Senior Assistant Merchandiser

Naylor's Equestrian Llp; Bury; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company seeks a Merchandising Assistant to support the Merchandiser in planning and trading activities. Responsibilities include reviewing performance, developing strategies, managing range plans, and collaborating with various teams to achieve sales and stock objectives.

Responsibilities

• Assist in creating and presenting the department strategy.
• Review weekly trading performance and KPIs.
• Collaborate with the Merchandise Team and Buyer.

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 meet departmental sales, markdown, stock, intake, and profit plans. Serve as a substitute for the Merchandiser in their absence.

Key Responsibilities

Planning

• Review previous season's performance with the Merchandiser and Buyer, capturing lessons learned.
• Assist in creating and presenting the department strategy alongside the Merchandiser and Buyer.
• Review the SMT plan at Buyer Group/Season level annually, applying it at the Category/Season level to meet objectives, with guidance from the Merchandiser.
• Develop quarterly plans at the Category/Season level with the Merchandiser and Buyer to optimize product mix for KPI achievement.
• Ensure the buying aligns with 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 on core styles and take appropriate actions as needed.

Trading

• Review weekly trading performance and KPIs, identifying issues and planning corrective actions for weekly meetings.
• Propose and agree on actions to mitigate risks and maximize opportunities with the Merchandiser and Buyer at category and line levels.
• Document all agreed actions during monthly forecast reviews for relevant categories or departments.
• Attend monthly WSSI meetings with the Merchandiser and Merchandise Manager to approve:
• Sales variance forecasts
• Creation of OTBs
• Management of commitments such as on-time delivery, rebuys, cancellations
• Markdown proposals
• Manage the range plan in-season, reflecting any changes.
• Own the performance of non-organic stores.
• Manage intake at category and line level in collaboration with the team.
• Take responsibility for concept stores.

Teamwork

• Report to the Merchandiser.
• Collaborate with the Merchandise Team.
• Work closely with the Buyer.
• Develop relationships with Store Operations, Visuals, Marketing, DC, etc., as appropriate.

Key Deliverables – Year 1

• Complete all system training courses to utilize the system fully.
• Follow the Merchandise Calendar delivery plans and forecasts.
• Achieve company sales, margins, and stock plans.