At a Glance
- Tasks: Collaborate on product strategy and manage inventory to boost sales and profitability.
- Company: Join Castore, a premium sportswear brand dedicated to making athletes better.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, 25 days leave, and generous staff discounts.
- Other info: Modern office in Manchester with fun breakout spaces and global sporting partnerships.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-paced team driving innovation in the sportswear industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in merchandising, strong Excel skills, and team leadership abilities.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Castore exists for one single reason – to make athletes better. Our ethos is built upon the philosophy of BETTER NEVER STOPS, an ideal deeply infused in our DNA and something we strive to live every single day. We utilise advanced engineering and unique technical fabrics to create the highest quality sportswear in the world for athletes who demand the very best. Designed with a passion for innovation with specialist features to help to optimise athletic performance in all conditions.
The founders’ vision is to build Castore into a brand respected across the globe for a deep and unrelenting commitment to engineering the highest quality sportswear in the world, with no stone left unturned in its search for innovation and performance enhancement. The sportswear market has been dominated by a small clique of mass‑market brands and the vision is for Castore to be a premium alternative to these, the natural brand of choice for discerning athletes who demand the very best.
The Role
The Merchandiser works closely with the Merchandising Director to deliver product strategy and maximise commercial opportunities for their department. This is achieved through effective inventory management, accurate forecasting and improving availability to increase trading and reduce markdown spend and drive profitability of the business.
Responsibilities
- Working closely with the Category Management team to build a commercial range.
- Developing detailed range plans with appropriate product phasing to ensure availability is maximised and to minimise terminal stock.
- Monitors and maintains buying margin and gross profit margins to maximise profitability.
- Monitoring range plans and trading plans to ensure optimum stock levels are achieved and OTB is maximised at all times to realise full revenue potential.
- Maximising in‑season trading opportunities to ensure optimum trading and profitability.
- Reacting to trading activity suggesting markdowns and promotions where appropriate.
- Builds and reforecast the WSSI to maximise and monitor KPIs.
- Working closely with other departments in the business, Category Management, Marketing, Product Development, Quality Assurance, Online Trading and Retail.
- Maintaining a collaborative approach to work and ensuring that all ranges and promotions are in line with business strategy and aligned with brand values.
- Performing detailed analysis and reporting at yearly, seasonal, weekly level by department, category, line and attribute.
- Identifying sales patterns and potential trading opportunities.
- Recruiting, training and motivating a team (AM and MAA) to ensure that business and brand objectives are met.
Skills & Experience
- Currently working as a Merchandiser experience at this level.
- Good understanding of Retail KPIs and how to influence them (sales, profit, markdown).
- Advanced Excel skills, with a high level proficiency with other Microsoft Office programs.
- Experience of managing/leading a team.
- Experience of setting up and maintaining a WSSI, category and line cards.
- Netsuite and BI experience would be beneficial but not essential.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Discretionary bonus scheme
- 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Modern city centre offices in Manchester
- An opportunity to work with global sporting partners
- Office breakout space with pool tables, dart board and TV’s
- A chance to build a career with a fast paced, high growth brand
- Employee assistance programme
- Generous staff discount
Merchandiser in Manchester employer: Castore
At Castore, we are dedicated to fostering a dynamic and innovative work environment that empowers our employees to excel. As a Merchandiser, you will be part of a passionate team in our modern Manchester offices, where collaboration and creativity thrive. We offer competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and unique perks like a discretionary bonus scheme and staff discounts, all while contributing to a brand that is committed to making athletes better.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandiser in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with fellow merchandisers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best work in merchandising. Include examples of range plans, inventory management strategies, and any successful promotions you've executed. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing common questions related to merchandising and retail KPIs. Think about how you can demonstrate your understanding of stock levels and trading opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining Castore. Make sure to tailor your application to reflect our ethos of 'Better Never Stops' and show us how you can contribute to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandiser in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sportswear:When you're writing your application, let your love for sportswear and performance shine through. We want to see how you connect with our ethos of 'BETTER NEVER STOPS' and how you can contribute to making athletes better.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your previous merchandising experience clearly. We’re looking for specifics on how you've managed inventory, maximised profitability, and influenced retail KPIs. The more detail, the better!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor it to reflect the role of a Merchandiser at Castore. Mention how your skills align with our goals and how you can help us innovate in the sportswear market.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Castore
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Merchandiser, you'll need to be comfortable with Retail KPIs. Brush up on your understanding of sales, profit, and markdown metrics. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced these in past roles, as this will show your analytical skills and commercial awareness.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Collaboration is key in this role, so think about examples where you've worked closely with other departments. Prepare to share how you’ve motivated a team or contributed to cross-functional projects, highlighting your ability to maintain a collaborative approach.
✨Excel at Excel
Advanced Excel skills are a must for this position. Make sure you can talk confidently about your experience with Excel, including any specific functions or tools you've used. If you have experience with WSSI or category management, be prepared to discuss that too!
✨Embrace the Brand Ethos
Castore's philosophy of 'Better Never Stops' is central to their identity. Familiarise yourself with their products and values, and think about how your personal ethos aligns with theirs. This will help you demonstrate your passion for the brand and its commitment to innovation.
