At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Merchandiser, forecasting trends and maximising sales opportunities.
- Company: Dynamic company in Rochdale with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £35,000 and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with regular communication and support from the team.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team, driving product success and making an impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in merchandising and strong analytical skills required.
Salary: £35,000
Location: Rochdale
Our client is currently seeking an experienced Merchandiser to join the team due to continued growth. An excellent opportunity for someone wanting to progress and work across multiple lines, supporting the team in sourcing various goods from multiple suppliers.
Duties shall include but not be limited to the following:
- Continuity Forecasting
- Accurate forecasting of SKUs 6-9 months forward, reviewing no less frequently than fortnightly within the designated product range based on trend/sales analysis.
- Ensure data held in forecasting system is up to date and accurate.
- Target customer service levels to be met and recovery plans implemented where required.
- Maximise on sales opportunities through driving additional volume into stores at key event periods and clearing overstocks where possible working towards relevant target KPI.
- Where applicable manage essential fabric holdings at the mills to ensure lead times are maintained and MOQs are managed effectively.
- Full discontinued strategy done twice yearly for a full review of design/colour performance and give focus to possible drop lines ahead of the sign off for new season to ensure we are being proactive reducing losses where possible.
- Thinking outside of the box, ‘what if’ scenarios, effects of under/over-performance and how to mitigate such effects.
- New Launch
- Agreeing new launch estimates twice yearly with the Merchandise manager and customer. Placing orders for the season accordingly.
- Review of estimates for new season 16 weeks prior to launch to ensure still agreed considering sales trends from that period/any new information known.
- Attend weekly critical path meetings with the technical team to ensure sealing is on track, and shipment requested for initial orders can be achieved.
- Ensure the customer is kept updated at all times of any movements to the critical path through the NR/AR report.
- Liaising with the logistics team to aid with the planning of intake/distribution of newness.
- Full review of our products 4 weeks following launch to ensure all lines are live and on sale correctly and review any competition which could potentially split sales.
- Supplier/Customer Management
- Place orders with the mill in a timely manner, adhering to lead times given, to ensure that customer delivery requirements are met. Orders placed by either sea or air freight depending on delivery time scales.
- Regular communication with the supply base including on site/team meetings where required to maintain expected levels of service.
- Management of the supply base to ensure that all deliveries arrive at the specified time, being fully aware of any delays or stock shortages. Liaise with customer as and when required.
- Complete monthly forward estimates for the supplier’s production and managing fabric, fabric planning is critical to service and lead times and must be managed with suppliers as a priority.
- Carry out bi-weekly (minimum) calls with our Customers Merchandise team to discuss Service, and AOB. Offsite meetings may be required occasionally.
- Keep up to date with all Customer reports, including stock availability reports, new launch at risk report, service predictor and ad hoc reports as required.
- Reporting/KPIs
- Complete regular category review KPIs and performance and if support is required, arrange working session with Merch Manager for them to support where they can. Stock holding/turn, Turnover, EOS losses, AF spend, Forecast Accuracy.
- Management of category/departmental reports i.e. fabric reports, allocation value reports, stock visibility reports, high/low demand to forecast, forecast accuracy report.
Merchandiser in Rochdale employer: Kingdom People
At Kingdom People, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. As an Engineering Manager in our dynamic team, you will benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, competitive compensation, and the chance to make a significant impact on cutting-edge high-voltage electronics projects. Our commitment to employee growth and a supportive environment makes us a standout choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandiser in Rochdale
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Kingdom People, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Kingdom People!
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandiser in Rochdale
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Kingdom People, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Kingdom People and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Kingdom People that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kingdom People
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
