Head of Merchandising

We’re a fast-growing, multi-channel brand business, selling direct-to-consumer and via wholesale partners worldwide. We’re looking for an experienced Head of Merchandising to join us on a 12-month maternity cover and keep our trading and stock performance on track.

**In this role, you will**:

- Lead our merchandising function across eCommerce & wholesale channels
- Deliver seasonal range plans, pricing, and promotions to hit sales and margin targets
- Manage forecasting, WSSI, and stock allocation to optimise sell-through
- Partner with Buying, Marketing, and Sales to deliver impactful product launches and campaigns
- Lead and develop a talented merchandising team
- Work in partnership with CFO & CEO to deliver a strategy which increases profitability in every area of the business
- Improve processes & increase efficiency

**You’ll bring**:

- Proven senior merchandising experience (ideally in eCommerce & wholesale)
- Strong commercial acumen and data-driven decision making
- Hands-on leadership skills and the ability to hit the ground running
- Advanced Excel and merchandising system skills
- A positive attitude

**Key Responsibilities**

**Commercial & Trading Strategy**
- Execute and refine the merchandising strategy across **DTC (eCommerce)** and **wholesale** channels for the duration of the contract
- Deliver seasonal range architecture, pricing, and promotional plans to achieve revenue, margin, and sell-through targets
- Partner with Buying, Marketing, and Sales teams to align product launches, campaigns, and key trading moments
- Prepare & present monthly Board PacksPrepare & present sign offs for collections

**Stock & Inventory Management**
- Manage forecasting, demand planning, and WSSI across all sales channels.
- Maintain optimal stock levels—balancing availability with cashflow and sell-through targets.
- Oversee stock allocation between channels to maximise margin and minimise mark-downs.
- Drive projects for efficiency: EG Warehouse/ PO tools/ OPO/ PowerBI

**Range Planning & Product Lifecycle**
- Deliver the seasonal range plan, working with Design/Buying to ensure assortments are commercially viable.
- Analyse category and SKU-level performance, making in-season adjustments to maximise sales. Manage end-of-life and clearance strategies.

**Leadership & Team Development**
- Lead and support the merchandising team, ensuring continuity of processes and performance [Ecom Merchandiser, WS Merchandiser,WS MAA, Senior Power BI Lead]
- Collaborate cross-functionally to maintain alignment and trading agility
- Work in partnership with Head of Buying, Head of Wholesale & CFO

**Data & Insights**
- Produce weekly/monthly trading reports and range performance reviews.
- Use analytics and customer data to inform decision making.
- Monitor competitor activity and market trends to adapt plans as needed.

**Requirements**:
**Essential**:

- Proven track record in a senior merchandising role, ideally within **eCommerce and wholesale** environments.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience delivering sales growth and margin improvement.
- Highly competent in WSSI, forecasting, and range planning.
- Skilled in managing multi-channel stock flows, including wholesale allocation and replenishment.
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management abilities.
- High proficiency in Excel and merchandising systems (ERP, OMS, BI tools).

**Desirable**:

- Experience in fashion, lifestyle, or consumer goods sectors.
- International wholesale and eCommerce knowledge.
- Understanding of product development cycles in a brand-led business.

**Attributes & Cultural Fit**- Commercially driven, results-focused, and adaptable.
- Confident working in a **fast-paced, fixed-term** capacity where immediate impact is key.
- Strong communicator and collaborator across departments and external partners.
- Balances commercial goals with brand and product vision.

**Benefits**
- Birthday day off
- 25-day holiday
- Flexible hours
- Vibrant team
- 40% off staff discount
- Team socials
- Free Parking
- Competitions
- Hybrid working - 4 days in the Altrincham office