Head of Merchandising - 6 month contract - Premium Fashion Brand

Mode Search is proud to be supporting a leading Premium fashion brand with their search for a Head of Merchandising (6 month FTC).

A globally recognized fashion brand known for its cutting-edge designs, sustainability efforts, and commitment to providing customers with products that make them feel stylish and confident.

The Head of Merchandising will play a key leadership role in the development and execution of the merchandising strategy across all business channels and regions. This position is responsible for driving sales, maximizing profitability, and ensuring the strategy aligns with the company’s brand vision. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of fashion retail, multi-channel merchandising, and digital strategies, combined with a proven track record of delivering results and driving growth in a fast-paced, global environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Merchandising Strategy: Collaborate with Design and Buying teams to deliver the overall merchandising strategy, ensuring alignment with the brand’s goals and vision.
• End-to-End Merchandising: Manage the entire merchandising lifecycle, from seasonal planning and initial product buys to in-season management, markdowns, and stock liquidation.
• KPI Management: Monitor KPI performance, identify areas for improvement, and make recommendations to ensure financial targets are met.
• Digital Strategy: Develop and implement a digital merchandising strategy in close collaboration with the Digital team, optimizing the online customer journey.
• Forecasting & Allocation: Oversee the re-forecasting of sales forecasts, ensuring accurate stock allocation and replenishment across stores, online channels, and wholesale partners.
• Stock Management: Ensure efficient stock management across all channels, aligning with the One Pool of Stock strategy to meet sales expectations.
• Leadership & Team Development: Lead, manage, and develop a high-performing merchandising team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and productivity.
• Market Insight: Stay up-to-date on market trends and shopping habits across key regions, including the UK, Europe, and North America, and ensure the team is aligned with these insights.
• Commercial Acumen: Balance trading requirements with the strategic priorities of the brand, with a strong focus on maximizing digital sales and profitability.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Extensive experience in Digital Merchandising, with a strong understanding of category management and multi-channel business.
• Proven ability to lead and manage teams, fostering a customer-centric approach that drives growth.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets, web analytics tools, and e-commerce platforms.
• Strong commercial acumen, with a focus on driving digital sales and profitability in a fast-evolving market.
• Excellent at building relationships and communicating effectively with Senior Managers and Stakeholders.

If you are a passionate leader with a keen eye for trends, a strong understanding of digital and traditional merchandising, and a desire to drive results in a high-growth fashion business, this is an exciting opportunity to be part of a brand that is constantly evolving.

If this sounds like your next challenge, we’d love to hear from you! Due to high application volumes, we may not be able to provide individual feedback at this stage, but if shortlisted, we’ll be in touch.

Apply now by sending your CV to info@modesearch.co.uk