More about the role

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

• Monitoring product groups, determining pricing strategy and price point and taking action to influence range Building in conjunction with the Buyer

• Reviewing depth and width to optimise availability and minimise markdown risk

• Applying in-depth knowledge of the current competitive market place and using this to develop the departmental strategy and Merchandising framework (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

• Demonstrating a flair for generating and recognising imaginative, innovative ideas and solutions which have commercial gain, challenging upwards where necessary

• Good 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 sound recommendations to protect / maximise profit

• Managing the weekly product sign-off process, including awareness of impact on Open to Buy (OTB), flexibility and margin

• Reviewing current sales with the Buyer, reacting appropriately to maximise sales opportunity whist predicting emerging trends, market changes and challenges, to increase market share

• Managing of Intake Margin, Markdown and Promotions

• Identifying promotional and marketing opportunities for product areas and feeding into the trading calendar

Team

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

• Managing and developing the Team, displaying strong leadership skills to enable achievement of New Look’s strategy

• Giving 1:1 coaching on the job, transferring skills and knowledge to others

• Conducting regular catch up’s and performance reviews, proactive in managing performance, ensuring constructive feedback, recognition and praise is given

• Creating and sustaining a positive Team spirit

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

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 and demonstrate our New Look Values

Our Purpose - To inspire that New Look feeling

Our Ambition - The UK’s leading feel-good fashion brand, the choice for fashion-loving 18-45 year old women

Our Values -

• Play to win

• We are one

• It starts with me

• Customer Obsessed