Concessions Assistant Merchandiser

White Stuff was established in 1985 through a simple idea. This idea grew and now we have shops and concessions in the UK and internationally, selling women’s and men’s clothing as well as beautiful accessories and homeware. Our original prints (all designed in house), intricate details and considered design touches reflect our personality and make us subtly distinctive. Our people are at the heart of our brand, constantly moving and driving us forward. We’re sociable, talented and like minded and we’re not hierarchical or political in how we do business. We encourage entrepreneurial ideas and accountability at all levels.

Who you are: You will have a passion and enthusiasm for product and a keen interest in our product categories. You’ll have the ability to multitask and work independently in a fast-paced environment. It’s essential to have a keen eye for detail and accuracy and you need to have amazing time management, communication, and organizational skills.

Primary objective of the job: As an Assistant Merchandiser at White Stuff, you will support the Merchandiser to plan and trade our concessions. You will think commercially and innovatively in order to maximise sales and profit, and minimise markdown.

What you’ll be doing:

• Contribute to the overall Merchandising planning and trading strategy, with the customer and brand in mind.
• Support Merchandiser in development of seasonal strategy by concession, which reflects company strategy and maximises department profit performance.
• Review the concessions weekly budgets under guidance of the Merchandiser.
• Support the Merchandiser in planning options for each concession – online and stores.
• Manage the allocation of right stock at the right time to each concession and store.
• Collate and produce weekly trade analysis for each concession to support in delivering maximum profit for the season, irrespective of fluctuating trends, retail climate and internal and external circumstances.
• Weekly trade catch up with each concession – maintain strong relationships, manage critical path and monitor ranking across the brands – making suggestions on how to improve.
• Update merchandising team and wider leadership team on concession lessons learnt which could improve sales across other channels.
• Management of stock by channel – drive sell through and profit.
• Manage despatch forecast with our DC team and each of the concessions.
• Manage daily despatch alongside the operations team, to ensure lines are enriched and compliance across the concessions.
• Manage markdown by concession – evaluate impact of different timings.
• Manage promotions with concessions.
• Support the area managers and VM team with concession actions to drive trade.
• Review seasonal guidelines for concession shops.
• Regularly review size ratios and make recommendations for next seasons allocations.
• Managing the enrichment critical path alongside the operations team.
• Support Merchandiser with a weekly update to the leadership team regarding concessions trade.
• Support Merchandise function in delivery of training for MAA’s and new Assistant Merchandisers.

What you’ll need:

• Currently working as an Assistant Merchandiser or a Senior MAA, ideally within the retail industry.
• Ability to demonstrate commercial awareness with an understanding of consumer trends and competitors.
• Ability to proactively manage workload, prioritising and delegating when necessary.
• Communicate accurately, clearly and concisely both in writing and verbally.
• Good ability to problem solve.
• Strong team working skills, able to build positive cross-functional relationships.
• Initiative and good decision-making skills.
• Experience mentoring an Allocator or Merchandising Admin Assistant, with the ability to develop and coach others is preferred but not essential.
• Excellent PC skills, to include Excel (intermediate to advanced).

What we will offer you:

• Quarterly/Annual bonus opportunity
• Up to 25 days holiday per annum plus bank holidays
• 2 extra (paid!) days off per year to volunteer in the local community
• 50% discount
• Subsidised BUPA Dental Insurance
• Healthcare cash plan and Life Assurance
• Interest free season ticket loan
• Pension Contribution

We are committed to creating an environment where we can all be proud to work and be ourselves. Part of this commitment is being an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, and age.