Senior Merchandiser

WolfStone Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

WolfStone Recruitment is seeking a Senior Merchandiser for a renowned fashion brand in Manchester. You will lead a talented team to deliver planning, forecasting and trading excellence across a diverse, design-led product range.

You’ll own WSSI forecasting, collaborate with Buying to shape seasonal direction and drive the development of balanced, fashion-forward product assortments. The role blends strategic oversight with hands-on leadership and is based in the Manchester Head Office.

Qualifications

• Strong merchandising experience in fashion
• Expertise in planning, forecasting, WSSI and OTB
• Numerate with data-driven decision making

Responsibilities

• Own departmental WSSI and deliver accurate forecasting across demand, OTB and margin
• Partner with Buying to shape seasonal strategy and steer creative direction with insights
• Lead development of seasonal and quarterly plans with balanced, fashion-forward product mix
• Analyse weekly trade to maximise sell-through and protect margin
• Align stock and intake plans with targets to meet trading needs
• Inspire, mentor and develop the merchandising team for growth
• Step in for the Merchandise Manager when required across the business

Skills

WSSI forecasting

OTB planning

Team leadership

Job description

A fantastic opportunity to join an established fashion brand as a Senior Merchandiser. You will guide a talented team and play a key role in delivering planning, forecasting and trading excellence across a varied, design‑led product range. Based in the Manchester Head Office, you’ll influence the look, feel and performance of our collections, ensuring we land the right product, in the right place, at the right time.

What You’ll Do

• Take full ownership of departmental WSSI, delivering accurate forecasting across demand, OTB and margin to keep our product flow commercially strong.
• Partner closely with Buying to shape seasonal strategy, reviewing past performance, identifying opportunities and steering the creative direction with insight-led decision making.
• Lead the development of seasonal and quarterly plans, ensuring smart grading and a well‑balanced, fashion‑forward product mix.
• Analyse weekly trade, identifying risks and opportunities to maximise sell‑through and protect margin.
• Align stock and intake plans with business targets, ensuring we deliver on time and stay ahead of trading needs.
• Inspire, mentor and develop your team, supporting growth, progression and building future merchandising leaders.
• Step in for the Merchandise Manager when required, representing merchandising across the wider business.

What You’ll Bring

• Strong merchandising experience gained within the fashion industry, with a genuine passion for product and consumer trends.
• Proven expertise in planning, forecasting, WSSI and OTB, with confidence making decisions in a fast‑moving retail environment.
• Highly numerate and commercially minded, able to translate data into clear, actionable direction.