At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to deliver profitable, customer-focused product ranges.
- Company: Dynamic fashion retailer with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: 12-month maternity cover with potential for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fast-paced world of childrenswear merchandising.
- Qualifications: Experience in merchandising, strong leadership skills, and advanced analytical abilities.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Overview As a Senior Merchandiser, you’ll play a pivotal role in planning and delivering profitable, customer-focused ranges.
You’ll ensure the right stock is in the right place, at the right time, and at the right price — always keeping the customer front of mind.
You’ll also lead, coach, and inspire your team within the Merchandising function, driving commercial success through data-led decisions, collaboration, and strategic planning.
This is a 12-month fixed-term maternity cover contract to start in early 2027 and finish early 2028.
What You Will Do Develop and deliver the product planning strategy for your department, aligned to business and margin targets.
Shape the range framework, using sales analysis to inform range architecture, product phasing and a balanced, commercial assortment.
Build and optimise range size, newness phasing, and attribute and pricing architecture, always thinking customer first.
Lead the financial planning cycle, including KPIs, demand phasing, OTB spend, WSSI management and monthly reforecasting.
Partner with Buying to plan, review and sign off buy quantities, aligned to ROS, hind-sighting and production forecasts.
Lead weekly trade meetings, turning insights into action and proactively managing sales, stock and BTA performance to maximise profitability.
Drive markdown and terminal stock management. (Your text cut off after “Drive markdown and terminal stock managem”, so I’ve assumed the rest.
Please check this against the original.)What We Are Looking For Proven experience as a Merchandiser, ideally in a fast-paced retail or fashion environment.
A natural leader with experience managing and developing high-performing teams, including managing underperformance within a structured framework.
Highly analytical, with exceptional attention to detail and advanced Excel skills.
Strong commercial acumen and a customer-first mindset.
Confident communicator who can influence and challenge across functions.
Organised and proactive, able to manage multiple priorities and take ownership of decisions and outcomes.
Collaborative, adaptable and approachable, leading by example and supporting the wider Merchandising team.
Senior Merchandiser - Childrenswear, 12 month Maternity Cover in London employer: BODEN
Boden is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where data-driven decision-making is at the forefront of our merchandising strategies. With a flexible working arrangement that allows for a blend of office and home-based work, employees enjoy a healthy work-life balance while having ample opportunities for professional growth and mentorship. Join us in North Acton to be part of a dynamic team that values creativity and excellence in retail and wholesale partnerships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Merchandiser - Childrenswear, 12 month Maternity Cover in London
✨Get Your Foot in the Door Early
In retail, many temporary roles pop up during peak seasons, like Christmas or summer sales. Keep an eye on the calendars for these spikes and start scouting for opportunities a bit in advance. We can even help you stay sharp on your search!
✨Utilise Local Connections
Visit local shops in person and chat with managers about potential temporary openings. Many retail positions are filled by word-of-mouth, so don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation while you grab a coffee or do your weekly shopping!
✨Show Off Your Availability
Retail managers love flexibility! Make sure to highlight your availability in a casual chat or when you apply through our website. The more open you are to work varied shifts, the more likely they are to bring you on board—especially for temporary gigs!
✨Be Ready for On-the-Spot Interviews
When you walk into a shop, be prepared for the possibility of an on-the-spot interview. Dress comfortably but smartly, have a few key points about your experience ready, and be enthusiastic. Remember, it’s all about making that positive first impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Merchandiser - Childrenswear, 12 month Maternity Cover in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you've got, whether it’s casual jobs or volunteer work. Employers want to see that you can interact well with customers, so think about any instances where you've gone the extra mile to help someone out.
Flexibility Is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary position, you should emphasise your flexibility in your application. Mention your availability clearly in your cover letter and CV—employers love knowing they can rely on you to work varied hours, especially during busy periods!
Keep It Short and Sweet:For temporary roles, we don’t need an essay! Keep your CV and cover letter concise, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills. Highlight any specific retail achievements, like sales targets met or product knowledge that demonstrates your eagerness to dive straight in.
Tailor Your Application to BODEN:Don’t forget to personalise your application for BODEN! Take a look at their values and product range, and if you’ve had previous experience with similar brands, mention that. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and have a good understanding of what they do.
How to prepare for a job interview at BODEN
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In retail, it's all about customer interaction, so be ready to share examples of how you've handled tough customer situations. We recommend thinking through a couple of scenarios before the interview where you went above and beyond to help a customer, as these can really make you stand out.
✨Brush Up on Product Knowledge
Temporary roles often have a steep learning curve because you'll need to pick up product knowledge fast. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the main products or services that BODEN offers, and if possible, try to understand their current promotions. It’ll give you the edge to engage customers effectively.
✨Flexibility is Key
Being in a temporary retail role means you may need to adapt quickly to different tasks or shifts. Be prepared to highlight your flexibility and willingness to take on varied responsibilities during the interview. Think of examples where you've had to juggle multiple tasks at once – that’ll show you're a great fit for the dynamic retail environment.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since retail roles often require collaboration, be ready to showcase your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you worked well with colleagues, especially in fast-paced situations. This will underline your ability to slot into the team at BODEN and contribute positively during your temporary stint.
