At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Merchandising team to manage orders, analyse sales, and support product launches.
- Company: Barbour is a renowned lifestyle brand with a rich heritage, crafting quality clothing since 1894.
- Benefits: Enjoy a company bonus, staff discounts, flexible working, and 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in fashion merchandising while contributing to a respected brand's legacy.
- Qualifications: Must be studying a relevant degree with strong Excel skills and a passion for numbers.
- Other info: This is a 12-month placement; apply early as the position may close once enough applications are received.
Company Description: The Barbour story began in 1894 in South Shields in the North East of England. Founder John Barbour began supplying oilskins and other garments to protect the growing community of sailors, fishermen and dockers. Still family owned and now fifth generation, Barbour HQ remains in South Shields. Under the leadership of Chairman Dame Margaret Barbour, Barbour has grown into a lifestyle brand sold in over 55 countries worldwide including Europe, the US and Asia offering a wardrobe of stylish functional clothing, footwear and accessories inspired by the unique values of the British countryside. The iconic Barbour Bedale and Barbour Beaufort wax jackets continue to be made by hand in the factory in South Shields. In 2020, Barbour launched Wax for Life, an overarching name for all of Barbour's wax services designed to encourage customers to extend the life of their wax garments. Wax for Life includes re-waxing and repairs (first introduced in 1921) and Barbour Re-Loved an upcycling circularity initiative. Each year over 70,000 wax garments are sent back to Barbour globally to be repaired, rewaxed or altered.
Position Overview: We have an exciting opportunity for a student to join our UK&I Merchandising team here at our Holford Office in London in a 12-month Student Placement. This role will be key to assisting in a range of Merchandising duties.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Constant management of wholesale orderbooks to maximise sales with wholesale partners
- Assisting in the seasonal range planning & assortment plans with the merchandising and sales team
- Co-ordination of stock to support strategic product launches and exclusive product ranges in store
- Actively analysing trade to provide bestseller reports β identifying best and worst sellers and making recommendations
- Analysing sales & stock reports for product opportunities to drive in-season opportunities
- Collating trade information from different sources and translating into an aligned format for review
- Data review & providing insight and recommendations
- Support in the provision of product information for wholesale partners
- Maintaining product records & ensuring accurate attribution & naming conventions
- Maintaining weekly & monthly product dashboards
- Assisting with Orderbook management
- Working cross-functionally with Sales Support, Forecasting & Finance
- Take part in new season launches and experience the sales and merchandising planning process
Skills and Experience:
- Studying a relevant degree and interest in pursuing a merchandising career in Fashion
- A genuine interest in numbers & an eye for detail
- Proficient in Microsoft packages such as Excel, Powerpoint β Intermediate Excel knowledge is a must
- A keen interest in reviewing large data sets in Excel
- Previous retail experience is preferred
- Demonstrates high standards of attention to detail.
- Exceptionally organised, methodical and efficient with strong time management ability
- Proactive approach to problem solving
- Effective communicator & able to establish relationships with people at all levels.
Benefits:
- Discretionary Company bonus scheme
- Staff Discount
- Staff Shop
- Healthcare Cash Plan
- 25 days holiday as standard increasing with length of service plus bank holidays (prorataβd to contract length / time in holiday year)
- Access to training and development activities to support your career development
- Free onsite parking
- Subsidised canteen
- Operate hybrid & flexible working
- 4pm finish on a Friday
- Wellbeing support
Additional information: To apply for this placement, you must be currently studying an Undergraduate Sandwich Degree Course and able to undertake 12 months in industry as part of your course. Note: In the event that a sufficient volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.
UK&I Merchandising Student Placement employer: Doctor-IT Limited
Contact Detail:
Doctor-IT Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land UK&I Merchandising Student Placement
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Barbour's product range and their unique selling points. Understanding the brand's heritage and values will help you articulate your passion for their products during any discussions or interviews.
β¨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Excel skills, especially in data analysis and reporting. Since the role involves analysing sales and stock reports, being able to demonstrate your proficiency in handling large datasets will set you apart from other candidates.
β¨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Barbour, if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and the specifics of the merchandising role, which can help you tailor your approach when applying.
β¨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends in the fashion industry, particularly in merchandising. Being knowledgeable about market trends and consumer behaviour will show your genuine interest in the field and your readiness to contribute to the team.
We think you need these skills to ace UK&I Merchandising Student Placement
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Company: Familiarise yourself with Barbour's history, values, and product offerings. This will help you tailor your application to reflect your understanding of their brand and how you can contribute to their merchandising team.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your proficiency in Microsoft Excel and any experience with data analysis. Mention your attention to detail and organisational skills, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Tailored CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and specifically tailored to the merchandising role. Include relevant coursework, projects, and any retail experience that showcases your interest in fashion and numbers.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Discuss why you're interested in a merchandising career and how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
How to prepare for a job interview at Doctor-IT Limited
β¨Show Your Passion for Merchandising
Make sure to express your genuine interest in merchandising and the fashion industry during the interview. Research Barbour's history and values, and be ready to discuss how they resonate with you.
β¨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Since the role involves analysing sales and stock reports, prepare to discuss any relevant experience you have with data analysis. Bring examples of how you've used Excel or other tools to interpret data and make recommendations.
β¨Highlight Your Attention to Detail
Barbour values high standards of attention to detail. Be prepared to share instances where your meticulous nature has positively impacted a project or task, especially in a retail or merchandising context.
β¨Prepare Questions About the Role
Show your enthusiasm by preparing thoughtful questions about the UK&I Merchandising team and the specific responsibilities of the placement. This demonstrates your proactive approach and eagerness to learn more about the company.