Assistant Merchandiser

About the Role:

As an Assistant Merchandiser, you'll play a pivotal role in driving the success of our product offering. You'll work closely with the Trading and Buying team to ensure optimal stock levels, maximise profitability, and deliver exceptional customer experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Performance:
• Collaborate in creating departmental budgets, sales targets, and profit goals.
• Monitor performance against these metrics, identifying opportunities for improvement and taking corrective actions.
• Analyse markdowns to optimise profitability and reduce excess stock.
• Explore new sourcing strategies to enhance margins and drive growth.
• Communicate trading issues and forecasts with proposed actions to the Merchandiser and Buyer
• Range Planning and Management:
• Develop and implement range plans that align with departmental strategy and achieve sales objectives.
• Conduct market research and analyse customer data to inform range planning decisions.
• Collaborate with the Merchandiser and Buyer to present range plans to senior management.
• Optimise product placement and space allocation to maximise sales and profit density.
• Manage the development and delivery of product ranges, adhering to timelines and quality standards.
• Inventory Management:
• Ensure timely and efficient stock intake in accordance with agreed levels and promotional plans.
• Manage open-to-buy commitments to maintain flexibility throughout the season.
• Monitor stock availability, addressing any issues related to launch dates, replenishment, allocation, and in-store levels.
• Collaborate with the distribution centre to resolve stock flow challenges.
• Manage commitment forecasts with suppliers to ensure a consistent supply.
• Product Lifecycle Management:
• Oversee the management of stock statuses from creation to clearance.
• Supplier Relationships:
• Foster strong relationships with suppliers.
• Evaluate supplier performance and take appropriate actions in collaboration with the Buyer.
• Contribute to the development of future supplier strategies.
• Team Support:
• Assist the Merchandiser in coaching and mentoring trade admin team members.
• Ensure effective communication within the team, sharing company, divisional, and departmental strategies and priorities.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A passion for retail and merchandising
• Experience in a similar role is preferred, but not essential
• Experience in demand planning, financial management of OTB and stock control.

If you're a motivated and results-oriented individual with a keen eye for detail, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.