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- Tasks: Lead merchandising strategies and optimise stock for our trendy apparel range.
- Company: Join JD Group, a leading sports fashion retailer with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy staff discounts, personal development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-paced team and make an impact in the fashion retail industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in merchandising or retail, with a passion for sports and fashion.
- Other info: Great career growth potential in a supportive and collaborative atmosphere.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ 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. JD Sports Fashion Plc was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1996 and has been a FTSE100 publicly quoted company since 2019. The role is based at our JD Group Head Office, Bury, Greater Manchester.
Role Overview: To lead the team to deliver all channel Sales, Markdown, Stock, Intake and Profit Plans.
Responsibilities:
- Review previous seasons and produce SWOT analysis with supporting information.
- Alongside the Merchandiser and Buyer create the strategy for the department and present the plan (25%).
- 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 (Stock 15%).
- Overview the ratios for all buys in conjunction with Assistant Merchandiser.
- Ensure that the buy matches the plan.
- Establish working relationships with the supplier base.
- Manage the order books both in season and pre‑season to ensure that the most accurate information is always in the system.
- Manage intake at category and line level (Trade 45%).
- Review 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.
- Manage line cards.
- Visit and understand the store base on a regular basis, creating action plans to optimise store performance and 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 nor lacking key lines.
- Establish collaborative working relationships within the team and across functions.
Behavioural:
- Delivering excellence: working at a consistently high standard with enthusiasm and providing high‑quality service to meet personal and team expectations.
- Responsibility: take ownership of your work, use initiative, and take responsibility for your own actions and decisions.
- Team Work: collaborate with others to reach a common goal, sharing information and supporting colleagues.
- Leadership: lead by example through professional behaviour and inspire colleagues to drive results.
- Communication: 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.
We offer staff benefits including a discount on JD Group and other brands within the organisation, as well as personal development opportunities to learn and develop at work.
Seniority Level: Entry level
Employment Type: Full‑time
Job Function: Marketing and Sales
Industries: Retail
Junior Merchandiser - Apparel in Bury employer: JD Sports Fashion
Contact Detail:
JD Sports Fashion Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Merchandiser - Apparel in Bury
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research JD Group's history, 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, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to merchandising and retail. Think about how your skills align with the role and be ready to share examples of your past experiences that demonstrate your abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the JD Group family. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Merchandiser - Apparel 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 or retail, and don’t forget to showcase your numerical skills and commercial focus. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
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 your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention any experience in sports or fashion retail, as that’s a big plus for us.
Showcase Your Team Spirit: We love teamwork at StudySmarter! In your application, share examples of how you've collaborated with others to achieve goals. Whether it’s in previous jobs or projects, we want to see your ability to work well with a team.
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 keen on joining our team at JD Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at JD Sports Fashion
✨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 key metrics like sales performance, stock levels, and markdown strategies. Familiarise yourself with the WSSI (Weekly Sales Stock Intake) and how it relates to your role.
✨SWOT Analysis is Key
Before your interview, conduct a SWOT analysis of JD Sports and its competitors. Be ready to discuss your findings and how they could influence merchandising strategies. This shows that you understand the market landscape and can think critically about the business.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Collaboration is crucial in this role. Prepare examples of how you've worked effectively in teams before. Highlight your ability to communicate clearly and support colleagues, as well as any leadership experiences where you inspired others to achieve results.
✨Understand the Brand
Do your homework on JD Sports and its product offerings. Visit their stores, check out their online presence, and understand their target audience. Being able to speak passionately about the brand and its products will demonstrate your genuine interest and fit for the role.
