Merchandiser in Bradford

Hybrid flexibility: 2 office days per week

About The Role

To plan and merchandise product ranges which satisfy customer requirements and deliver the core values and attributes of the Brand(s); manages an Assistant Merchandiser to meet current and future sales, margin and stock targets within budget.

Accountabilities

• In conjunction with the Buying Team and QA develop, review and gain agreement for the department strategy and targets for each product area to achieve sales and profit plans.
• Deliver product review and range finalisation in line with the critical path.
• Develop an in-depth knowledge of departmental performance and understand which are the most appropriate levers to use to maximise business performance at any given time.
• Agree with Head of Merchandising and Buyer the sales targets from ‘open to buy’ and range reviews.
• Agree range plan, stock flow, margins and process with the Buyer to ensure smooth flow of the right stock at the right time.
• Manage the reporting of historical KPI’s for pre-season range analysis and use the historical mix to assess winners/losers and future direction of the range.
• Work with the Buyer to determine range structures & size, incl number of options, price architecture & GBB mix based on lessons learnt.
• In conjunction with the Buyer propose and gain agreement for markdown activity together with appropriate timelines for execution.
• Ensure the WSSI tool is accurate and reflects the departments most up to date sales and stock forecast.
• Proactively communicate current and future department plans cross functionally to ensure full understanding.
• Manage and develop the supply base to maximise profitability through accurate production planning, stock phasing and delivery schedule management, identify the key suppliers and plan production space.
• Work with the Buying team to analyse sales trends and patterns and manipulate forward commitment to ensure the correct mix of product at all times.
• Highlight any risk areas to the sales targets and identifies opportunities to over achieve against target.
• Proactively manage in season trading to deliver sales, stock margin and markdown targets through effective range building, planning, repeats and promotion escalator major trading issues with action plans.
• Manage the inventory process to maximise the departmental profitability by having the right stock in the right place at the right time.
• Ensure the effective flow of correct volumes of stock into the DC through daily communication with the Merchandise team.
• Agree objectives with direct reports, manage their performance and provide advice and guidance so they can function effectively and develop within their roles.
• To be committed to good outcomes for customers at all times.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable UK and local regulations, Company Policies and FCA Conduct Rules.
• Demonstrate behaviours in line with our Company values.
• To take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and other persons who may be affected by acts and omissions at work.

About You

• Sound experience of Merchandise/Planning in a mail order or large retail environment/Multi channel business.
• Highly developed analytical and numerical skills.
• Excellent PC skills, with experience of working with Financial/Analytical tools.
• Experience of using a WSSI.
• Responsible for product, pricing and mark-down decisions after discussion with Buying team, orders counter signed by Head of Merchandising.
• Detailed analysis of complex data for business decision making.
• Balancing the pre-season planning with the in-trading requirements proactive versus reactive.
• Maths and English grade C or above, or equivalent.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Ability to prioritise effectively whilst working at pace.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Flexible and positive attitude and approach to work.
• Ability to work on own initiative or as directed.
• An enthusiastic, tenacious and proactive individual.
• High attention to detail at all times.
• Ability to embrace change.
• Ability to drive change and work strategically.
• Able to commute to Bradford city centre.

ABOUT US: FGH

For over 100 years, Freemans has been at the forefront of home shopping, delivering quality products and exceptional service. We’ve accepted the challenge to transform our business into a modern, digital-first retailer. With a rich heritage and an eye on the future, we are a forward-thinking, tech-driven online retail business, making fabulous fashion and stylish homewares accessible and affordable for everyone. Based in West Yorkshire and part of the OTTO group one of the world’s largest online retail organisations, Freemans Grattan Holdings (FGH) is the home of familiar brands such as Freemans, Grattan, Kaleidoscope, and Curvissa.

What We Offer You

• FLEXIBILITY: We offer hybrid working to help you achieve a healthy work life balance. Our full time head office colleagues work a minimum of 2 days per week in the office, allowing the perfect balance between collaborative in-person team work and the flexibility to work from home.
• TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT: Turning your job into a career is a real passion for us and our development programmes will enable you to grow in role. We offer clear career pathways that will show you the way, outlining the skills, behaviours and knowledge needed to perform at the next step. We invest in our colleagues, giving them all the opportunity to progress. Our inspired leadership programme is aimed at equipping our future leaders to coach, develop, manage change and maintain situational awareness.
• INCLUSIVITY: As a business, we depend on a fusion of identities, characteristics, backgrounds, and cultures to fully appreciate our people and our customers. Freemans has a long-standing commitment to ensuring fairness and balance. Our company is an inclusive organisation where everybody can make the most of their talent and abilities. Our pay, reward, and progression approach is based solely on fairness and merit.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and annual bonus scheme.
• 37 days holiday.
• Healthcare cash plan.
• Competitive pension scheme.
• Life assurance.
• Paid paternity and maternity leave.
• Incredible staff discounts.
• Subsidised Canteen.

Ready to apply? If you’re excited about this opportunity and want to join FGH, click apply now to send us your application.