At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse trends, create strategies, and optimise stock for our footwear department.
- Company: Join JD Sports, a leading global retailer in sports fashion.
- Benefits: Enjoy staff discounts, personal development, and a vibrant work culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of sports retail.
- Qualifications: Experience in merchandising or retail, with a passion for sports fashion.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
JD Sports- Head Office, Warwick House, Bury, United Kingdom
Job Description Posted Tuesday 23 December 2025 at 01:00
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. JD Sports Fashion Plc was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1996 and has been a FTSE100 publicly quoted company since 2019.
We want to be the leading global omnichannel retailer in the sports and outdoor industry. To be a part of this successful company, 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.
Working Hours: 40 Hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm
Key Duties/Responsibilities:
- Review Previous Seasons and produce SWOT Analysis with supporting information.
- Alongside the Merchandiser and Buyer create the strategy for the department and present.
- Create category level product mix using history, SWOT and SMT Plan.
- With Senior Merchandiser formulate the space and grading plan for store distribution.
- Ensure that the WSSI is updated with the buy plan and the KPI’s are signed off with the Senior Merchandiser.
- Attend key selection meetings with the Senior Merchandiser and Buyer.
- Build the Range plan.
- Build Layout plans in conjunction with buying and VM.
- Ensure that scheduling and Ideals are in place for your area of responsibility.
- Manage the Stock seasonality within the WSSI.
- Overview the ratios for all buys in conjunction with Assistant Merchandiser.
- Ensure that the Buy matches the plan Buy.
- Establish working relationships with Supplier Base.
- Manage the order books both in season and preseason to ensure that the most accurate information is always in the system.
- Manage Intake at category and line level.
- Reviews’ weekly trading performance and achieved KPI’s, identifying Issues and the course of action in preparation for the weekly trading meetings and submit to the senior merchandiser.
- Propose and agree actions to recover risk and maximise opportunities with the Senior Merchandiser and Buyer at category and line level.
- Monthly – Capture all agreed actions in the monthly forecast reviews.
- Work up the forecast from category/Season level to Buyer Group.
- Meet and gain approval: Incorporating Forecasting any sales variance to plan.
- Creation of OTB’s Management of commitments – On time delivery, rebuys cancellations, Markdown proposals.
- Provide Retail with Rack List/Hit List through Merchandise Assistants.
- Manage the range plan in Season reflecting any changes.
- Visit and understand the store base on a regular basis.
- Create action plans to Optimise Store performance communicating to the retail Team anything that may impact store performance.
- Manage the store option plans to ensure each store has the optimum amount of stock and neither too full or lacking key lines.
- Establish collaborative working relationships within Team and across functions.
Behavioural:
- Delivering Excellence: Working at a consistently high standard & with enthusiasm.
- Responsibility: Take ownership of your work and use your initiative to deliver.
- Team Work: You work with others to reach a common goal; sharing information and searching out expertise and solutions from relevant stakeholders.
- Leadership: You lead by example through your behaviours and professional approach to work; inspiring your colleagues and driving for results.
- Communication: You communicate clearly and concisely, ensuring that the message is understood by all.
Skills/Experience/Knowledge Needed:
- Experience within a similar role is essential.
- Experience within a sports/fashion retailer is advantageous.
- Highly numerate and strong commercial focus.
Benefits: We offer amazing benefits including staff Discount On JD Group and other brands within the organisation and personal development opportunities to learn and develop at work.
Junior Merchandiser - Footwear in Bury employer: JD Group Plc
Contact Detail:
JD Group Plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Merchandiser - Footwear in Bury
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know JD Sports inside out! Research their latest collections, understand their brand values, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals. This shows you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨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, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Mock interviews with friends or family can help you articulate your thoughts clearly. Focus on how your experience aligns with the role of Junior Merchandiser and be ready to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of the JD Sports team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying to express your enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Merchandiser - Footwear in Bury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Junior Merchandiser role. Highlight any relevant experience in merchandising, especially within sports or fashion retail. We want to see how your skills align with our goals!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but engaging – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since the role involves a lot of data analysis, make sure to mention any experience you have with SWOT analysis or managing stock levels. We’re looking for someone who can think critically and make data-driven decisions.
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’s super easy – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at JD Group Plc
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Junior Merchandiser, you'll need to be highly numerate. Brush up on your numerical skills and be prepared to discuss how you've used data in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've analysed sales figures or stock levels to make informed decisions.
✨Understand the Brand
Do your homework on JD Sports! Familiarise yourself with their product lines, recent campaigns, and overall brand ethos. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you align your answers with their strategic goals during the interview.
✨Prepare for SWOT Analysis
Since reviewing previous seasons and conducting SWOT analyses is part of the role, practice creating a SWOT analysis for JD Sports or a similar retailer. Be ready to present your findings and discuss how they could influence merchandising strategies.
✨Showcase Teamwork Skills
The role requires collaboration across various functions. Think of examples from your past experiences where you worked effectively in a team. Highlight how you communicated clearly and contributed to achieving common goals, as this will resonate well with their focus on teamwork.