Junior Merchandiser

Type: Trainee
Region: London

Job Description

Stock optimisation

• Responsible for all stock management in the division across continuity and seasonal, demonstrating proven results in improving merchandising KPIs
• Maintains OTB control over the division, reviewing and managing stock ordering decisions in line with the WSSI
• Collaborates with buying to continually review the range and identify opportunities for de-ranging, de-listing or enhancing the product offer
• Works with buying to ensure efficient and accurate processes in place for product creation, intake management, product attribution.
• Supports buying with high cover stock negotiations and stock risk reduction
• Carries out a seasonal continuity stock review using pareto analysis to tackle aged and inefficient stock levels
• Ownership of continuity stock replenishment, setting OTB according to sales forecast and key stock metrics
• Responsible for setting, measuring and achieving key stock metric targets, namely: never out of stock targets, pareto analysis, aged stock, availability targets, ISNOS, cover and lost sales
• Operates across functions to maximise channel availability and replenishment levels based on demand
• Works with retail and dc teams to ensure optimum stock accuracy and reduce stock loss

Planning and forecasting

• Responsible for the divisional forecasting and planning process, supporting Senior Merchandiser and Merchandising Director to make informed top line budget decisions
• Works with buying in setting the financial building blocks in line with the product and trend strategy
• Plans and forecasts sales, stock, intake and margin for the division to inform the budget and seasonal top line OTB per Division
• Presents and reports effectively on seasonal lessons learnt and the OTB plan, ensuring proper communication and escalation where required
• Cascades and communicates the plan to the team and relevant stakeholders
• Responsible for detailed category, range and option planning at brand level to support the buy.
• Challenges option width and depth, margin and price architecture to ensure selections are aligned to strategy
• Presents and reports back in monthly WSSI meetings – maintaining an accurate WSSI forecast in line with current trade and future events.
• Takes responsibility for stock actions and buyer spend variation to the plan; communicating, reporting and escalating in a timely and efficient manner
• Supports Senior Merchandiser in capex modelling and space planning

Trading

• Uses internal and external resources to identify key areas of risk and opportunity
• Takes an active role in trade meetings to challenge and drive performance to optimise sales and stock position
• Maintains comprehensive knowledge of product area and understands the key factors influencing trade
• Works in partnership with buying team to ensure OTB and risk is managed effectively
• Knows which levers to pull to surpass business KPIs
• Engages with the right people to ensure the right action is taken

Sale and promotions

• Owns divisional markdown and promotions in line with business strategy
• Uses analysis to dictate mark down depth strategy to maximise margin and sell thru
• Minimises terminal stock by driving sell thru and maximising availability in all channels

Operational support

• Over-sees price change process, ensuring intake margins are in line with budget and products are appropriately priced for the market
• Works with operations and logistics teams to ensure stock processes are planned, managed and executed efficiently (RTVs, price changes, intake forecasts, transfers)
• Supplies long term divisional forecasts to support with planning of logistical resource and dc space planning

Data and tools

• Identifies training needs as well as conducts impactful training sessions on systems and tools
• Uses data to identify and communicate relevant and accurate business information
• Establishes a thorough understanding of systems and reporting tools
• Assists in the development, testing, training and implementation of new systems and reporting tools

Management

• Manages, trains and develops Merchandise Assistant – delegating appropriately and up-skilling team to realise potential
• Cascades relevant business information, shares knowledge and maintains regular communication through 1:1s and as a team
• Carries out regular performance reviews and objective setting meetings
• Takes time to discuss progression and career opportunities with AM and MA, giving regular and honest feedback on strengths and development areas
• Oversees day to day tasks of AM and MA
• Identifies the business priorities and ensures time is spent effectively
• Supports senior team by identifying areas of inefficiency and providing solutions to add value

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Motivates and inspires others
• Translates strategy into action
• Takes accountability and drives decision making
• Presents clearly and with conviction
• Builds high performing teams
• Thinks customer first
• Numerical and analytical
• Keen eye for detail, can get to the core of the problem quickly

Clear communicator

• Systems savvy

Minimum Qualifications

• Previous Merchandising experience in a fast paced retailer