More about the role

Job Purpose:

Work alongside the Buyer, to run the product area as an independent profit centre focusing all activity on meeting customer needs and achieving a commercial level of sales and stock, across all relevant regions and channels. Responsible for managing and developing junior team members, in order to create a high performing team. Deputise in the absence of the Merchandiser /Senior Merchandiser.

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

Merchandising & Planning

• Achieving department KPI’s  in line with strategy and department plan, maximising sales and profit

• Reviewing the category Weekly Sales and Stock Intake (WSSI), coordinating action to maximise profitability of the department and reduce risks

• Contributing to range development by ensuring the Product reflects the Brand strategy, the range is without gaps and duplication, and the season is logically and commercially thought through in line with the Critical Path

• Managing Commitment to ensure operational efficiency and stock targets are met

• Responsible for preparation and presentation of range sign offs in line with department / strategy and customer requirements

• Reviewing range plans regularly with the Buyer to reflect changing sales / trends in order to maximise profits

• Presenting the Departmental strategy every season along with the Buyer and Designer, including lessons learnt from previous seasons and strategy to implement going forwards

• Monitoring product groups, determining pricing strategy and price point and influencing range Building in conjunction with the Buyer 

• Applying knowledge of the current competitive market place (comparative shopping)

• Maintaining a focused, reliable supply base in order to maximise profit

• Developing a flexible sourcing strategy with the Buyer to ensure the optimum balance of margin, quality and lead-time flexibility

• Contributing ideas and solutions which have commercial gain

• Sound understanding of the Department’s current Customer insights, Market Share and opportunities

Trading

• Ensuring in-season activity delivers planned sales, margin and terminal stock targets

• Analysing data, identifying issues and trends, interpreting results to provide recommendations to protect / maximise profit

• Managing the in-season Open to Buy (OTB) down to season/department level, flexibility and margin

• Reviewing current sales with the Buyer, reacting appropriately to maximise sales opportunity

• Managing of Intake Margin, Markdown and Promotions

Team

• Supporting with the management and development of fellow colleagues / team, delivering relevant training and support when required

• Creating a positive Team spirit

• Translating the BMD vision into clear goals and objectives for your direct reports

Technical Skills

• PC literate – Intermediate / Advanced Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Outlook

• Use of Merchandising systems

• Accuracy

Other Essential Skills

• Customer knowledge

• Negotiation and influencing skills

• Great interpersonal / communication skills

• Ability to initiate, build and maintain good relationships with Branch Merchandising, Design, Buying, Quality Assurance and Suppliers

• Good presentation skills

• Resilient

• Team Player

• Communicates effectively with all internal and external teams

Knowledge & Experience

Knowledge and Experience:

• Previous experience as an Assistant Merchandiser / Junior Merchandiser within a major retailer / department within New Look

Minimum level of education or qualifications:

• Fashion Qualification / Other degree desirable

Measures / Key Performance Indicators:

• Significantly reduce markdown & terminal stock in stores by maximising full price sales opportunities

• Sales and profit plans achieved

• Intake units maintained to target through supply chain management

• Delivery of the Gross Profit Margin target

• A motivated and supported team

• Represent our New Look Values