Import Merchandiser (temporary contract)

Company Overview

Equip Outdoor Technologies UK Ltd based in Alfreton, Derbyshire specialises in the design and marketing of technical outdoor clothing and equipment. The team develops innovative designs and manufactures them to the highest standard, bringing them to market worldwide. Equip Outdoor Technologies owns and operates two leading aspirational outdoor brands, Rab and Lowe Alpine.

Location

The team is based at the Head Office just outside the Peak District National Park off jct28 of the M1 corridor.

Position

Great opportunity to join our team on a 12‑month temporary contract as Import Merchandiser.

Key Responsibilities

• Efficiently manage stock-holding of the designated factories to ensure stock is available on time in the right quantities to service customer demand.
• Work with the Buying Manager to manage confirmed buys/order volume data in line with the buying critical path to ensure orders are placed in a timely manner and meet customer/seasonal delivery dates.
• Manage the order critical path from placement through to delivery, ensuring suppliers meet production deadlines so that stock is available on time.
• Split monthly buys by territory to ensure the right stock is sent to the right places at the right time and work closely with the Stock Control team to reserve these volumes.
• Work with freight forwarders to ensure stock is booked for onward transit in a timely manner, all paperwork and documentation is correct, and comparable quotes have been obtained and authorised for any airfreight required.
• Build strong two‑way working relationships with factories by giving clear instructions and guidance of the business requirements, holding regular meetings, and working together to solve any problems or issues that arise.
• Work closely with the fabric merchandising team to ensure required fabric is in place to avoid delays in production.
• Communicate closely with the customer sales team to provide full visibility of customer order delivery dates and inform them of any delays or issues that could impact these dates, ensuring delivery dates are accurate on the system at all times.
• Work closely with the Design and Garment Tech teams to confirm forward season ranges and ensure all product data information is available and up to date.
• Efficiently manage supplier production in accordance with our CSR objectives.

Requirements

Essential:

• Previous experience in a merchandiser position from retail or import merchandising background.
• Demonstrated drive and resilience, and the ability to work under pressure in a fast‑paced environment to tight deadlines.
• Resourceful decision making and the ability to handle multiple projects and priorities.
• Displays a high level of integrity through excellent communication skills at all levels.
• High level of IT competency, including ERP systems and the Microsoft Office Suite; advanced use of Excel (data manipulation).
• Exceptional attention to detail with excellent organisational skills.
• Displays a high level of team commitment through trust, accountability, and responsibility; able to work within a team and on own initiative with minimal supervision.
• The ability to engage with all parties where a relationship is needed, in a concise, clear way to ensure a smooth information flow and working relationship.

Desirable:

• Experience using Business Central or a similar ERP software.
• Knowledge or previous experience of working within a supply chain environment.
• Experience dealing with Far Eastern suppliers.
• A passion for the outdoors.

Salary & Benefits

Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience. Contributory company pension scheme, subject to qualifying conditions. Discretionary profit share bonus scheme. Employee Benefits Platform. Life Assurance Scheme. Online GP & Physio Service. Employee Wellbeing Platform. Hybrid working on a discretionary basis, determined by business need, and an early finish on Fridays. Free, unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning training resources. Great staff discounts on our Rab and Lowe Alpine products. Reciprocal trade discounts on climbing, bikes, camping, sailing and running equipment. Casual dress code. Modern facilities with free on‑site parking; we are proud to be a climate neutral company.

Closing Date

Closing date for applications is 11 May 2026.

Additional Notes

Strictly No Agencies please.

EEO Statement

Our people are part of one team that is geared to achieving success for the company, and we are strongly committed to inclusivity, promoting equality and celebrating diversity among our staff. We are looking for people who are passionate about and can help live our values of Synergy, Ingenuity, Ambition, Determination and Integrity.