Assistant Merchandiser

Role Summary The Merchandising team at River Island plays a key role in realising the commercial opportunities created by our unique products across all channels. The Assistant Merchandiser supports the team in delivering the planning and trading strategy by maximising commercial opportunities through effective stock management, driving sales through improved availability, and reducing markdowns. The role includes managing the Merchandise Admin Assistant on a day‑to‑day basis to ensure accurate completion of duties. Key Accountabilities Assists the merchandising team with providing accurate, relevant analysis to maximise profit across all channels. Demonstrates commercial awareness by delivering concise department and category performance reports, suggesting actions to drive profitability. Responsible for commitment review by size, maximising sales through availability. Responsible for the projected intake of flow products, ensuring appropriate stock levels, in line with cut‑offs. Accurately manages stock inventory, highlighting opportunities and potential risks for all channels. Maintains weekly intake forecasts with precision. Works alongside the distribution hub to deliver the distribution strategy of stock to all channels, challenging when needed. Ensures promotions and markdowns are correctly actioned and maintained. Maintains accurate attribution within single view of product. Uses all merchandising systems efficiently, assisting in creating new or improving existing material. Utilises all available sources—including regular store visits, sales and margin history, comp shops—to suggest risks and opportunities and propose actions to positively impact performance. Manages the workload of the MAA with a thorough understanding of performance, escalating to the Merchandiser when needed. Sets the direction and objectives for the MAA, providing timely feedback and support to enable them to achieve their best. Key Experience Required Previous experience at Assistant Merchandiser level, or established Senior Merchandising Admin/Senior Allocator. Experience in an omni‑channel business is highly desirable. Track record of mentoring and developing other team members. Job Role Competencies Good verbal and numerical reasoning skills. Intermediate MS Office skills. Computer literate and ability to learn new systems. Highly organised, good prioritisation skills. Collaborative, with strong interpersonal skills. Good commercial and market awareness. Disciplined and conscientious, results‑oriented. Resilient and adaptable. Curious, continuous learning mindset. Coaching, mentoring mindset. Ability to present own views and assert own views. Good presentation skills. About Us We’re a much‑loved brand with an exciting future. Our Islanders are a diverse bunch of bright, talented people who love working together – and are proud of the work they do. Progression here can take you in all kinds of directions. This is what a career at River Island is like. And this is where yours starts.This role is based at our Head Office in West London. What we can offer you 💰 Generous 50% staff discount so you can treat yourself to the latest products, and a bargain staff shop on site 🛒 Reducing Islanders everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more through Reward Gateway. 🎉 A free onsite gym, subsidised restaurant &café to fill you needs. Various social events to socialise throughout the year. 🤎 Every family is unique, we support Islanders with all different family setups enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption & fertility treatment. We also work closely with the Retail Trust to create dedicated support for all our Islanders 💻 Flexible working is a given, on top of payday and summer early finish Fridays. 💕 Give as you earn scheme, a ‘Giver Island’ day each year and receive matched funding. 🎓 Support with upskilling through on‑job training and qualifications. A succession plan if you want to progress. 💰 A generous bonus scheme & private pension plan. ☀️ 25 days paid holiday, exclusive of Bank Holidays. With the added option to purchase additional holiday twice a year for whatever the need Keeping You Safe At River Island we are committed to the safeguarding of all our employees regardless of age or job role. We will fulfil our obligation under the Prevent duty which seeks to stop extremism and extremist views from materialising in our business. We promote and encourage the belief in British Values – including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. To find out more, please visit www.gov.uk.Our Island is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‑economic background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise. #J-18808-Ljbffr