Senior Assistant Merchandiser

JD Sports Fashion Plc; Bury; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

JD Sports Fashion Plc is seeking a Merchandise Planner to collaborate with the Merchandiser and Buyer. This role involves analyzing past performance, developing strategies, and ensuring product distribution aligns with sales targets. Candidates should possess strong analytical skills and a collaborative mindset, with opportunities for personal development and staff discounts.

Benefits

Staff discounts on JD Group and other brands

Personal development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in merchandise planning or a similar role.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to forecast sales.
• Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Merchandiser to optimize product distribution.
• Monitor weekly trading performance and propose corrective actions.
• Develop quarterly plans to achieve KPIs.

Skills

Collaboration

Analytical Skills

Strategic Planning

Problem Solving

Job description

JD Sports - Head Office, Warwick House, Bury, Bury, United Kingdom Req #1068

15 May 2025

Established in 1981 with a single store in the Northwest of England, the JD Group is a leading omni-channel retailer of Sports Fashion, Outdoors, and Gyms, with colleagues working across various retail fascias in many markets worldwide.

JD Sports Fashion Plc was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1996, has been a FTSE100 company since 2019, and continues to grow both in the UK and internationally.

Our goal is to be the leading global omnichannel retailer in the sports and outdoor industry. To achieve this, we seek individuals who are committed to our strategic goals of being a people-led, innovative, and customer-focused organization that delivers operational excellence and explores new growth areas as part of their daily objectives.

Reporting to: Merchandiser

Key Objective: Collaborate with the Merchandiser to ensure products are appropriately distributed across stores to meet sales, markdown, stock, intake, and profit targets. Serve as a substitute for the Merchandiser when necessary.

Key Responsibilities

Planning

• Review previous season's performance with the Merchandiser and Buyer to extract lessons learned.
• Assist in creating and presenting departmental strategies alongside the Merchandiser and Buyer.
• Review and apply the SMT plan at Buyer Group/Season level to meet overall targets.
• Develop quarterly plans at the Category/Season level to optimize product mix and achieve KPIs.
• Ensure alignment between the buy and the planned buy.
• Take ownership of the quarterly range plan at the store level in collaboration with the Merchandiser and Buyer.
• Participate in selection meetings with the Merchandiser, Buyer, and suppliers.
• Maintain Line Cards for core styles and take appropriate actions.

Trading

• Monitor weekly trading performance and KPIs, identifying issues and corrective actions.
• Propose and implement actions to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities with the Merchandiser and Buyer.
• Record all agreed actions in monthly forecast reviews.
• Attend monthly WSSI meetings to review sales forecasts and incorporate necessary adjustments.
• Forecast sales variances and create OTBs accordingly.
• Manage commitments such as on-time delivery, rebuys, and cancellations.
• Develop markdown strategies and manage in-season range adjustments.
• Oversee the performance of non-organic stores.
• Manage intake at category and line levels in collaboration with the team.
• Take responsibility for concept stores.

Teamwork

• Report directly to the Merchandiser.
• Collaborate with the Merchandise Team and Buyer.
• Build relationships with Store Operations, Visuals, Marketing, DC, and other departments.
• Complete all system training courses for full system utilization.
• Adhere to the Merchandise Calendar delivery plans and forecasts.
• Achieve company sales, margin, and stock plan targets.

We recognize our colleagues' efforts in making JD Sports a success. We offer benefits such as staff discounts on JD Group and other brands, along with personal development opportunities to enhance skills and career growth.