At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the merchandising team by analysing data and ensuring optimal product placement.
- Company: Join JD Sports, a leading global retailer in sports fashion and outdoor gear.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, training programmes, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent development opportunities across various departments.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation in the sports retail industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in merchandising or retail, strong analytical skills, and a passion for sports.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Established in 1981 with a single store in the Northwest of England, the JD Group is a leading omni-channel retailer of Sports Fashion, Outdoors and Gyms with our colleagues working in stores across several retail fascias in many markets around the world. JD Sports Fashion Plc was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1996 and has been a FTSE100 publicly quoted company since 2019 and continues to grow in the UK and internationally.
We want to be the leading global omnichannel retailer in the sports and outdoor industry. To be a part of this successful company and help us to achieve this you will have the desire to ingrain our strategic goals of being a people-led, innovative and customer-focused organisation which provides operational excellence whilst identifying new areas of growth as part of our day to day objectives.
The JD Group is now recruiting for an Assistant Merchandiser to join our Bury Head Office, within the JD Sports Fashion fascia. The Assistant Merchandiser is responsible/reports to the Merchandiser. The Assistant Merchandiser is a key member of the Merchandising team. They support the team by ensuring product is in the right stores to enable the achievement of all channel department sales, markdown, stock, intake and profit plans. This role offers a great opportunity to continue to develop your career in merchandising.
Responsibilities
- Provide the Merchandiser and Buyer with previous season analysis
- Create accurate size ratios for all buys
- Establish working relationships with supplier base
- Prioritise intake and review booked lines to ensure best stock placement, with guidance from the Merchandiser
- Complete cost, retail and margin order checks
- Work with the Merchandiser to ensure pre-scheduling meets options and range plan at store level
- Prepare reporting for weekly review of stores and product in preparation for Monday trade meeting
- Identify priority stores for the week, review and propose actions
- Action feedback from Retail and Branch Merchandising to support the stores
- Action guidance from Branch Merchandising relating to event planning
- Develop awareness of product area through analysis of reports and store visits
- Undertake store visits and create an action plan to improve performance
- Undertake new store stock builds, with guidance from Merchandiser
- Manage line cards in conjunction with the Merchandiser
- Manage methods of stock re-direction such as condensing of stocks and IBT’s, killing ideals and extending stock
- Maximise best sellers through the review of ideal stock levels
- Collate and check weekly price amendments
- Establish collaborative working relationships within teams across functions including multi-channel
- Carry out any ad-hoc analysis as required
The ideal candidate
- Passionate about JD, its brands and customer
- Merchandising experience and knowledge – currently an Assistant Merchandiser or a Merchandise Assistant/Trainee Merchandiser looking for the next step
- Experience within a footwear / apparel / sports retailer is advantageous
- Analytical, data driven and highly numerate
- Systems driven, proficient in Excel and other Microsoft Office software
- Highly organised and strong attention to detail
- Confident communicator able to build relationships at all levels
- Able to take ownership of your work, prioritise and use your initiative to deliver
- Good teamwork skills, being able to work collaboratively to reach a common goal, sharing information and supporting colleagues
- Positive and flexible, responsive to business needs
- Resilient and able to adapt to change, focusing on solutions not problems
- Curious with a continuous learning mindset
Here at JD, the Merchandising team structure is organised into various departments. Each of the departments have a strong focus in certain areas, such as Apparel, Footwear and Accessories. Being part of this wide team will give you the opportunity to work with sports branded suppliers and other key stakeholders. There are many opportunities to grow within the different areas and there is also training and development plans in place to support and mentor you in your personal and professional career.
We know our colleagues work tirelessly to make JD Sports the success it is today and in turn, we offer them some amazing benefits including staff Discount On JD Group and other brands within the organisation and personal development opportunities to learn and develop at work.
Assistant Merchandiser - Apparel | Data-Driven & Growth-Focused in Bury employer: JD Group Plc
JD Sports is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and employee growth. Located in Bury, our Head Office provides a supportive environment with extensive training programmes, career advancement opportunities, and attractive benefits such as staff discounts and discounted gym memberships, making it an ideal place for those passionate about sports fashion to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Merchandiser - Apparel | Data-Driven & Growth-Focused in Bury
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research JD Sports, their values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to merchandising. Use data-driven examples from your past experiences to showcase your analytical skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Merchandiser - Apparel | Data-Driven & Growth-Focused in Bury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for JD Sports and the role shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely care about our brands and customers.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Merchandiser role. Highlight your merchandising experience and any relevant skills, especially your analytical abilities and proficiency in Excel. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the good stuff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at JD Group Plc
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Assistant Merchandiser, you'll be dealing with a lot of data. Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in the past. Bring examples of reports or analyses you've done that led to successful outcomes.
✨Show Your Passion for the Brand
JD Sports is all about its brands and customers. Make sure you convey your enthusiasm for the company and its products during the interview. Share any personal experiences with JD Sports or similar brands that highlight your passion for the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific merchandising scenarios, like stock placement or sales analysis. Think through potential challenges you might face in the role and prepare structured responses that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and teamwork.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the team dynamics, upcoming projects, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.