Job Title: Junior Merchandiser
Reports To: Merchandiser/Head of Merchandising
Location: Livingston, Scotland or Central London - Hybrid 2/3 days in office per week.
Purpose: Responsible for the general running of your own department in conjunction with the Merchandiser. Reporting directly into the Merchandiser/Head of Merchandise, working very closely alongside the Buyer in order to maximise profits where possible. Managing the performance of the range and analysing.
About the Role:
STRATEGY
Working with the Buyer, evaluate performance and interpret the overall business strategy to create a strategic view of the product area
Liaise with the buyers with regards to any cut offs/deadlines that have to be achieved
Maintain a clear knowledge and awareness of the customer needs, the market and the competition as a central focus for the product strategy
Keep abreast of overall Brand strategies and determine how planning requirements should be adjusted accordingly, in particular in the event of significant Brand allocation restrictions
PLANNING
Responsible for providing historical information at buys with regards to how a similar product/brand has sold
Work with the Merchandiser to develop robust option frameworks for width and depth of ranges according to sales and space targets, ROS, line life and density targets
Adapt range plans to optimise the needs of e-commerce, ROI and grades/clusters of stores
Identify any risks and opportunities that need to be addressed
Determine and implement strategies for sales, stockturn, end of season stocks and profit goals and ensure clarity within the team
Prepare Lessons Learnt as required to impact Buying cut offs
Determine the optimal size planning strategy for the Brands
TRADING
Working with the Merchandiser to optimise profit and limit risk by managing sales performance across the product and channel hierarchies
Develop and communicate supplier/Brand business plans and forecasts in conjunction with the Buyer
React quickly to new information and update controls as OTB plans change
Clear understanding and communication of trading patterns at all levels of the hierarchy and by store type
Work with the Merchandiser to influence and deliver brand objectives for stock inventory, ensure that the team are in control of order books and relevant websites (e.g. Nike.Net) as required to secure optimum availability
Provide visibility to Buying team of OTB positions
Ensure that stock is managed to reflect the balance between replenishment and newness, and that the correct options are planned & managed for store linear space
Liaise with the Branch Merchandiser and the allocation team to ensure stock flows effectively into the business and across the sales channels in line with range planning decisions
Liaise with logistics to ensure accurate intake forecasts optimise the flow of stock through the DC and ensure stock targets are met - especially during exceptional weeks (e.g. launch weeks, marketing events, peak periods)
Ensure the merchandising actions within the Trading Calendar are carried out in a timely and accurate manner
Plan, implement and analyse promotions and their results to recommend future events with sales & profit impacts
CUSTOMER & MARKET AWARENESS
Maintain a commercial and customer focus in all activities and decisions
Set up and maintain all seasonal and event analysis & reporting
Demonstrate a deep understanding of the schuh customer and expectations they have when shopping with us
Keep abreast of sales performance, understanding drivers behind best and worst sellers
Demonstrate a passion for the products we sell and an awareness of market trends
Regularly visit schuh stores, concessions and online - highlighting any ideas, opportunities or concerns
Demonstrate outstanding knowledge of what our competitive set are doing on the high street and online conducting regular visits to assess their ranges and activities
Understand and comply with health and safety rules and anti-bribery…