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- Tasks: Lead the merchandising team to drive sales and optimise product availability.
- Company: GO Outdoors, passionate about inspiring everyone for life outdoors.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for growth and development.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on teamwork and innovation.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact in the outdoor retail sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in merchandising or retail planning, strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At GO Outdoors our purpose is strong and clear: “to inspire and equip everyone for life outdoors”. We believe in the positive benefits of the outdoors and provide the best equipment for all activities.
Location: JD Group HQ (Bury, Greater Manchester)
Department: Buying
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Role Overview
Lead the merchandising team across all channels to deliver Sales, Markdown, Stock, Intake and Profit Plans. Work closely with Buyers, Allocators, and suppliers to ensure product availability, minimise markdowns, and support range planning, forecasting, and trading strategies that align customer demand with business goals.
What You'll Be Doing
- Drive the review of the previous season and capture lessons learned.
- Drive the strategy for the department and present.
- Review the SMT plan at apply plan at Category/Season level to meet the overall plan.
- Quarterly plan at Category/Season level with the Buyer to submit a plan on the System that reflects the best possible mix of product to deliver the KPI’s.
- Attend selection/pre-selection meetings with the Buyer and suppliers.
- Plan the pre-scheduling to meet the range plan – in conjunction with Assistant Merchandisers.
- Overview the ratios for all buys in conjunction with merchandise teams.
- Ensure that the Buy matches the plan.
- Be responsible for the pushing of the business forward through proposing new ways of working and planning and be the driving force in implementing.
- Ensure Buying and Merchandising plans tie in with financial stock targets (sales, stock and intake).
- Ensure supplier terms are utilised to hit company targets.
- Review weekly trading performance and achieved KPI’s, identifying issues and the course of action in preparation for the weekly trading meetings.
- Propose and agree actions to recover risk and maximise opportunities with the Buyer at category and line level.
- Monthly – Capture all agreed actions in the monthly reviews.
- Work up the forecast for the category/Season.
- Meet and gain approval: Incorporating Forecasting any sales variance to plan.
- Creation and management of OTB’s.
- Management of commitments – On time delivery, rebuys cancellations, Markdown proposals.
- Manage the range plan in Season reflecting any changes.
- Creation and management/monitor sell out dates against all products.
- Manage Intake at category and line level.
- Work with the Buyer to deliver the plan.
- Guide and direct the Merchandising Team to help deliver the plan.
- Work closely with the multi-channel team to help deliver the plan.
- Establish working relationships with Store Operations, Visual Merchandising, Marketing, Finance, DC, etc.
- Team development right up to Merchandiser helping the business to facilitate internal promotion/strengthening of the teams.
- Work with online marketing executives to optimise the website.
- Attend all Systems courses to enable full utilisation of the System.
- Adhere to the Merchandise Calendar delivery plans and forecasts as required.
- Focus on Training and developing your team ‘On-The-Job’.
- Achieve company Sales, Margins, and stock plans.
Skills, Experience & Knowledge
- Previous experience in merchandising, planning, or a similar commercial retail role (outdoor retail experience desirable but not essential).
- Strong understanding of stock management, forecasting, and critical path processes.
- Commercially astute with awareness of market trends, competitor activity, and customer buying behaviours.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and comfortable working with large data sets.
- Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
- Experience using merchandising or retail planning systems.
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with confidence in liaising with suppliers and internal teams.
- A proactive, solution-focused approach with the ability to react quickly to changing circumstances.
- Passionate about retail, product, and the outdoor sector, with a drive to deliver results.
Merchandiser in Bury St Edmunds employer: GO Outdoors LTD
Contact Detail:
GO Outdoors LTD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandiser in Bury St Edmunds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the outdoor retail scene. Attend industry events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy to reach out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in merchandising and stock management. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you can drive sales and optimise product availability.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching GO Outdoors and their product range. Understand their mission to inspire outdoor activities and think about how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re all about.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the GO Outdoors team. Let’s get you that Merchandiser role!
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandiser in Bury St Edmunds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Merchandiser role. Highlight your experience in merchandising, stock management, and any relevant outdoor retail experience. We want to see how your skills align with our goals at GO Outdoors!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for the outdoors and how you can contribute to our mission. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since the role requires strong analytical skills, don’t forget to mention your experience with data analysis and forecasting. Use examples that demonstrate how you've turned data into actionable insights in previous roles. We’re all about making informed decisions!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, you’ll get to explore more about our company while you’re at it!
How to prepare for a job interview at GO Outdoors LTD
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Merchandiser, you'll need to be comfortable with data. Brush up on your stock management and forecasting skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles to drive sales or improve stock levels.
✨Show Your Passion for the Outdoors
Since GO Outdoors is all about inspiring people for life outdoors, make sure to convey your enthusiasm for outdoor activities. Share personal experiences or insights that connect your passion with the role, showing you understand the customer base.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific merchandising challenges. Think of examples from your previous experience where you successfully managed stock levels, dealt with markdowns, or collaborated with buyers. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Understand the Company’s Strategy
Familiarise yourself with GO Outdoors' current strategies and market position. Research their product range and recent campaigns. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.