Senior Assistant Merchandiser

JD GROUP; Bury; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the retail sector seeks a dedicated individual to support the Merchandiser in achieving sales and stock plans. The role involves strategic planning, trading management, and teamwork to ensure optimal product placement and performance across stores. You will analyze trading data, adjust plans as necessary, and collaborate with various teams to meet departmental objectives. This position offers an opportunity to contribute significantly to the company's success while developing your skills in merchandising.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Merchandiser to ensure products are in the right stores.
• Review weekly trading performance and KPIs.
• Manage intake at the category and line level.

Job description

Reporting to: Merchandiser

Operating Ratio: 60/40 Current / Future

Key Objective: Working alongside the Merchandiser to ensure all products are in the right stores to achieve departmental sales, markdown, stock, intake, and profit plans. Substitute for the Merchandiser in their absence.

Key Responsibilities

Planning

1. Review previous season with the Merchandiser and Buyer, capturing lessons learned.
2. Create the department strategy with the Merchandiser and Buyer and present it.
3. Review the SMT plan at Buyer Group/Season annually with guidance from the Merchandiser, and apply the plan at the Category/Season level to meet departmental targets.
4. Develop a quarterly plan at the Category/Season level with the Merchandiser and Buyer, reflecting the optimal product mix to meet KPIs.
5. Ensure the Buy matches the planned Buy.
6. Own the quarterly range plan at the Store level in collaboration with the Merchandiser and Buyer.
7. Participate in selection meetings with the Merchandiser, Buyer, and suppliers.
8. Maintain Line Cards on core styles and take appropriate actions.

Trading

1. Review weekly trading performance and KPIs, identify issues, and plan corrective actions for weekly meetings.
2. Propose and agree on actions to mitigate risks and maximize opportunities with the Merchandiser and Buyer at category and line level.
3. Record all agreed actions in monthly forecast reviews for relevant categories or departments.
4. Attend monthly WSSI meetings with the Merchandiser and Merchandise Manager to approve forecasts, including sales variance analysis, OTB creation, commitment management, and markdown proposals.
5. Manage the range plan during the season, adjusting for any changes.
6. Take ownership of the performance of non-organic stores.
7. Manage intake at the category and line level with the team.
8. Oversee concept stores.

Teamwork

1. Report to the Merchandiser.
2. Collaborate with the Merchandise Team and Buyer.
3. Develop relationships with Store Operations, Visuals, Marketing, DC, etc., as appropriate.

Key Deliverables – Year 1

1. Complete all system training courses to utilize the system fully.
2. Adhere to the Merchandise Calendar, delivery plans, and forecasts.
3. Achieve company sales, margin, and stock plans.