Merchandiser

Merchandiser

Full-Time 28800 - 48000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Debenhams Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive commercial success through strategic planning and analysis in a fast-paced retail environment.
  • Company: Join the innovative Debenhams Group, transforming the retail landscape.
  • Benefits: Competitive bonuses, discounts, private medical cover, and ongoing development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of retail with a dynamic team.
  • Qualifications: Strong Excel skills, commercial awareness, and a passion for fashion.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.

At Debenhams Group, we are on a journey of transformation, revitalising our brand, culture, and connection with colleagues and customers alike. In a fast-changing retail environment, effective and authentic communication is vital to building trust, aligning our teams, and amplifying the impact of our work across internal and external audiences.

We are looking for a talented Merchandiser to join our team at Karen Millen. In this trading-focused and highly collaborative role, you will work closely with the Buying team and regularly present performance updates to our Senior Leadership team. You will take full ownership of planning and trading across your designated product areas, driving commercial success through strategic insight and analysis. This role will be based out of our Central London office.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

Following a period of structural change, brand repositioning, and workforce transformation, you will build strong, transparent relationships across the Buying and Merchandising teams, grounded in accurate and insightful data. You will support the wider Merchandising function to ensure the buying strategy is effectively managed within the agreed business goals. This includes maintaining key frameworks, controls, and capabilities to drive both long-term planning and in-season trading — all aimed at maximising commercial performance.

  • Lead on reporting and presenting at weekly and monthly trade meetings
  • Take full ownership of all Karen Millen categories, proactively managing sales, profitability, and stock levels
  • Analyse daily and weekly sales performance to inform decisions on rebuys and markdowns
  • Identify over- and under-performing products, implementing trading actions to maximise opportunities and minimise risk
  • Manage departmental WSSI by accurately forecasting demand, OTB, returns, AVSP, and margin
  • Oversee critical path management, taking timely action to resolve any issues
  • Prepare and deliver trading reports and packs, while also identifying and implementing reporting improvements across the Buying & Merchandising function
  • Drive your department forward with a strategic and structured approach through robust planning and framework development
  • Work collaboratively with Buying and Design teams and continue to strengthen supplier relationships
  • Mentor and coach junior team members, supporting their development
  • Demonstrate a clear understanding of how your role contributes to the wider business strategy

WHAT WE LOOK FOR

  • Advanced Excel skills
  • Strong commercial awareness and business acumen
  • A sharp eye for fashion and a deep understanding of current trends driving sales
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Highly organised with strong attention to detail
  • A true brand ambassador who leads by example
  • Proactive in attending training, meetings, and other events as required by management
  • A collaborative team player, willing to support beyond core responsibilities when needed
  • Committed to continuous improvement and expanding knowledge of the wider business
  • Positive, passionate, and enthusiastic — a natural leader within the team

WORKING WITH US

At Debenhams Group we thrive on change, innovation, and pace. Every challenge is an opportunity, and every day is a chance to push boundaries. If you are someone who embraces the unknown, thrives in a fast-moving, high-growth environment, and is ready to shape the future of retail, you will love it here. We want visionaries, disruptors, and doers—people who bring fresh thinking, relentless energy, and the drive to make an impact.

WHY JOIN US

Our mission is to create a workplace where everyone is respected, individual differences are valued, and people can be themselves at work — without exception. 2025 was a year of significant change for the Group. 2026 is about bold moves, real results and unstoppable momentum. If that excites you, you belong at Debenhams Group.

Our benefits include (subject to level and eligibility):

  • Highly competitive bonus scheme, company pension, share schemes, private medical cover and life assurance
  • Discount across all brands
  • Comprehensive wellbeing package
  • Ongoing learning and development with strong internal progression
  • Free season ticket loan

Merchandiser employer: Debenhams Group

At Debenhams Group, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that champions innovation and collaboration. As a Merchandiser in our Central London office, you'll not only drive commercial success through strategic insights but also benefit from a highly competitive bonus scheme, comprehensive wellbeing package, and ongoing learning opportunities that support your professional growth. Join us in shaping the future of retail while being part of a team that values respect, diversity, and individual contributions.
Debenhams Group

Contact Detail:

Debenhams Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Merchandiser

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the retail industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. 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! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, bring along examples of your work. Whether it’s reports, presentations, or even a portfolio of your merchandising strategies, having tangible proof of your abilities can really set you apart.

✨Tip Number 3

Be ready to chat about trends! As a Merchandiser, you need to be on top of current fashion trends and market insights. Prepare to discuss how you’ve used data to drive decisions in past roles, and don’t forget to share your thoughts on what’s hot right now!

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly. It shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Debenhams Group. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets into the right hands!

We think you need these skills to ace Merchandiser

Advanced Excel skills
Commercial Awareness
Business Acumen
Fashion Trend Analysis
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Attention to Detail
Organisational Skills
Team Collaboration
Mentoring and Coaching
Data Analysis
Strategic Planning
Reporting Skills
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Merchandising: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for merchandising shine through! Talk about your love for fashion trends and how you keep up with the latest market insights. We want to see that you're not just applying for a job, but that you're genuinely excited about the role.

Be Data-Driven: Since this role involves a lot of analysis, make sure to highlight your experience with data. Share specific examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. We appreciate candidates who can back up their insights with solid numbers!

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We’re looking for someone who understands our needs and can demonstrate how they fit into our vision at Debenhams Group.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us that you’re proactive and keen to join our team. So, don’t hesitate—get your application in today!

How to prepare for a job interview at Debenhams Group

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Merchandiser, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on your Excel abilities and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive sales or manage stock levels in the past. Bring examples of reports you've created or insights you've derived from sales data.

✨Showcase Your Commercial Awareness

Debenhams Group is looking for someone with strong commercial acumen. Research current fashion trends and be prepared to discuss how they impact sales. Think about how you can leverage these trends in your role and be ready to share your thoughts during the interview.

✨Communicate Effectively

Excellent communication skills are key for this role. Practice presenting your ideas clearly and confidently. You might even want to prepare a mock presentation on a recent trading report or product analysis to showcase your ability to convey complex information simply.

✨Emphasise Team Collaboration

This role requires working closely with various teams. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight any mentoring experiences you've had, as well as how you’ve contributed to team success, showing that you're a true team player.

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