Merchandiser Fashion in Peterborough

With multiple brands, a multichannel presence across the high street, internet and an evolving and increasing presence across market places, the forecasting and management of stock is critical for business success. Working with the Buying team, the role of merchandiser is to produce a commercial product range for a given product area or brand. Ensuring that sales opportunities and margin are maximised through effective controlling of stock levels, markdown and option planning.

Working within the whole merchandising team but with a focus on your given brand and associated categories, you will work in partnership with the buying, merchandising and product support teams to drive the commercial success of the product range that maximises sales and margin performance.

What you will do:

• Analyse and report on sales performance putting forward a substantiated case for further areas of opportunity or risks to sales and profit.
• Consistent awareness of best and worst sellers for the brand and your individual departments, proposing repeats where appropriate.
• Understanding the market and up to date knowledge of competitors and comparators.
• Management of the stock and critical path through effective communication with Buyers on open to buy, stock levels and performance to sales budgets and targets.
• Effectively manage stock levels in line with budgets and current trade performance.
• Ensure a thorough knowledge of the departmental supply base and the associated advantages and disadvantages of different sources.
• Accurately maintain the Weekly Sales Stock & Intake (WSSI) ensuring conformance to agreed KPI's.
• Maintain appropriate balance of price point and product mix throughout the season.
• Ensure best sellers are covered in forward ranges and flow lines are maintained.
• Highlight any potential issues with the Head of Merchandising.
• Control profit through working with the Buyer to ensure intake margins are maximised.
• Take agreed action on markdowns, processing on the system and analyse their effectiveness.
• Ensures correct ranking of buys in order to minimise markdown.
• Produce a commercial range plan maximising best sellers and lessons learnt.
• Ensure best sellers are covered.
• Ensure appropriate product launch timing and balance the provision of season appropriate range across all different markets covered by product area or brand.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with key partners across the business, with particular emphasis on the Buying, Retail, Logistics and Finance teams.
• Maintain passion and positivity to contribute to an enjoyable and successful work environment.
• Create and maintain productive relationships with key product suppliers.

What you will bring:

• Must have demonstrable successful experience in fashion retail merchandising.
• Passionate about product with a strong brand awareness.
• Advanced planning and analytical skills.
• Advanced computer skills particularly with Microsoft Excel.
• Results driven with sound commercial acumen.
• Relevant degree or equivalent academic qualification is desirable.
• Strategic thinker with a hands on, action oriented approach.
• Passion for the brand with a strong understanding of the demands of our customer.
• Highly motivated and a desire to be the best with proven ability to work well as a team.
• Ability to work under pressure and at a fast pace with loyalty and commitment to the business.

Because of the changing nature of our business your job description will inevitably change. You will, from time to time, be required to undertake other activities of a similar nature that fall within your capabilities as directed by management.