Senior Assistant Merchandiser

JD Sports Fashion Plc; Luton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

JD Sports Fashion Plc is seeking a Merchandise Analyst to collaborate with the Merchandiser in optimizing product placement and performance. The role involves strategic planning, monitoring trading KPIs, and ensuring alignment with sales targets. Successful candidates will have a strong analytical background and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Benefits

Staff discounts across JD Group and other brands

Personal development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in retail merchandising or a similar role.
• Strong analytical and communication skills are essential.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Merchandiser to ensure product placement aligns with sales.
• Monitor weekly trading performance and KPIs.
• Develop quarterly plans at the Category/Season level.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business or related field

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 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.

We aim to be the leading global omnichannel retailer in the sports and outdoor industry. To contribute to this success, you should be committed to our strategic goals of being a people-led, innovative, and customer-focused organization that excels operationally and seeks new growth opportunities.

Reporting to: Merchandiser

Key Objective: Collaborate with the Merchandiser to ensure product placement aligns with sales, markdown, stock, intake, and profit plans. Serve as a substitute for the Merchandiser when necessary.

Key Responsibilities

Planning

• Review previous season with the Merchandiser and Buyer to learn lessons learned.
• Create and present departmental strategies alongside the Merchandiser and Buyer.
• Review the SMT plan at Buyer Group/Season annually and implement it at the Category/Season level.
• Develop quarterly plans at the Category/Season level reflecting optimal product mix to meet KPIs.
• Ensure buy-in matches the plan.
• Own 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.

Trading

• Monitor weekly trading performance and KPIs, identifying issues and corrective actions.
• Propose and agree on actions to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities with the Merchandiser and Buyer.
• Document actions in monthly forecast reviews for relevant categories.
• Attend monthly WSSI meetings with the Merchandiser and Merchandise Manager to gain approval.
• Forecast sales variances and create OTBs.
• Manage commitments such as on-time delivery and rebuys cancellations.
• Propose markdown strategies.
• Adjust the range plan seasonally as needed.
• Oversee the performance of non-organic stores.
• Manage intake at the category and line level with the team.
• Handle responsibilities for concept stores.

Teamwork

• Report to the Merchandiser.
• Collaborate with the Merchandise Team and Buyer.
• Build relationships with Store Operations, Visuals, Marketing, Distribution Centers, etc.
• Complete system training courses for full system utilization.
• Follow the Merchandise Calendar and delivery plans.
• Achieve sales, margin, and stock targets.

We value our colleagues' efforts and offer benefits such as staff discounts across JD Group and other brands, along with personal development opportunities.