Jnr Merchandiser
2 weeks ago
Bathgate West Lothian, United Kingdom
SCHUH
Full time
About the role
Job Title: Junior Merchandiser Reports To: Merchandiser/ Head of Merchandising PURPOSE Responsible for the general running of your own department in conjunction with the Merchandiser. Reporting directly into the Merchandiser/Head of Merchandise, working very closely alongside the Buyer in order to maximise profits where possible. Managing the performance of the range and analysing. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES STRATEGY- Working with the Buyer, evaluate performance and interpret the overall business strategy to create a strategic view of the product area
- Liaise with the buyers with regards to any cut offs/deadlines that have to be achieved
- Maintain a clear knowledge and awareness of the customer needs, the market and the competition as a central focus for the product strategy
- Keep abreast of overall Brand strategies and determine how planning requirements should be adjusted accordingly, in particular in the event of significant Brand allocation restrictions
- Responsible for providing historical information at buys with regards to how a similar product/brand has sold
- Work with the Merchandiser to develop robust option frameworks for width and depth of ranges according to sales and space targets, ROS, line life and density targets
- Adapt range plans to optimise the needs of e-commerce, ROI and grades/clusters of stores
- Identify any risks and opportunities that need to be addressed
- Determine and implement strategies for sales, stockturn, end of season stocks and profit goals and ensure clarity within the team
- Prepare Lessons Learnt as required to impact Buying cut offs
- Determine the optimal size planning strategy for the Brands
- Working with the Merchandiser to optimise profit and limit risk by managing sales performance across the product and channel hierarchies
- Develop and communicate supplier/Brand business plans and forecasts in conjunction with the Buyer
- React quickly to new information and update controls as OTB plans change
- Clear understanding and communication of trading patterns at all levels of the hierarchy and by store type
- Work with the Merchandiser to influence and deliver brand objectives for stock inventory, ensure that the team are in control of order books and relevant websites (e.g. Nike.Net) as required to secure optimum availability
- Provide visibility to Buying team of OTB positions
- Ensure that stock is managed to reflect the balance between replenishment and newness, and that the correct options are planned & managed for store linear space
- Liaise with the Branch Merchandiser and the allocation team to ensure stock flows effectively into the business and across the sales channels in line with range planning decisions
- Liaise with logistics to ensure accurate intake forecasts optimise the flow of stock through the DC and ensure stock targets are met - especially during exceptional weeks (e.g. launch weeks, marketing events, peak periods)
- Ensure the merchandising actions within the Trading Calendar are carried out in a timely and accurate manner
- Plan, implement and analyse promotions and their results to recommend future events with sales & profit impacts
- Maintain a commercial and customer focus in all activities and decisions
- Set up and maintain all seasonal and event analysis & reporting
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of the schuh customer and expectations they have when shopping with us
- Keep abreast of sales performance, understanding drivers behind best and worst sellers
- Demonstrate a passion for the products we sell and an awareness of market trends
- Regularly visit schuh stores, concessions and online - highlighting any ideas, opportunities or concerns
- Demonstrate outstanding knowledge of what our competitive set are doing on the high street and online conducting regular visits to assess their ranges and activities
- Understand and comply with health and safety rules and anti-bribery policy
- Take responsibility for continually improving own performance by agreeing and achieving objectives
- Arrange regular performance reviews with your manager
- Be proactive in driving own personal development
- Seek/receive feedback on your development for your career progression and utilise training, development and support resources available
- Demonstrate self-awareness and an understanding of others needs and own impact on others
- Set and agree workload and priorities, ensuring a focus on critical issues
- Conduct regular performance reviews and be proactive in managing performance and informing management of team progress
- Drive team development, providing consistent feedback and clear communication
- Act as a role model within the team, as a coach/mentor offering support whilst motivating the team to perform at a maximum
- Be willing to share own expertise and knowledge
- Take a key role in supporting new colleagues through their induction programme
- Highly numerate and analytical. Advanced Excel skills
- Competent user of advanced excel, confident in use of data and standard retail systems
- Excellent time management and communication skills with the ability to prioritise effectively
- Ability to influence & present ideas in a positive and professional manner
- Embrace and lead continuous improvement, adopt a creative approach with strong critical thinking skills
- Ability to lead, delegate, support and coach a team
- Awareness of retail industry and competition within sector
- Role models schuh values
- Demonstrates an ability to work consistently to high standards
- Is self-motivated to achieve
- Is able to contribute to team effectiveness
- Demonstrates a focus on finding solutions and improvements which add value to customers and the overall business
- Build strong relationships with the wider team including merchandising, buying, eCommerce, marketing, store managers, logistics
