More about the role

Merchandising & Planning

• Achieving all 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 and Designer 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 exemplary 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 and Designer 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
• Full understanding of the Department’s current Customer insights, Market Share and opportunities

Trading
• Planning and trading the department independently alongside the Buyer and Designer, using own initiative to maximise profit, able to take risks where required
• 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 seeing this through to implementation

Team
• Challenging current ways of working and practices across departments and functions, coming up with new initiatives to benefit the whole Business and implementing these
• 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
• Driving the BMD vision into clear goals and objectives for your direct reports and their teams

Essential Skills

• Customer knowledge
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills
• Great interpersonal / communication skills
• Ability to line manage, train and develop a Team
• Ability to initiate, build and maintain strong relationships with Branch Merchandising, Design, Buying, Quality Assurance and Suppliers
• Excellent presentation skills
• Can work under pressure whilst maintaining a positive attitude for the Team
• Strong communicator with all internal and external teams

Knowledge and Experience

• Previous experience as a Merchandiser / Senior Merchandiser

Key Performance Indicators

• Significantly reduce markdown & terminal stock in stores by maximising full price sales opportunities
• Effective Supply Chain management
• Sales and profit plans achieved or ideally exceeded
• Delivery of the Gross Profit Margin target
• A motivated and engaged team
• Active role model and Brand ambassador
• Fully 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