At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead merchandising for women's brands, driving customer-focused strategies and operational efficiency.
- Company: Join the iconic John Lewis Partnership, known for its commitment to quality and customer service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on innovation and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in retail by shaping product offerings and enhancing customer experiences.
- Qualifications: Proven retail merchandising experience and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 68900 - 105200 £ per year.
About the Role
The John Lewis & Partners Commercial team are looking for a Merchandising Manager working with Brands. As Merchandising Manager at the John Lewis Partnership, your role is pivotal to leading Merchandising within your Category. You are responsible for translating the Directorate strategy into an effective Category strategy, driving customer‑centric commercial outcomes while improving operational efficiency. Your accountabilities include profit and cashflow through sales, margin and demand planning, and collaboration with connected stakeholders to ensure robust delivery against strategy.
Expected salary up to £68,900.00‑£105,200.00; candidates with significant experience may be considered for up to £82,000.
Contract type: Permanent. Working pattern: Hybrid – a minimum of 3 days a week in the Pimlico Head Office campus; the remainder of work may be performed remotely. Location: 1 Drummond Gate, London, SW1V 2QQ.
Key Responsibilities
- Actively manage an element of the assortment within the overall category you are responsible for, as determined by the needs of the category.
- Work closely with the Commercial Planning team to provide commercial rigour in planning and forecasting to maximise profitability and customer satisfaction through driving availability and optimising working capital.
- Lead the Merchandising team within your category and act as a role model across the function.
- Champion change by embracing new Merchandising tools, processes and systems.
- Leverage your accountabilities and essential skills to drive category performance and contribute to the overall success of John Lewis Partnership.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven expertise in retail merchandising, including assortment planning, inventory management and pricing strategies.
- Experience across a minimum of two retail categories, demonstrating versatility and an understanding of diverse product ranges and market dynamics.
- Advanced proficiency in data analysis, numerical reasoning and financial analysis (including MS Excel) to forecast demand, inform decisions and present complex insights to stakeholders.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for negotiating with suppliers and collaborating with cross‑functional teams on merchandising strategy.
- Demonstrated success in driving commercial outcomes, including sales growth, margin improvement and inventory optimisation.
- Comprehensive understanding of retail operations, supply chain management and logistics, including proficiency with inventory management and forecasting systems.
- Commitment to continuous learning and staying updated on industry trends, best practices and emerging technologies in retail merchandising.
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Exposure to working within matrix leadership structures and collaborating across multiple teams and functions to achieve common objectives.
- Ability to navigate complex organisational dynamics and leverage diverse perspectives to drive results.
- Proficiency in utilising data analysis tools and techniques to derive actionable insights and inform strategic decision‑making.
- Experience in forecasting demand, sales trends and market dynamics to anticipate future opportunities and risks.
Closing Date: June 7, 2026.
Job Level: Partnership Level 5.
Merchandising Manager - Women's Brands employer: John Lewis plc
At John Lewis & Partners, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Merchandising Manager in our Pimlico Head Office, you will benefit from a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive environment that values your contributions to our customer-centric strategy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandising Manager - Women's Brands
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their merchandising strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your achievements and how they relate to the role of Merchandising Manager. Use specific examples that highlight your skills in assortment planning and inventory management to make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the John Lewis Partnership team.
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandising Manager - Women's Brands
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Merchandising Manager role. Highlight your experience in retail merchandising, especially in assortment planning and inventory management, to show us you’re the right fit.
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since data analysis is key for this role, don’t forget to mention your proficiency with tools like MS Excel. Share specific examples of how you've used data to drive commercial outcomes in your previous roles.
Communicate Clearly:Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential. When writing your application, be clear and concise, and make sure to demonstrate how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly 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!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis plc
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Merchandising Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in data analysis and financial metrics. Brush up on your knowledge of sales growth, margin improvement, and inventory optimisation. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've used data to drive commercial outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Versatility
Since the role requires experience across multiple retail categories, prepare to talk about your diverse background. Highlight how your understanding of different product ranges and market dynamics has contributed to your success in merchandising. Use concrete examples to illustrate your adaptability.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing collaboration with cross-functional teams. Consider preparing a few key points on how you've successfully negotiated with suppliers or led a team.
✨Embrace Change
The job involves championing change and embracing new tools and processes. Be prepared to discuss how you've adapted to new systems in the past and how you can leverage emerging technologies in retail merchandising. Show your commitment to continuous learning and staying updated on industry trends.
