Assistant Merchandiser in Bury St Edmunds

At GO Outdoors our purpose is strong and clear; “to inspire and equip everyone for life outdoors”. We passionately believe in the positive benefits of the outdoors, whether that be the daily dog walk or hiking Ben Nevis, horse riding or cold water therapy, we provide the best equipment for all outdoor activities, always at the best price guaranteed! Our values aren’t just posters on the wall, we live them every day; ‘One Team’ we are stronger together, ‘Responsibility’ we take ownership, ‘Passion’ we believe in what we do and ‘Integrity’ we do the right thing. Clear values which help us to fulfil our mission to be ‘the nations favourite outdoor retailer’. If you share our passion and want to make a difference join our team to be a part of something ‘unbeatable’!

Location: Bury HQ (travel required)
Hours: 40 Hours per week
Department: Merchandise Assistant Merchandiser - Outdoors

Role Overview
The Assistant Merchandiser supports the Merchandising team in delivering a commercially successful product range across JD Outdoors’ fascias (Go Outdoors, Blacks, Millets). This role ensures accurate stock management, timely product launches, and effective promotional planning to maximise sales, markdown, stock, intake, and profit plans. The role is primarily store-focused, ensuring all products are in the right stores to achieve departmental objectives, while also working with the product file. The Assistant Merchandiser will act as a substitute for the Merchandiser in their absence. The focus will be 80% Current Trading / 20% Future Planning, balancing immediate priorities with longer-term improvements. This position will specifically support on hard goods categories, such as Outdoor Living and Outdoor Activities, ensuring these ranges are optimised for performance and customer appeal.

Key Responsibilities

• Planning: Provide the Merchandiser and Buyer with the previous season analysis at store and product level
• Input into creation of the store strategy with the Merchandiser/Buyer
• Assist in formulation of range plan at store level with the Merchandiser/Buyer
• Work with the Merchandiser to ensure pre‑scheduling meets options and range plan at store level
• Create ratios for all buys (trading)
• Prepare weekly review of stores and product in preparation for Monday trading meeting
• Identify priority stores for the week, review and propose actions
• New/Refit Stores – Analyse performance
• Over/Under‑performing stores
• Over/Under‑optioned stores
• Priority stores fed to team by management team or other function
• Complete Retail Feedback sheets, completing required actions and follow‑up
• Attend store visits, create and execute action plans to improve trade
• Manage line cards in conjunction with the Merchandiser
• Participate in the Monthly Re‑forecast
• Manage condensing of stocks and IBTs
• Assist retail with merchandising aids, taking direction from the Merchandiser
• Manage and monitor exception stocks on a daily basis, primarily through the GUI system
• Ensure stores are seasonally correct
• Plan and action new store ranges (in conjunction with pre‑scheduling)
• Carry out ad‑hoc analysis as required
• Consolidate supplier order books
• Book in new product with guidelines from the Merchandiser
• Check cost, retail and margin
• Work as a team, reporting to the Merchandiser
• Collaborate with the Merchandise Team and Buyer
• Seek guidance on best practice merchandising from the Trading Manager and implement
• Develop relationships as appropriate with Store Operations, Visuals, Marketing DC etc

Key Deliverables – Year 1

• Attend all systems courses
• Strive to have an awareness and understanding of planning processes
• Be the voice of ‘Stores’ on the department
• Develop more effective branch merchandising through a greater analytical understanding

Skills & Experience

• Strong analytical and numerical skills with attention to detail
• Proficient in Excel and merchandising systems
• Ability to prioritise tasks and work in a fast‑paced retail environment
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Previous experience in merchandising or retail operations (desirable)

Key Attributes

• Commercial awareness and customer focus
• Proactive, adaptable, and collaborative approach
• Passion for outdoor products and retail