At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead merchandising strategy for luxury fashion across UK, Ireland, and Nordics.
- Company: Join a prestigious fashion brand known for its innovative approach and luxury offerings.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of fashion merchandising, influencing trends and driving commercial success.
- Qualifications: 7-10 years in merchandising leadership, preferably in luxury retail; strong data analysis skills required.
- Other info: Apply directly via email for a chance to shape the future of luxury fashion.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Mode Search is supporting a prestigious Fashion Brand in the search for a Head of Merchandising for the UK, Ireland, and Nordic regions. This strategic leadership role will drive the end-to-end merchandising vision across all channels, ensuring commercial success through curated assortments, data-led decision making, and a deep understanding of the luxury consumer. The role is based in London, operating on a hybrid model. The Head of Merchandising reports into the Regional Director.
The Role
- Define and lead the merchandising strategy for the UK, Ireland, and Nordics, encompassing both physical retail and e-commerce.
- Oversee seasonal and in-season assortment planning, tailoring ranges to local trends, store profiles, and customer behaviour.
- Partner with Buying, Planning, and Retail teams to align commercial goals and deliver strong sales performance.
- Own category-level performance planning, working closely with Finance and Senior Leadership on budgets, forecasts, and sales targets.
- Lead end-to-end launch planning for key collections and new category initiatives, ensuring full 360° execution across channels.
- Leverage performance analytics, store feedback, and competitor insights to drive trading decisions and assortment evolution.
- Collaborate with Supply Chain to manage stock flow, optimize sell-through, and address replenishment and rebalancing needs.
- Provide regular reporting and business reviews to senior stakeholders, blending quantitative analysis with strategic recommendations.
- Support new store openings and refurbishments with tailored merchandising plans based on market data, location potential, and competitor landscape.
Requirements
- 7–10 years of experience in merchandising leadership roles, preferably within department stores or luxury retail environments.
- Strong track record in building commercially effective assortments across multi-brand, multi-location retail operations.
- Strong background in accessories, fine jewellery, and/or demi-fine jewellery is highly desirable.
- Proficient in data analysis and performance reporting, with advanced Excel skills.
- Strong understanding of financial metrics, planning cycles, and commercial forecasting.
- Excellent communicator with proven experience influencing senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
- Commercially sharp with a refined understanding of the luxury consumer and department store dynamics.
- Agile, hands-on leader with the ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution.
- Confident managing multiple priorities across regions in a fast-paced, evolving retail landscape.
Please note that due to the high number of applications we are currently receiving we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback to every candidate at this stage of the process. If your application is successful, you will be contacted by us in due course. You can also email your resume directly to us at info@modesearch.co.uk if you would like to apply.
Head of Merchandising - Prestigious Fashion Brand employer: MODE SEARCH Ltd.
Contact Detail:
MODE SEARCH Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Merchandising - Prestigious Fashion Brand
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the luxury retail sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or trade shows to connect with key players and gain insights into current trends and challenges in merchandising.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your analytical skills by discussing specific examples of how you've used data to drive merchandising decisions in previous roles. Be prepared to talk about the tools and methodologies you employed.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the brand's current product offerings and market positioning. Understanding their unique selling points will help you articulate how you can enhance their merchandising strategy.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with cross-functional collaboration. Highlight instances where you've successfully partnered with buying, planning, and retail teams to achieve commercial goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Merchandising - Prestigious Fashion Brand
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in merchandising leadership, particularly within luxury retail. Emphasise your track record in building effective assortments and any specific achievements that align with the role's requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the luxury consumer and your strategic vision for merchandising. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you can drive commercial success in this position.
Highlight Data Proficiency: Since the role requires strong data analysis skills, be sure to mention your proficiency in performance reporting and advanced Excel skills. Provide examples of how you've used data to inform merchandising decisions in previous roles.
Showcase Leadership Experience: In your application, highlight your experience in leading cross-functional teams and influencing senior stakeholders. This is crucial for the Head of Merchandising role, so provide concrete examples of your leadership style and successes.
How to prepare for a job interview at MODE SEARCH Ltd.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As a Head of Merchandising, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to define and lead merchandising strategies. Prepare examples of how you've successfully driven end-to-end merchandising visions in previous roles, particularly in luxury retail.
✨Highlight Data-Driven Decision Making
This role requires a strong proficiency in data analysis. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've used performance analytics and market insights to inform your merchandising decisions and drive sales.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
Collaboration with various teams is key in this position. Share experiences where you've partnered with Buying, Planning, and Retail teams to achieve commercial goals, showcasing your ability to influence and align diverse stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Understanding of Luxury Consumer Behaviour
A deep understanding of the luxury consumer is essential. Prepare to discuss trends you've identified in the luxury market and how you've tailored assortments to meet the needs of this demographic in your previous roles.