Assistant Merchandiser

Fred Perry was founded in 1952 by triple Wimbledon champion Fred Perry. Today, it is a global community of over 370 employees, all inspired by the Laurel Wreath and what it represents.

PURPOSE: This role ensures that all stores operating across the group of Brands have the correct stock package and stock levels maintained to achieve their sales plan. Supports the merchandiser to plan the buy for both Full Price and Outlet channels through analysis and range building for the areas of responsibilities. This includes managing terminal stock to ensure any additional SMU buys are proposed, and clearance partners are explored. Support the merchandiser to manage the intake of stock into the retail business. Managing, training and coaching the MAA.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• TRADE: Produce weekly trade reports with the Merchandising Admin Assistant. Identify best and worst selling lines, propose action to be taken and suggest key trade actions to Merchandiser. Ensure MAA completes all required actions after Weekly Trade meeting. Work with merchandiser to ensure that Retail stock levels reflect current performance and act when needed. Review store stock quantities to ensure stores are holding enough stock to support sales. Liaise regularly with production and logistics teams to understand delivery issues and discuss actions with the merchandiser. Work closely with the planning team to address wholesale shortfalls while minimising impact on retail/Ecommerce business. Plan permanent markdowns in line with company strategy. Ensure that all markdowns clear through to the required terminal stock while maximising profitability. Work alongside ecommerce, Buying and Visual Merchandising teams to maximise Digital trading opportunities. Deputise for Merchandiser as required in company trade meetings. Support the merchandiser to produce monthly and quarterly terminal stock reports, as well as any ad hoc reporting needed by the business. Plan and execute stock transfers when needed.
• PLANNING: Ensure that all analysis is prepared in a timely manner to help drive the forthcoming season strategy. Communicate analysis to all appropriate teams and departments. Produce department plans for sales, markdown, profit and stock turns. Set up OTB phasing to maximise sales and minimise stock holding. Work with Product and Buying Managers to range build for area of responsibility. Support the merchandiser to produce a sign-off pack to sign off buy with the merchandise manager and commercial director. Plan buy quantities for each line based on ROS using historical analysis. Ensure size analysis is undertaken for the forthcoming season and decide on quantities to be ordered by size. Ensure the planning team receives required buy quantities for retail in the required time scales. Upload prices for any upcoming season. Plan initial allocations to stores with MAA to support store sales. Ensure that the Option Details is accurately maintained with quantities and price.
• BRANCH MERCHANDISING: Communicate with stores and lead regular store phone calls alongside MAA and carry out regular store visits. Prepare reports to be presented to the Merchandising Manager, along with action plans to increase store trade if needed. Analyse individual store performance, seeking opportunities and actions to gain further potential sales. Understand each store profile, sales trends and bestsellers for each store/region. Be the stores go-to for stock issues, upcoming events and delivery issues. Build good relationships with store managers and retail area managers. Build store option plans for each product category area based on store total stock holding, sales performance and store size.
• TEAM: Be a complete team player - work across departments to ensure company goals are achieved. Perform annual appraisal, mid-year reviews and day-to-day coaching as required. Actively engage in team discussions and meetings. Manage MAA’s workload and development. Have regular catch-ups with both direct reports (MAA) and line manager to discuss current performance and future progression.

THE PERSON: Passion and Enthusiasm. Numerate with strong analytical abilities. Advanced Excel knowledge required. Team leader capable of coaching and taking team members to the next level. Build strong and cooperative relationships cross-functionally across the business. Highly organised with great attention to detail. Proactive and a good time manager. Excellent communication skills. Commercial Awareness – Demonstrate a good understanding of what is happening in the retail market and the impact this may have on our business. Minimum 2 years’ work experience within a Merchandising role would be preferred.

HOURS: We actively encourage our teams to have a good work/life balance and offer flexible working shifts at Fred Perry HQ. Our core shift hours are from 10am – 4.30pm, allowing employees to choose to start and finish early or late. We also have a 30-minute early finish on Fridays. The Head Office acts as a brand hub for connection and collaboration. This role is a mix of office-based (London) and remote working, with expectations for regular office attendance for face-to-face meetings and collaborative projects.

BENEFITS: We offer a wide range of benefits to all our staff, including: Annual performance-related bonus, competitive salary, generous staff discount and regular sample sales, generous pension scheme with 8.5% company contribution, option to buy an extra 5 days holiday annually, enhanced maternity and paternity packages, life insurance, private healthcare, cycle to work scheme, early finish Fridays, season ticket loan, additional benefits with long service, 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, annual birthday vouchers, EAP, and social events.

We actively welcome applications from people of all different backgrounds. Your CV will be submitted to hiring managers with all personal details hidden to ensure anonymity.