Merchandiser / Account Manager

The Retail Partnership Ltd; Leicester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing fashion supplier based in Leicester seeks a proactive Merchandiser / Account Manager to manage key customer accounts and ensure product ranges meet expectations. The role involves relationship management, liaising with overseas factories, and overseeing production processes. Ideally, the candidate will have experience in a fashion supplier environment, excellent communication skills, and a collaborative attitude in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• Experience in account management or wholesale merchandising within a fashion supplier environment.
• Knowledge of product and an understanding of fabric, quality, and cost implications.
• Strong understanding of lead times, production processes, and critical path management.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day running of key customer accounts.
• Act as the main point of contact for merchandisers.
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure product ranges meet expectations.
• Monitor and manage lead times to ensure all deadlines are met.
• Prepare for and attend customer meetings, presenting updates.
• Liaise with overseas factories for price negotiation and order quantities.
• Own and manage the critical path for timely approvals.
• Chase approval of lab dips and bulk quality.

Skills

Account management

Wholesale merchandising

Communication skills

Critical path management

Job description

We are partnering with a rapidly growing fashion supplier based in Leicester who are looking for a proactive, commercially minded Merchandiser / Account Manager to join the team. This business works with leading high-street retailers and is known for its fast-paced, collaborative, and supportive culture.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is ready to make a real impact within an ambitious and expanding team.

Main responsibilities will include:

• Manage the day-to-day running of key customer accounts
• Act as the main point of contact for merchandisers, building strong, professional, and solution-driven relationships
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure product ranges meet customer expectations
• Monitor and manage lead times to ensure all deadlines, deliveries, and approvals are met
• Prepare for and attend customer meetings, presenting updates and product progress
• Liaise with overseas factories to oversee price negotiation, lead times, and order quantities, ensuring commercial viability
• Own and manage the critical path, ensuring accurate tracking and timely approvals
• Chase the approval of lab dips, strike-offs, and bulk quality in collaboration with the technical team
• Provide weekly updates, reports, and key account performance insights to the wider team

Person Specification:

• Experience in account management or wholesale merchandising within a fashion supplier environment
• Knowledge of product and an understanding of fabric, quality, and cost implications
• Confident working with offshore factories; China or similar region experience is advantageous
• Strong understanding of lead times, production processes, and critical path management
• Excellent communication skills with a customer-first mindset
• Positive, proactive, and collaborative attitude with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment