Senior Merchandiser - Childrenswear (12 month FTC)

Sainsbury's; Coventry; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is on the lookout for a Senior Merchandiser to lead strategic planning and execution in a dynamic, customer-focused environment. This role involves translating category strategies into actionable plans, optimizing sales, margin, and stock levels, and fostering a culture of innovation. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, negotiate with suppliers, and coach your merchandising team to achieve KPIs. With a commitment to employee development and a range of benefits, this opportunity promises a rewarding journey for personal and professional growth.

Benefits

Colleague Discounts

Performance Bonuses

Annual Leave

Interest-Free Car Loans

Health Plans

Private Healthcare

Parental Leave Benefits

Qualifications

• Proven experience in merchandising roles, preferably recent.
• Strong technical knowledge of merchandising and replenishment systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial team in translating category strategies into actionable plans.
• Responsible for sourcing, selection, and trading strategies across all channels.

Skills

Merchandising Experience

Digital Channel Experience

Analytical Skills

Project Management Skills

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Influencing Skills

Customer Focus

Tools

Merchandising Systems

Job description

Why join us
Joining Sainsbury's as a Senior Merchandiser means leading strategic planning and execution to deliver profitable growth within a dynamic, customer-focused environment. As a key member of the Commercial team, you will shape and drive the product proposition across channels, collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize sales, margin, and stock, and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. We are committed to developing our employees and offering a rewarding journey for personal and professional growth.

What you'll do
As a Senior Merchandiser, you will lead the commercial team in translating category strategies into actionable plans to achieve profitable growth. You will be responsible for sourcing, selection, and trading strategies across all channels to meet KPIs such as sales, margin, stock levels, availability, digital metrics, and customer satisfaction. Your role includes strategic planning for product launches, negotiating with suppliers for cost-effective sourcing, managing stock flow, coaching the merchandising team, and collaborating with buying teams to execute category strategies effectively.

Who you are

We seek a Senior Merchandiser seeking a new challenge or an experienced Merchandiser with full accountability of a business area. Experience in Clothing and Kids is desirable.

• Proven experience in merchandising roles, preferably recent
• Digital channel experience, including digital merchandising
• Strong technical knowledge of merchandising and replenishment systems
• Track record of delivering results individually and in teams
• Project management skills are a plus
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Influencing and engagement skills at all levels
• Product, market knowledge, and customer focus
• Analytical, problem-solving, and presentation skills
• Experience leading projects that drive business change
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to build cross-functional networks

#LI-AH1

Qualifications

We are committed to inclusion and support your development. We offer flexible working, celebrate extra efforts, and provide a range of benefits including:

• Colleague discounts (10% after 4 weeks, increasing to 15% on Fridays and Saturdays at Sainsbury's, and 15% at Argos on paydays)
• Pensions, life cover, performance bonuses up to 20%
• Annual leave, additional holiday options
• Season ticket loans, interest-free car loans, cycle schemes, health plans, pay advances, retail discounts
• Employee Assistance Programme and private healthcare
• Parental leave benefits (up to 26 weeks' pay for maternity/adoption, 4 weeks for paternity)

Visit www.sainsburys.jobs for more benefits details (eligibility may vary).

Responsibilities

Our General Merchandise team manages non-food items across multiple brands, including fragrance, car care, clothing, and household goods. The team values bravery, iteration, and learning, fostering deep cross-department connections and career development. You will spend time on the shop floor to stay close to customers and gain a broad perspective, supported by your manager, to develop your career further.