Manager, Own Brand Merchandiser

Liverpool Football Club; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Manager, Own Brand Merchandiser to lead category management and drive financial success. This full-time role involves overseeing product categories, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring alignment with sales and margin targets. You will be responsible for managing supplier relationships and leading key projects, all while promoting best practices in merchandising. Join a team that values equality and diversity, and contribute to an inclusive workplace while enjoying competitive benefits and opportunities for personal growth.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Contributory pension

High street discounts

Benefits schemes

Volunteering opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in category management and merchandising.
• Strong understanding of sales forecasting and inventory management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee category management and lead category merchandisers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align business objectives.

Skills

Category Management

Financial Management

Sales Forecasting

Inventory Management

Team Leadership

Data Analysis

Education

Experience in Category Management

Experience in Supply Chain Operations

Tools

WMS

ERP

BI Tools

Excel

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for an individual to join our Liverpool FC team as Manager, Own Brand Merchandiser. You will be responsible for overseeing and managing key own brand product categories, ensuring alignment between category strategy and operational execution.

This role involves leading category merchandisers, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and supporting the Senior Manager to shape product ranges and control financial and operational outcomes. Additionally, the role ensures that product selections, sourcing, inventory, and delivery align with sales and margin targets while supporting the retail strategy for Liverpool Football Club.

What will you be doing?

1. Category Management & Team Leadership: Oversee day-to-day category management for all own-brand categories. Lead and support category merchandisers in managing BAU duties.
2. Financial Management & Budgeting: Collaborate with the Senior Manager to control spend, meet budgets, sales forecasts, and margin targets, and drive revenue growth.
3. Cross-functional Collaboration: Liaise between teams like Product Development, Supply Chain, and Finance to shape product ranges and align business objectives.
4. Best Practice Sharing & Process Improvement: Promote best practices and continuous improvement across buying and merchandising teams.
5. Supplier & Stakeholder Relationship Management: Develop strong relationships focusing on quotations, lead times, and service levels.
6. Product Development & Range Shaping: Work with Product Development to influence product ranges aligned with category goals and customer preferences.
7. Inventory & Order Management: Ensure accurate purchase orders, manage rebuy processes, and monitor supplier performance.
8. Forecasting & Replenishment: Lead planning and forecasting, collaborating with Finance, Product, and Supply Chain teams.
9. Visual Merchandising & Stock Distribution: Collaborate with Visual Merchandising to optimize stock placement and support brand strategy.
10. Sales Data Analysis & Reporting: Analyze sales data, identify trends, and prepare reports for strategic planning.
11. Markdown & Promotional Strategy: Support markdown activities aligned with margin and financial goals.
12. Project Leadership: Lead key projects like store openings, refits, and technology integrations to ensure successful implementation.

Who are we looking for?

Proven experience in category management, merchandising, and supply chain operations in a sports or similar industry. Strong understanding of sales forecasting, demand planning, inventory management, and financial acumen. Experience managing teams and driving performance. Proficiency with WMS, ERP, BI tools, and Excel for data analysis. Familiarity with procurement, sourcing, and supplier management.

Why should you apply?

This is a full-time, permanent role working 35 hours per week, mainly based at our Distribution Centre. We offer a competitive salary, 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays and option to purchase extra days), contributory pension, high street discounts, and benefits schemes. Opportunities for volunteering through LFC Foundation are available.

Liverpool FC is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, maintaining high standards and leading initiatives in this area. We aim to hire diverse talent and foster an inclusive workplace. We also prioritize safeguarding and the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.