Senior Merchandiser

Join to apply for the Senior Merchandiser role at Taft CollegeThis is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced merchandiser looking to further their career in a dynamic environment. This role focuses on analysing data to guide business direction and decision making.OverviewWe are looking for a strategic and motivated Senior Merchandiser/Planner to lead merchandising strategies that optimise profitability and ensure our product offering aligns with consumer trends and demand. You will work across multi-channels to develop strategic plans that enhance our product assortment and drive sales and profit growth. You will collaborate with channel managers to set initiatives for sales and stock, and with Design and Technical on range planning, category product mix, and price architecture to hit business KPIs.Main Duties And ResponsibilitiesAnalysis and Business PerformanceCollaborate with other departments to set strategies and analyse performance.Own the WSSI management with monthly updates.Present changes to management in trading and stock review meetings.Provide open to buy updates and decisions based on trading.Seek opportunities to maximise intake and profit margin.Lead weekly KPI performance reviews presented to directors and managers.Own the weekly trading report with support from the wider merchandising team.Strategic PlanningDevelop and implement comprehensive merchandising strategies that maximise sales and profitability while aligning with company goals.Create detailed merchandising plans based on market analysis, consumer insights, and sales performance.Sales Forecasting & ReportingGenerate accurate sales forecasts and provide regular reporting on product performance, inventory levels, and market trends.Drive and maintain OTB and WSSI plans.Use data analytics to extract key insights across region and channel to present to senior management.Inventory PlanningForecast demand and manage inventory to ensure optimum stock levels across all channels while minimising excess stock.Coordinate actions to align supply and demand across direct-to-consumer, wholesale, and retail channels.Channel InsightsDevelop and own product analysis by channel to maximise sales and stock potential.Set KPIs by channel to guide merchandising decisions on stock movements.Shape OTB and product buy mix with channel-specific focus.Product Lifecycle ManagementOversee the lifecycle of product lines from planning, development, and launch through to markdowns and end-of-life.Collaborate to make strategic recommendations on product ranges based on customer feedback and performance analysis.Maintain focus on critical path alongside product teams.Conduct ongoing market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and competitive insights.Support the product development team in aligning new products with customer needs and preferences.Team ManagementLead the team with evidence-based reporting, analysis, and decision making.Collaborate with the Head of Merchandising to align with the wider business and commercial team.Step up in absence of Head of Merchandising.Mentor and develop junior merchandising staff, fostering a collaborative team environment.Share best practices and industry insights to enhance team performance.Cross-Functional CollaborationWork with teams across the business to ensure cohesive product launches, promotions, and brand messaging throughout the customer journey.Foster a strong relationship with distribution to ensure product is effectively located across the estate to meet customer demand and brand promises.Who are we looking for?Strong analytical skills, with proficiency in Excel and merchandising or retail planning software.Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.Proven leadership with a collaborative approach to cross-functional work.Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey data-driven insights to stakeholders at various levels.Extensive experience in merchandising, preferably in a senior planner capacity within fashion, retail, or consumer products.Results-oriented with a passion for fashion, travel, and lifestyle products.What's in it for you?Free onsite parkingPersonal Rohan clothing allowance50% discount on clothingContributions to a Pension schemeLife cover based on salaryEmployee Assistance SchemeAdditional InformationLocation: Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom. This summary reflects the current needs and may be subject to change. #J-18808-Ljbffr