Merchandise Manager

Pro:Direct Sport Ltd; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading eCommerce retailer in Exeter seeks a dynamic Merchandise Manager to oversee planning and financial performance across product categories. Responsibilities include forecasting sales, planning inventory, and collaborating with Buying, Marketing, and Operations teams. Ideal candidates have strong analytical and communication skills along with knowledge of retail trends. The role offers a hybrid work option and numerous employee benefits, including generous leave, pension contributions, and discounts.

Benefits

33 days of annual leave

Paid sick leave

7% employer pension contribution

Staff discount up to 30%

Discounted gym membership

Annual pay reviews

Free annual flu jabs

Casual work attire

Qualifications

• Demonstrated analytical capabilities for forecasting and budgeting.
• Strong collaboration skills with various teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Align financial objectives with planning across retail channels.
• Set and achieve financial targets based on historical data.
• Control budgets and forecasts to meet Retail Plan goals.

Skills

Strong analytical and numerical skills

Excellent communication skills

Attention to detail

Knowledge of retail industry trends

Creative problem-solving skills

Ability to work under pressure

Understanding of merchandising principles

Team player

Customer-focused solutions

Job description

Are you a commercially minded and data driven planner with a passion for retail? Pro Direct are a fast growing eCommerce retailer looking for a dynamic Merchandise Manager to join their team and play a pivotal role in shaping our product strategy and inventory performance. As a Merchandise Manager, you’ll be responsible for leading the planning process and financial performance across all product categories. Working closely with the Buying teams, Marketing and Operations, you will forecast sales, plan inventory, and drive strategies that maximise opportunity, sales, margin, and stock efficiency. The role is based at our HQ in Newton Abbot, Devon, but there will be an option to work one day a week from home.

Responsibilities

• Responding to top‑down planning objectives to drive alignment on financial objectives across the business and aligning retail channels, departments and product categories to a Retail Plan.
• Setting financial targets in the context of historical sales, profitability data, inventory optimisation, overarching trends, patterns, seasonal fluctuations, competitive landscape and all external factors that impact costs, pricing strategy, sales and profitability.
• Ensuring reconciliation and achievement of financial goals within the Retail Plan and Merchandise Plans, including revenue by channel, sell‑through, margin, and target inventory.
• Providing overall control of the budgets and forecasts for each department and category to ensure achievement of the Retail Plan, identifying opportunities, developing innovative solutions and effectively communicating back to stakeholders.

Qualifications & Skills

• Strong analytical and numerical skills for forecasting and budgeting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with various teams.
• Attention to detail and the ability to multitask for managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of retail industry trends and consumer behaviour.
• Creative problem‑solving skills for developing effective merchandising strategies.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Understanding of merchandising principles and techniques; a true team player who works hard and plays hard together.
• A true desire to deliver outstanding customer‑focused solutions.
• We don’t have time for lone wolves – we build everything together.

Location & Working Arrangements

The role is based at our HQ in Newton Abbot, Devon, with an option to work one day a week from home.

Company Culture & Benefits

• Team ProDirect is built on a passion for sport, product, and service.
• 33 days of annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays).
• 5 days paid sick leave.
• 7% Total Salary Employer Pension Contribution.
• Staff discount of up to 30% (Pro:Direct) and 40% (Do Clothing).
• Seasonal shutdown over the Christmas period with a gifted day of leave.
• Discounted Gym Membership through Premier Gym, Newton Abbot; national gym discounts through Hussle and Nuffield Health.
• Access to our Healthcare Scheme through AXA Health.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) through AXA Health for staff & family members.
• Annual Pay Reviews and Appraisals.
• 'Refer a friend' policy, with bonus rewards for successful referrals.
• Free annual flu jabs.
• Enhanced sick pay scheme for staff with over 5 years length‑of‑service.
• Casual work attire.