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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead merchandising strategy and drive sales performance for a fast-growing retailer.
- Company: Join a dynamic, ambitious brand with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private healthcare, and an uncapped bonus scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a senior role with opportunities for personal development.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in merchandising with strong analytical and leadership skills.
- Other info: Be part of a high-performing team in a collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Forward Role has partnered with a fast-growing retailer on the search for a commercially driven Head of Merchandising to take ownership of trading performance and lead the merchandising function into its next phase of growth. This is a senior leadership role with full accountability for sales, margin, stock and intake performance.
As Head of Merchandising, you will be the senior owner of commercial performance across the business. You will translate ambitious growth targets into robust forecasts, disciplined stock investment plans, and profitable trading outcomes. You will lead forecasting, Open-to-Buy (OTB), WSSI and inventory strategy across all DTC channels, ensuring capital is deployed effectively and risk is proactively managed.
Key Responsibilities- Own weekly and seasonal trading performance (sales, margin, stock and intake)
- Build and manage annual and seasonal forecasts, including phasing and reforecasting
- Drive stock efficiency, weeks of cover and sell-through performance
- Own pricing architecture, promotional planning and markdown strategy
- Protect and optimise margin through disciplined trading decisions
- Analyse performance vs forecast and act decisively on risks and opportunities
- Optimise stock levels across categories, channels and territories
- Lead intake phasing to balance availability, cash flow and risk
- Own end-of-season planning and stock clearance strategy
- Establish and manage merchandising KPIs and reporting cadence
- Improve forecasting accuracy through data insight and post-season analysis
- Bring market, competitor and channel insights into planning decisions
- Build, lead and develop a high-performing merchandising team
- Minimum 5+ years' experience in a senior merchandising role
- Proven track record delivering growth in a DTC-led business (ecommerce & retail)
- Strong commercial acumen with exceptional analytical capability
- Experience managing large stock and intake budgets
- Confident leading weekly trade meetings and influencing senior stakeholders
- Advanced Excel skills
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- A collaborative leader who builds strong cross-functional relationships
- 25 days holiday + your birthday off
- Uncapped bonus scheme
- Private healthcare
- Staff discount
- Ongoing personal development opportunities
- The opportunity to play a key role in a high-growth, ambitious brand
Head of Merchandising in Warrington employer: Forward Role
Contact Detail:
Forward Role Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Merchandising in Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the retail and merchandising space. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a great opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your past successes in merchandising. Use data and metrics to back up your achievements. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your results do the talking.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Research companies you admire and reach out directly. Express your interest in their merchandising strategies and how you can contribute to their growth. It shows initiative and enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep an eye on our website! We regularly update it with new roles in merchandising and other areas. Applying through our site gives you a better chance of being noticed, so make sure to check back often and apply early!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Merchandising in Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Head of Merchandising role. Highlight your experience in managing stock and intake budgets, and showcase your commercial acumen. We want to see how you've driven growth in a DTC-led business!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've optimised trading performance and led successful merchandising teams. We love a good story!
Show Off Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical capabilities, don’t shy away from showcasing your data-driven decision-making skills. Include any relevant tools or methodologies you’ve used to improve forecasting accuracy and trading outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come in directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forward Role
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Merchandising, you'll need to demonstrate your strong analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics like sales, margin, and stock levels. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a collaborative leader. Prepare examples of how you've built and developed high-performing teams. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with current market trends and competitor strategies. Be prepared to discuss how these insights can inform your merchandising decisions. This shows that you're not just focused on internal metrics but also aware of external factors.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations, like managing stock during peak seasons or adjusting forecasts based on market changes. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies clearly.