Merchandise Admin Assistant in Romsey

Hillier is a long-established, family-owned business with more than 155 years of horticultural expertise and a proud reputation for quality, innovation, and exceptional customer experience. We are seeking a part-time Merchandise Admin Assistant to join our central Merchandising team on a rolling three-month fixed-term contract, with the opportunity for the position to become permanent. This role is based at the Hillier Support Centre in Ampfield and offers a salary of £14,461 per annum for 22.5 hours per week. It is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to begin or develop their career in merchandising within a supportive, fast-paced retail environment. Applicants must be within a commutable distance of our site in Romsey.

Role purpose

The Merchandise Admin Assistant supports the Merchandising function by ensuring accurate stock allocation, effective replenishment, and robust data management across all systems. The role underpins product availability, supports commercial decision-making, and contributes to the smooth delivery of seasonal and promotional plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up replenishment parameters (minimums, reorder levels, maximums) in line with planograms or agreed presentation quantities.
• Conduct regular reviews to ensure replenishment settings remain optimised.
• Place new orders through manual allocation or system-generated processes.
• Amend orders where supplier availability or operational issues require changes.
• Monitor outstanding orders, chase overdue deliveries, and maintain accurate due dates.
• Create and manage seasonal stock build orders in line with agreed plans.
• Maintain product availability to agreed performance thresholds.
• Maintain accurate product data, including active flags, pack sizes, season codes, costs, and retail prices.
• Ensure all range changes are correctly reflected in systems to support accurate forecasting, ordering, and reporting.
• Maintain intake values and manage orders in line with the Open to Buy (OTB) within the WSSI plan.
• Support the Merchandiser in ensuring the WSSI (Weekly Sales, Stock & Intake) reflects accurate, timely information.
• Add pre-nomination promotional forecasts to the trade plan and review with the Buyer prior to sign-off.
• Place allocations in line with agreed promotional forecasts once confirmed.
• Update actual performance data following promotional activity.
• Maintain hibernation dates for products not currently available.
• Produce supplier fulfilment reports and highlight issues or risks to the Merchandiser.
• Support resolution of supply chain issues impacting availability.
• Provide product performance analysis on seasonal or promotional lines.
• Run availability reports and identify issues requiring action.
• Produce long stock reports and support actions to reduce overstock.
• Maintain and update the Launch Tracker to ensure availability milestones are met.
• Monitor seasonal sell-through and support exit strategies.
• Conduct ad hoc investigations into availability, supply, or data issues.
• Provide timely and accurate support to centres regarding stock queries, availability issues, and replenishment settings.
• Ensure communication is clear, consistent, and aligned with merchandising priorities.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong numerical and analytical skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Confident using Excel and data-driven systems.
• Ability to prioritise workload in a fast-paced environment.
• Clear communication skills and a collaborative approach.

Desirable

• Experience in retail, supply chain, or merchandising (placement or entry level).
• Understanding of WSSI, OTB, or replenishment systems.

Personal Attributes

• Proactive, organised, and eager to learn.
• Comfortable working with large datasets.
• Solutions-focused with a positive approach to problem solving.
• Able to build strong working relationships with internal teams and suppliers.

Benefits

• 31 days annual leave (Pro-rata if part time and inclusive of Bank Holidays).
• Employee discount.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with retail discounts.
• Complimentary access to the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens.

Hillier Nurseries is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. Please note that we will only consider candidates who are already located in the UK and have right-to-work status.