As a Junior Merchandiser you will trade the Company through effective management and planning of stocks. This will include managing intake, allocations to stores, sales, markdowns and promotional activity.
The role
As a Junior Merchandiser you will be responsible for assisting the Merchandiser in the purchasing, intake and distribution of merchandise across the UK in order to maximise sales and margin within the assigned departments of responsibility.
Working closely with the Buying department, the core areas of responsibility are as follows;
- Trading and Commercial Awareness
- Stock Management
- Profit Management
- Range Planning
- Relationship with Others
What you will do
Trading and Commercial Awareness
- Analyse and report on sales performance of the department taking ownership on decisions of any opportunities or risks to sales and profit
- Consistent awareness of best and worst sellers for the department and company and identifying opportunities for growth
- Conduct regular store visits to obtain direct feedback from staff and customers
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of the plus size market
Stock Management
- Take ownership of maintaining all aspects of the departmental WSSI
- Work closely with the Buying team on open to buy (OTB) status of WSSI and ensuring OTB is filled accordingly
- Take ownership of flow lines for the department
- Maintain line details and range plan
- Work with branch merchandising on allocations
Profit Management
- Understand the key components around profit and how it is calculated
- Action agreed markdowns on the system and analyse the effectiveness of them
- Knowledge of the departments OTB and stock levels understands the implications of being under or over stocked
Range Planning
- Analyse all historical data and lessons learnt for strategy packs
- Under guidance of Merchandiser and in conjunction with Buyer constructs a range to deliver key blocks as well as newness and true choice to the customer
- Continuously review range in line with current trading to maximise profits
- Review depth and width to maximise availability and minimise markdown risk
Relationships with Others
- Under guidance of Merchandiser develops junior members of the team
- Be passionate and positive and help to create a stimulating and enjoyable work environment
- Maintain excellent communication links with colleagues from the Buying and Merchandising departments
- Communicate effectively across all levels and via all channels
- Build and maintain effective working relationship with key partners across the business, with particular emphasis on the Buying, Retail, Allocation and Analytics and Logistics teams
- Create and maintain productive relationships with key product suppliers
What you will bring
- A strong commercial outlook
- Good judgement and decision making skills
- Ability to work to tight deadlines
- Highly motivated and a desire to be the best
- Confidence in suggesting calculated risks
- Proven record of good attendance and flexibility
- Passionate about product, strong market and brand awareness
- Ability to work hard and smart
- Ability to adapt to frequent change and a high pressure environment
- Outstanding loyalty and commitment to the business
