Merchandiser

JD GROUP; Bury; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic leader to drive Channel Sales and Profit Plans from their Bury office. This role involves strategic planning, team development, and cross-functional collaboration to achieve business objectives. The ideal candidate will possess a strong commercial focus and proven experience in retail management, particularly within the sports or fashion sectors. Join a forward-thinking company that values excellence, teamwork, and innovation, and make a significant impact on the business's success.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a similar role is essential.
• Strong commercial focus and numeracy skills are vital.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team to deliver Channel Sales and Profit Plans.
• Review weekly trading performance and propose actions to maximize opportunities.
• Collaborate with various departments to ensure alignment.

Skills

Team Leadership

Strategic Planning

Numerical Analysis

Commercial Awareness

Communication Skills

Education

Experience in Retail Management

Experience in Sports/Fashion Retail

Job description

Role Overview: JD Group Head Office, Bury, Greater Manchester. To lead the team to deliver all Channel Sales, Markdown, Stock, Intake, and Profit Plans. Drive business change to achieve company goals/objectives.

Key Duties/Responsibilities:

Strategy (10%)

• With the Buyer, review previous season and capture lessons learned.
• With the Buyer, create the strategy for the department and present it.
• Drive team development supporting the business to facilitate internal promotions and succession planning.

Plan (35%)

• Approve the proposed grading from the trading Merchandiser for input into the assortment planning process.
• Review the SMT plan at Buyer Group/Season annually and apply the plan at Category/Season level to meet the Buyer Group/Season plan.
• Quarterly plan at Category/Season level with the Buyer to submit a plan on the System that reflects the best possible product mix to deliver KPIs.
• Formulate range plan at Store level in conjunction with the Buyer quarterly.
• Attend selection/pre-selection meetings with the Buyer and suppliers.
• Plan the Pre Scheduling to meet the range plan – in conjunction with Assistant Merchandisers.

Stock (5%)

• Overview the ratios for all buys in conjunction with Assistant Merchandiser.
• Ensure that the Buy matches the plan Buy.
• Manage Intake at category and line level.

Trade (50%)

• Review weekly trading performance and achieved KPIs, identifying issues and the course of action in preparation for weekly trading meetings.
• Propose and agree on actions to recover risks and maximise opportunities with the Buyer at category and line level.
• Monthly – Capture all agreed actions in the monthly forecast reviews.
• Work up the forecast from category/Season level to Buyer Group.
• Meet and gain approval, including:
• Forecasting sales variances to plan.
• Creation of OTBs.
• Management of commitments – on-time delivery, rebuys, cancellations.
• Markdown proposals.
• Provide Retail with Merchandising aids through the Store Allocators.
• Manage the range plan in Season, reflecting any changes.
• Create and monitor sell-out dates against all products.
• Establish collaborative working relationships across functions including Online, Store Operations, Visuals, Marketing, Finance, DC, and Stores.

Behavioural

• Delivering Excellence: Work at a consistently high standard and with enthusiasm to deliver high-quality service.
• Responsibility: Take ownership of your work and use your initiative to deliver; be accountable for your actions and decisions.
• Team Work: Collaborate effectively, share information, support colleagues, and seek expertise and solutions from relevant stakeholders.
• Leadership: Lead by example through your behaviours and professional approach; inspire colleagues and drive results.
• Communication: Communicate clearly and concisely, ensuring messages are understood by all.

Skills/Experience/Knowledge Needed

• Experience within a similar role is essential.
• Experience within a sports/fashion retailer is advantageous.
• Highly numerate with a strong commercial focus.
• Proven deliverables within previous roles.