At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Merchandising team in optimising stock and driving sales.
- Company: Join JD Sports, a leading global retailer in sports fashion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for continuous learning.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team shaping the future of sports retail.
- Qualifications: Analytical skills, Excel proficiency, and a passion for sports fashion.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
JD Sports- Head Office, Warwick House, Bury, Bury, United Kingdom
Job Description Posted Monday 30 March 2026 at 00:00 | Expires Thursday 30 April 2026 at 23:59
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.
Role Overview:
The Senior Assistant Merchandiser (SAM) plays a key role within the Merchandising function, providing vital support to the Merchandising team to achieve optimum efficiency and to deliver the department plan on customer, sales, and profit. The SAM takes responsibility for ensuring the right stock and intake is available for our customers, continually looking for opportunities to maximise the potential of both product and stores, whilst working collaboratively within the Merchandising team and key areas of the business.
Responsibilities:
- Plan: Support with product mix and sign off pack reporting and analysis. Assist in the formulation of the range plan at store level with the Merchandiser/Buyer. Plan a brand/division/category, supported by the Merchandiser. Load plans in WSSI following product mix meetings.
- Order: Ensure planners are accurate to support order raising process. Support Merchandise Assistants on creating purchase orders via upload. Reconcile supplier order books and communicate all anomalies, on bigger brands.
- Stock: Collate bookings with Buying team. Prioritise intake and review booked lines to ensure best stock placement, with guidance from the Merchandiser. Establish working relationships with supplier base.
- Trade: Review reporting and collate key findings in preparation for department trade email. Compile focus for the week for yourself and Merchandise Assistant. Review sales analysis to identify key trade actions. Suggest cancellation, rephasing and markdown activity to Merchandiser. Identify priority stores for the week, review and propose actions. New/re-fit stores - analysis of performance. Over/under performing stores. Over/under optioned stores. Trading team branch feedback. Identify lines to IBT and fast track. Propose distribution amends to Buying and Merchandiser. Check and approve weekly divisional price changes prior to upload. Review branch actions for the Merchandise Assistant to complete. Undertake store visits, collates report and feedback. Help build new store stock package and track progress. Use Linecards to suggest actions to ensure key lines are in stock. Suggest lines for markdown. Identify ideal level actions. Set up range plan. Oversee Merchandise Assistant’s weekly tasks. Establish collaborative working relationships within teams across functions. Carry out any ad-hoc analysis as required.
Role objectives and KPIs:
To support the Merchandising team to effectively deliver departmental goals and KPIs – sales, profit, and stock - across all channels (stores and digital), maximising commercial opportunities.
Core competencies:
- 2.1 Working with People
- 3.1 Relating and Networking
- 4.1 Writing and Reporting
- 4.3 Analysing
- 5.1 Learning and Researching
- 6.1. Planning and Organising
Skills and experience:
- Analytical, data driven and highly numerate.
- Keen eye for detail and ability to accurately enter and check data.
- Enthusiastic about JD, its brands and customer.
- Good knowledge of Excel.
- Confident communicator able to build relationships at all levels.
- Able to take ownership of work and use initiative to deliver on key responsibilities.
- Good teamwork skills, being able to work collaboratively to reach a common goal, sharing information and supporting colleagues.
- Positive, flexible, and responsive to business needs.
- Curious with a continuous learning mindset.
- Strategic approach and more long-term thinking.
Training requirements for role:
- GUI Intermediate Excel
- Good trade knowledge
- Sign off attendance Planner (Planogram)
- Purchase order creation process - PO upload
- Bookings
Senior Footwear Merchandiser - Data-Driven Stock & Range employer: JD Group Plc
JD Sports is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Head Office in Bury, where innovation and collaboration thrive. We prioritise employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and a supportive culture that values teamwork and initiative, making it an ideal place for those passionate about sports fashion and retail. Join us to be part of a leading global omnichannel retailer that is committed to operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Footwear Merchandiser - Data-Driven Stock & Range
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with JD Sports employees on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching JD Sports and its values. Show us how your skills align with their goals, especially in merchandising and data analysis. Tailor your answers to reflect their focus on customer experience and operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience with stock management and trading strategies, as these are key for the Senior Footwear Merchandiser role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining JD Sports directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Footwear Merchandiser - Data-Driven Stock & Range
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Footwear Merchandiser role. Highlight your analytical skills and experience with stock management, as these are key for us at JD Sports. Use specific examples that showcase your ability to drive sales and manage inventory effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about the role and how you align with our values. Share your enthusiasm for sports fashion and your understanding of the market. This is your chance to show us your personality and how you'd fit into our team!
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since this role is data-driven, make sure to highlight your proficiency in Excel and any experience you have with data analysis. We want to see how you've used data to inform decisions in previous roles, so don’t hold back on those details!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to be part of the JD Sports family!
How to prepare for a job interview at JD Group Plc
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Footwear Merchandiser, you'll need to be data-driven. Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to discuss how you've used data to make decisions in previous roles. Bring examples of reports or analyses you've conducted that led to successful outcomes.
✨Show Your Passion for the Brand
JD Sports is all about sports fashion and customer focus. Make sure you convey your enthusiasm for the brand and its products during the interview. Share personal experiences with JD Sports or similar brands to demonstrate your genuine interest.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific merchandising challenges. Think about past experiences where you had to analyse stock levels or make trade decisions. Prepare structured responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly articulate your thought process.
✨Build Relationships
Collaboration is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight your communication skills and give examples of how you've built relationships with colleagues or suppliers to achieve common goals.
