Assistant Branch Merchandiser

From our first store in the 1960s, a little Taunton shop with great clothes and even better prices, to an omni-channel business serving millions of customerswe're New Look._
- Our purpose is always to inspire That New Look Feeling and we believe that starts with us. Our values motivate us every day: we play to win, we’re customer-obsessed and we work as one._
- It's a busy and exciting time for the brand and we’re on the hunt for an Assistant Branch Merchandiser to join our growing Merchandising team._

**The Role**

The Assistant Branch Merchandiser within the distribution function supports the Senior Branch Merchandiser and works collaboratively with the 2nd Assistant Branch Merchandiser (Distribution) in overseeing the allocation and replenishment of stock to our stores and website. With direction from the Senior Branch Merchandiser you will work closely with the Branch Merchandising Assistants (allocators) that you line manage. Ensuring they receive the right training, guidance and support to become experts in the systems required to place stock into the most commercial location, to maximise profitability and minimise mark down.
- You’ll support the Senior Branch Merchandiser in working closely with multiple internal functions such as Merchandising, Distribution Centre and Retail teams; as well as the wider Branch Merchandising and Space Planning team, of which you will be a part of.
- You’ll have the support to develop as a Line Manager to help you to become a strong and dynamic line manager, inspiring and motivating your team of Branch Merchandising Assistants.
- You’ll support the Senior Branch Merchandiser in managing distribution across both retail and the website and ensure stock is placed in the right channel. You’ll gain confidence in spotting commercial stock opportunities.
- Building collaborative working relationships with product teams and the DC. With the right training and support you’ll become a systems expert in our in-house allocation and replenishment systems.
- Supporting the Senior Branch Merchandiser in ensuring all Merchandising colleagues have received the appropriate training on our systems and the way they and we work.

This is an exciting role that will provide you with the tools to become a great line manager in a fast paced business. The role will give you the stretch and time to grow in confidence as a Line Manager and the opportunity to progress through the levels within the role, with the opportunity to progress through from entry level to level 3. The role will give you a detailed understanding of distribution in a fast fashion business. You will have exposure to various levels and the chance to develop many new skills and build on existing ones. This role will also give you an understanding of many different functions and aside from the internal progression this role will provide, it will also give the exposure and opportunity to pursue a career in many different functions across the retail industry such as Branch Merchandising, product Merchandising and eCommerce planning/trading.

**Role Responsibilities**
- Oversees the line management, training and development of 4 BMA’s.
- Has a detailed understanding of New Look allocation and replenishment systems and can delve into the detail when required. Ability to explain the functionality at a high level and identify the reason behind something to all levels.
- Works closely with BMA’s to support with their learning and development needs. Running monthly 1:1’s and working through level competencies to ensure direct line reports are clear on their objectives and what’s needed to achieve each level sign off.
- Conducting bi-annual appraisals with direct line reports. Setting objectives and agreeing areas of development for the next 6 months. Overseeing regular talent mapping.
- With the support of the Senior Branch Merchandiser and working with the Assistant Branch Merchandiser within the distribution function; setting up and overseeing a cyclical training calendar to enhance BMA skill set and knowledge.
- Supports the BMA in preparing for their weekly distribution review. Ability to utilise commercial knowledge to challenge and influence grading and allocation requests by product team.
- Working with the other Assistant Branch Merchandiser; Co-ordinates all distribution reporting and oversees the clearance of all DC stock ahead of any upcoming MD events.
- Working with the other Assistant Branch Merchandiser manages all Model Store stock builds. Co-ordinates line lists and liaises closely with product Merch teams, VM and BMA’s to ensure everything is allocated in a timely manner.
- Working with the other Assistant Branch Merchandiser supports in co-ordinating any line lists and oversees the allocation process for any bespoke ranges/collections. E.G. celeb collabs, edits, boutique collection.
- Builds a close working relationship with the Product Merch teams that fall under remit. Attending weekly meeti