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- Tasks: Lead inventory management and commercial planning for the Outlet channel.
- Company: Join a global brand known for innovation and excellence in merchandising.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for collaboration and growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that drives sales and impacts the company's success.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail planning or merchandising is preferred; strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: This is a 3-month contract role based in London.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This position will manage EMEIA Outlet planning activities in their respective region within Client’s global planning organisation. They will act as an ambassador for Client, driving commercial performance, whilst fostering a culture of simplification, innovation, collaboration and driving excellence with key stakeholders.
They will be responsible for:
- Taking the lead in creating strategic and controlled inventory management of the Outlet channel, through the Rolling Open to Buy and Corporate OTB process to achieve our sales, inventory and margin targets across all sales channels.
- Accountable for commercial insights in driving pre-season and in-season decisions (with a key focus on promotions) to ensure improved inventory productivity, drive sales and deliver margins.
- Accountable for quarterly buy process for the Outlet channel in line with key strategies.
- Leading the partnership and alignment across Retail, Merchandising, Allocation, Regional Finance and Central Planning teams on Open to Buy, lifecycle, fiscal risks, opportunities, markdown, and inventory management.
Responsibilities:
- Accountable for the Outlet ROTB including intake, transfers, delist and consolidations in line with the overall annual sales/inventory strategy to highlight risk and opportunities.
- Develop seasonal liquidation strategies, including markdowns, promotions, price points and % off strategy.
- Partner with cross-functional teams (Retail, Merchandising, Allocation, VM, Regional Finance, Central Planning and Store teams) to manage delist timings, cooling off periods and assortment.
- Leading the Outlet Allocation team to ensure regular store replenishment in line with key strategies.
- Managing and developing Outlet Planner to support key strategies and objectives.
- Lead the monthly inventory forecast review, working with Mainline Planner on total regional inventory forecasting in the Corporate OTB – providing insight and highlighting risks and opportunities.
- Provide key support to Director of Planning, partnering with regional teams on inventory management, driving sales and controlling margin.
Measures of success include Divisional Net sales, AUR, Sell-thru, margin aligned to fiscal targets, including aged inventory targets, Divisional Rolling and Collection Open to Buy management, and Weeks of Cover (Store).
Development of an inspired, high performing team with strong collaboration among cross-functional teams.
This role will work closely with Retail Stores and Leadership, Merchandising, Visual Merchandising, Central Inventory Management team, Central Outlet teams, Regional Planning teams, Merch Planning Operations, Customer Ops, Finance and Regional Commercial teams.
Merchandise Manager employer: Lorien
Contact Detail:
Lorien Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandise Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in inventory management and commercial planning. Understanding the nuances of the Rolling Open to Buy process will give you an edge when discussing strategies during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the merchandising and retail sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven sales and managed inventory in previous roles. Highlighting your experience with markdowns and promotions will demonstrate your capability to meet the job's requirements.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter and our values, especially around collaboration and innovation. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with ours can make a strong impression during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandise Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Merchandise Manager position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, such as inventory management and commercial planning excellence.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in merchandising, inventory management, and cross-functional collaboration. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive sales and manage inventory effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention how your previous experiences align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly in areas like strategic planning and team leadership.
Highlight Key Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise measurable achievements related to sales growth, margin improvement, or successful inventory strategies. Use data to back up your claims, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lorien
✨Understand the Role Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Merchandise Manager, especially in relation to inventory management and commercial planning. Familiarise yourself with terms like Open to Buy and how they impact sales and margins.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with data analysis and how you've used insights to drive decisions in previous roles. Highlight specific examples where your analytical skills led to improved inventory productivity or sales performance.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various teams. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with different departments, such as Retail, Finance, and Merchandising, to achieve common goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as managing markdowns or developing seasonal strategies. Think through potential scenarios in advance and be ready to articulate your thought process and decision-making.
