An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Merchandiser to join a successful and growing business based in East Leeds.
This is a key role within the merchandising function, responsible for range planning, stock management, in-season trading and forecasting, working closely with buying, retail, operations and other key stakeholders to maximise sales, profitability and stock availability.
You'll also take responsibility for leading and developing a Merchandising Administrator, providing guidance and support across planning, allocations and replenishment.
East Leeds | Fully Office Based
£14.28 per hour | Monday to Friday
Free on-site parking
The Role
- Delivering strategic and in-season merchandising activity to achieve sales and profitability targets.
- Analysing trading performance and identifying key opportunities, risks and trends.
- Reviewing retail and warehouse stock levels, managing allocations, replenishment and IBT planning.
- Ensuring stock availability targets are achieved and sales opportunities are maximised.
- Managing the store delivery process and resolving queries with internal and external stakeholders.
- Forecasting KPIs in line with trading performance, customer demand and promotional activity.
- Managing seasonal markdown activity to maximise sales, profit and sell-through.
- Developing stock plans in line with business strategy, budgets and commercial requirements.
- Managing space, category and option planning across the retail channel.
- Planning and delivering departmental trading activities, intake processes and KPI forecasting.
- Working with WSSI and Open-to-Buy (OTB) planning.
- Managing and reviewing linecards, ensuring actions are completed in line with critical paths and business requirements.
- Building seasonal ranges and developing distribution and phasing plans.
- Working closely with buying and retail teams on future season planning.
- Coordinating with Import Merchandisers and Operations around delivery schedules, allocations, replenishment and IBTs.
- Leading and supporting the Merchandising Administrator, providing day-to-day guidance and development.
- Working closely with key stakeholders and senior management to deliver commercial objectives.
About You
We're looking for an experienced Merchandiser with a strong commercial mindset and a proven track record within retail merchandising.
You'll ideally have:
- 3-4 years' experience in merchandising.
- Excellent numerical and analytical ability.
- Outstanding Microsoft Excel skills.
- Strong experience in data analysis and interpreting trading performance.
- Proven experience of in-season trading.
- Experience of range planning, ranging and stock planning.
- Strong knowledge of WSSI management and linecards.
- Experience managing allocations, replenishment and stock availability.
- The ability to react quickly to changes in demand, logistics and trading performance.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a solutions-focused approach.
- Previous experience managing or mentoring a Merchandising Administrator or small merchandising team.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong commercial awareness and a genuine interest in retail.
Seasonal store visits will be required as part of the role, working closely with the retail teams to optimise sales performance across the store estate.
If you're an experienced Merchandiser looking for a new opportunity where you can combine commercial trading, planning, analysis and team leadership, this could be an excellent next step.
£14.28 per hour | East Leeds | Fully office based | Monday-Friday | Free parking
Huntress Search Ltd acts as a Recruitment Agency in relation to all Permanent roles and as a Recruitment Business in relation to all Temporary roles.
We practice a diverse and inclusive recruitment process that ensures equal opportunity for all we work with, irrespective of race, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age or gender. As an organisation, we encourage applications from all backgrounds and will ensure measures are met when required, to allow a fair process throughout.
PLEASE NOTE: We can only consider applications from candidates who have the right to work in the UK.
Merchandiser in Leeds employer: Huntress Careers
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandiser in Leeds
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Huntress Careers, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Huntress Careers!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Huntress Careers, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Huntress Careers and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Huntress Careers that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Huntress Careers
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
