At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the merchandising strategy and shape product direction for a growing clothing brand.
- Company: Join a values-driven clothing brand with a supportive team culture.
- Benefits: Part-time role, 30 days holiday, pension scheme, health cashback, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on long-term product strategy while enjoying fun team socials.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in merchandising strategy and strong commercial instincts required.
- Other info: Opportunity for senior leadership influence and collaboration across various teams.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
This is a senior, strategic role for someone who can see the bigger picture. You will shape the merchandising strategy, guide product direction, and ensure every collection is balanced, intentional and commercially strong!
What's in it for you?
- Part Time role (2.5 days a week!)
- 30 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- Company pension scheme
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Health cashback plan
- Be part of a growing, values-driven clothing brand
- Supportive and close-knit team culture
- Fun team socials!
- Staff Discounts across products
- Senior leadership role with real influence
- An opportunity to shape long-term product and merchandising strategy
Must haves
- Proven experience leading merchandising strategy for a growing clothing or lifestyle brand
- Strong commercial instinct with a deep understanding of the product lifecycle
- Confidence using trading data, forecasting and WSSI to drive decisions
- Experience leading Open-to-Buy planning alongside Finance and Sales
- Ability to balance creative vision with data-driven thinking
- Confident communicator who can collaborate across Product, Creative, Finance, Ops and Marketing
- Calm, structured approach and comfort navigating complexity
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to set direction and challenge thinking
Nice to haves
- Experience working in DTC or omnichannel retail
- Exposure to AI or automation tools for forecasting or reporting
- Strong interest in sustainability, responsible sourcing and long-term brand building
So what will you be doing?
- Setting and owning the long-term merchandising strategy across all categories
- Shaping the range architecture, including breadth, depth, hero products and new categories
- Using trading data and customer insight to guide product decisions and reduce risk
- Leading the Open-to-Buy process and intake phasing throughout the year
- Owning forecasting, WSSI and markdown strategy to protect margin
- Running the weekly trade rhythm, including trade packs, meetings and clear action plans
- Identifying growth opportunities, demand patterns and regional/channel risks
- Ensuring collections align with brand storytelling, sustainability commitments and commercial goals
- Working closely with Product, Creative, Marketing, Operations and ESG to keep the business aligned
- Setting direction for the merchandising team, while they execute day-to-day trading and reporting
- Translating trading insights into clear decisions
Helpful extras
- Senior role with accountability for long-term growth and performance
- Strategic focus, with the team handling day-to-day execution
- Opportunity to influence systems, processes and ways of working
- Work within a brand that values craft, quality and thoughtful decision-making
- Strong cross-functional collaboration at leadership level
Interested? Send your CV to Ellie at i2i Recruitment today!
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation or age.
Due to the volume of applications, if you haven't heard from us within 5 working days, please consider your application unsuccessful on this occasion.
Our mission of Making Recruitment Personal also means making recruitment fair. As a result, we are committed to reviewing every application with a sense of diversity and inclusion. We strive to personally connect with each applicant, but due to the number of applications we receive, this is not always possible. We will still aim to update you on your application, regardless of if it's successful.
Head of Merchandising in Gloucester employer: i2i Independent Recruitment Consultancy Ltd
Contact Detail:
i2i Independent Recruitment Consultancy Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Merchandising in Gloucester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its values. Make sure you can articulate how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their merchandising strategy.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams and influenced product direction in previous roles. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Merchandising in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Merchandising role. Highlight your proven experience in leading merchandising strategy and your strong commercial instincts. We want to see how you can shape our future!
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since this role involves a lot of data-driven decision-making, don’t shy away from showcasing your confidence in using trading data, forecasting, and WSSI. We love candidates who can balance creativity with analytical thinking!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about merchandising and how your leadership skills can help us grow. We’re looking for someone who can set direction and challenge thinking, so let that come through!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
How to prepare for a job interview at i2i Independent Recruitment Consultancy Ltd
✨Know Your Merchandising Strategy
Before the interview, take some time to research and understand the company's current merchandising strategy. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to shaping their long-term vision.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Brush up on your knowledge of trading data, forecasting, and WSSI. Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully used data to drive product decisions or improve margins. This will show that you can balance creativity with analytical thinking.
✨Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, think of specific instances where you've collaborated with Product, Creative, Finance, or Marketing. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve navigated complex projects to achieve common goals.
✨Show Your Passion for Sustainability
Given the brand's commitment to sustainability, be prepared to discuss your interest in responsible sourcing and long-term brand building. Share any relevant experiences or initiatives you've been involved in that align with these values.