Senior Merchandiser

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in fashion retail is seeking a talented Merchandiser to support the Head of Merchandising. This role involves strategic planning and trading of product ranges to maximize profitability. You will analyze historical performance, collaborate with product teams, and develop pricing strategies while managing stock efficiently. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and have a passion for fashion retail, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact and grow within a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Experience in a head office merchandising environment.
• Strong Excel skills and good analytical abilities.

Responsibilities

• Plan and trade product ranges to maximize profits.
• Conduct competitor visits and provide insights for strategy.
• Manage team and develop merchandising processes.

Skills

Excel (advanced)

Analytical skills

Commercial awareness

People management

Problem-solving

Multi-channel retailing

Tools

WSSI

Category planning tools

Job description

Support the Head of Merchandising in all aspects of the Merchandising function. Maximise profit and cash sales through efficient stock management, potentialising sales, and minimising markdowns. Plan and trade each range to ensure profit potential within company objectives, under the guidance of the Head of Merchandising.

Ensure coherent communication strategies for performance and product issues across the business.

Responsibilities:

Planning

• Review historical performance to determine future product strategy, working closely with the Product team.
• Present in commercial sign-off and trade meetings to senior management.
• Provide regular performance reviews across all business channels.
• Review competitor activity with the Buyer to challenge and refine future product strategy.
• Plan internet and retail requirements, propose ranging, and ensure planning aligns with commercial needs.
• Plan new season buys in line with range, category, and segment planning across all channels.
• Determine stock targets, considering stock reduction needs, buffer stocks, retail and e-commerce requirements, and lead times.
• Plan pricing strategy in collaboration with the Product Team to achieve margin targets.
• Provide intake planning details for resource planning.
• Manage WSSI to align trading with KPI budgets.

Trading

• Ensure Monday management pack reconciliation, including stock and sales forecasting validation.
• Establish an ordering critical path based on catalogue schedules and seasonal patterns.
• Potentialise peak trading periods and develop plans for critical times like Christmas and sales.
• Plan promotional activities to align stock levels and sales potential.
• Understand and trade concessions and wholesale aspects of the business.
• Undertake regular store visits, ideally monthly, and produce follow-up reports and action plans.
• Conduct competitor visits regularly, feedback insights, and implement action plans.
• Prioritise and work to key dates and deadlines in planning and trading.
• Maintain high standards of customer service.
• Develop knowledge of merchandising systems, including WSSI and category planning tools.
• Identify and propose improvements to working practices and systems.
• Perform integrity checks to ensure departmental efficiency.
• Maximise the use of the Allocation System to boost sales and profit.

Management, Training, and Development

• Take responsibility for personal development and foster good relationships across the business.
• Review processes regularly and initiate improvements.
• Assist in developing and training the merchandising team.
• Manage the team daily, ensuring effective operation.

Skills and Experience:

• Strong Excel skills, ideally at an advanced level.
• Highly numerate with good analytical skills.
• Knowledge of critical path and product lifecycle relevant to the category.
• Commercial awareness and interest in fashion retail.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Manage heavy workloads and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience in a head office merchandising environment.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and organized.
• Experience in people management.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Flexible, enthusiastic, confident.
• Experience in multi-channel retailing.
• Relevant category experience.
• Enjoy working in a small to medium-sized company.