Assistant Merchandiser - Footwear

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 and 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

• Plan (5%): Provide the Merchandiser and Buyer with previous season analysis.
• Order/Stock (35%): 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.
• Trade (60%): 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; analyse performance of new/re-fit stores; address over/under performing and optioned stores; action feedback from Retail and Branch Merchandising to support the stores; develop awareness of product area through analysis of reports and store visits; undertake store visits and create an action plan to improve performance; 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.

Team Structure

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.

Our Benefits

• JD Group Company Discount Across All JD Group Fascia’s (JD, size?, Blacks, Millets, GO Outdoors).
• JD Group Pension Scheme.
• JD Group Holiday Entitlement.
• Discounted Membership At JD Gyms.
• In-House Training.