Merchandise Strategist

The ideal candidate will be responsible for planning and controlling the purchase, intake, and distribution of merchandise across our store estate. This will involve working closely with our Buying function to ensure that products are where they need to be, when they need to be, driving sales and customer satisfaction across multiple seasons and countries.

The successful candidate will be instrumental in achieving sales, margin, and stock targets within assigned departments, ensuring that our merchandise strategy aligns with business goals.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Achievement of KPIs: Meeting sales, margin, and stock targets within assigned departments.
• OTB Management: Overseeing Open to Buy (OTB) management to balance stock levels with sales demand.
• WSSI Forecasting: Regularly updating and reforecasting the Weekly Stock and Sales Inventory (WSSI) tool to reflect the most accurate trading position.
• Range and Availability: Developing and managing range plans to ensure stock levels meet store and customer demands.
• Analysis and Reporting: Providing in-depth analysis of historical and current season performance to drive sales and improve stock efficiency.
• Strategic Input: Contributing to the development of strategic plans to ensure merchandise strategies align with wider business objectives.

To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will possess:

• Commercial Acumen: Strong commercial planning skills with a focus on maximising sales and margin.
• Decision-Making: Proven ability to make informed decisions based on data analysis and business needs.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Drive and Commitment: A proactive and results-driven attitude with a commitment to achieving targets.
• Technical Skills: Advanced Excel skills and a solid understanding of WSSI, OTB, and range planning tools.
• Experience: A minimum 2-3 years experience in merchandising, including allocation and replenishment.

Poundland is a leading retail company with over 900 stores and nearly 18,500 dedicated colleagues across the UK and Republic of Ireland. We pride ourselves on our commitment to our colleagues, customers, and the value we offer.

At Poundland, we strive to create a culture where every colleague can thrive and contribute to our mission of providing amazing value to millions of customers. Our commitment to excellence, inclusion, and sustainability forms the foundation of our culture, empowering our team members to be the best versions of themselves while making a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.

We believe in living our behaviours every day, which are Love our customers, Care for our colleagues, and Protect the Pounds & Euros. By living these behaviours, we've created a land that is fun, friendly, and full of surprises – a place where our people can truly be the best version of themselves.