandising

White Stuff; Willesden; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fashion retailer in Willesden is seeking a Head of Merchandising to drive commercial performance through strategic planning and stock management. The ideal candidate will have senior merchandising experience and strong leadership skills in a multi-channel retail environment. You will oversee range planning, ensure optimal stock levels, and lead a high-performing team, all while championing the brand's values and innovative practices. Competitive benefits include an annual bonus, holiday, and healthcare packages.

Benefits

Annual bonus opportunity

Up to 28 days holiday

50% discount

Subsidised BUPA Dental Insurance

Healthcare cash plan

Life Assurance

Interest free season ticket loan

Pension Contribution

Qualifications

• Proven senior merchandising experience within a multi-channel retail environment.
• Strong strategic planning and commercial acumen.
• Expertise in range planning and stock management.

Responsibilities

• Drive the commercial performance of the brand through strategic range planning.
• Ensure optimal stock levels across all channels.
• Lead and develop the merchandising team.

Skills

Strategic planning

Commercial acumen

Analytical capability

Leadership skills

Merchandising experience

Job description

White Stuff was established in 1985 through a simple idea. This idea grew and now we have shops and concessions in the UK and internationally, selling women’s and men’s clothing as well as beautiful accessories and homeware. Our original prints (all designed in house), intricate details and considered design touches reflect our personality and make us subtly distinctive.

Our people are at the heart of our brand, constantly moving and driving us forward. We’re sociable, talented and like minded and we’re not hierarchical or political in how we do business. We encourage entrepreneurial ideas and accountability at all levels.

Who you are:

You are a commercially sharp, customer‑focused merchandising leader who combines strategic thinking with hands‑on in‑season trading expertise. You’re confident shaping financial plans, optimising stock, and driving profitable growth across multi‑channel retail. You collaborate naturally with Buying, Design and channels, bringing clarity, data‑driven insight and a calm, solutions‑focused approach. You build and inspire high‑performing teams, role‑model White Stuff’s values, and balance creativity with strong commercial judgement. Above all, you understand product, you understand the customer, and you know how to deliver results.

Primary objective of the job:

The Head of Merchandising is a key leadership role responsible for driving the commercial performance of White Stuff through strategic range planning, demand forecasting, stock optimisation and in‑season trade management. The role ensures that customer demand is met profitably across all channels, supports growth ambitions, and strengthens White Stuff’s position as a distinctive, design‑led lifestyle brand.

This position leads the merchandising function, partnering closely with Design, Buying, Retail, Finance and Channels to deliver a cohesive product strategy that balances creativity with strong commercial returns.

What you’ll be doing:

Strategic Leadership

• Define and lead the end‑to‑end merchandising strategy across all product categories, ensuring alignment with White Stuff’s brand values and commercial goals.
• Shape seasonal financial plans including sales, margin, stock, markdown and terminal stock targets.
• Influence and guide long‑term growth strategies, including category development, channel expansion and enhanced stock efficiency.

Range Planning & Trading

• Oversee the creation of balanced, customer‑focused ranges that drive full‑price sell‑through, minimise risk and maximise profit.
• Lead seasonal planning cycles, ensuring clear KPI ownership, budget adherence and effective alignment with Buying and Design.
• Drive weekly and in‑season trade, making decisive recommendations on opportunities, risks, markdowns and stock movements to optimise performance.

Stock Management

• Ensure optimal stock levels across stores, online and concessions, improving availability while managing cash and inventory exposure.
• Oversee WSSI performance, intake management, commitment phasing and terminal stock reduction plans.
• Champion continuous improvement in forecasting, allocation and replenishment processes.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with the Heads of Buying & Design to deliver a cohesive product strategy rooted in customer insight and commercial rigour.
• Work with Retail and Digital teams to support channel performance, space planning and promotional strategy.
• Collaborate with Finance to deliver accurate forecasting, scenario planning and budget management.

Leadership

• Lead, inspire and develop the merchandising team, building capability, succession and a high‑performance culture.
• Foster a collaborative, empowered environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement.
• Role‑model White Stuff’s values, ensuring inclusive leadership and strong cross‑team partnership.

What you’ll need:

• Proven senior merchandising experience within a multi‑channel retail environment, exposure to wholesale and concessions would be preferable.
• Strong strategic planning and commercial acumen, with a track record of delivering profitable growth.
• Expertise in range planning, forecasting, stock management and in‑season trading.
• Excellent analytical capability, able to simplify complexity and make data‑led decisions.
• Inspirational leadership skills with experience developing high‑performing teams.

What we will offer you:

• Annual bonus opportunity
• Up to 28 days holiday per annum
• 50% discount
• Subsidised BUPA Dental Insurance
• Healthcare cash plan and Life Assurance
• Interest free season ticket loan
• Pension Contribution

We are committed to creating an environment where we can all be proud to work and be ourselves. Part of this commitment is being an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, and age.

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