Graduate Buying and Merchandising Assistant

At Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Graduate and entry level recruitment is very important to us, our entry-level positions are the centre of our business, fuelling our teams with the passion, drive, and fresh perspectives needed as we continue grow.We are looking for passionate driven candidates, who are eager to start their career within a fast paced fashion Head Office environment; these opportunities will give you the hands on experience. We are recruiting for a Buyers Assistant and a Merchandising Assistant based at our Head Office in Carlisle. Merchandising AssistantWhat is Merchandising?The Edinburgh Woollen Mill Merchandising team ensure that we have the right products, at the right time, in the right place and in the right quantities. They work closely with our Buying teams to plan and build the correct product ranges that will maximise profit.The Merchandising team is central to our Operation; interacting with our colleagues in stores and online to trade our commercial proposition. Getting our product into stores is another central responsibility of the team, managing relationships from both product supply and distribution to our stores.The RoleThe role of Merchandising Assistant is a varied one. Key aspects of the role are listed but not limited to the below;AnalysisBuying MeetingProviding analysis to shape the future product rangeTrading AnalysisLocation performance and insightsTrend identificationIdentifying and sharing data insightsSize Ratio AnalysisEnsuring that out product provision meets customers needsDelivery PhasingOptimising when products needs to be deliveredPricing and Promotions Compilation of pricing and promotional changes across the departmentCommunication to stores and online teamsSupplier Liaison Compilation and provision of information for supplier deliveries to storesDistribution Centre Liaison Working with colleagues to ensure goods flow smoothlyStock Replenishment Working to assist the stock allocation team at peak times of activityCreating Purchase Orders Import OrdersDomestic OrderCandidate Requirements Numerate and analyticalMotivated and willing to learnOrganised with a good eye for detailGood communication skillsA good team playerExperience with Excel Spreadsheets would be ideal but full training will be givenThe Role is very much the first step on a career path in Merchandising. Therefore, we are committed to develop the successful candidate across a range of both technical and personal skill sets.Buyers AssistantThe Buyer’s Assistant plays a key role in supporting the buying team with the coordination of product ranges, critical paths, supplier communication and general administration. You will be supporting our buying teams across fast-paced and varied product ranges. This role offers an excellent opportunity for someone keen to develop a career in retail buying, with hands on involvement in the buying cycle from range planning to product development and supplier management.Key Responsibilities:Admin & Team Support· Provide administrative support to the Buyer/Senior Buyer· Maintain range plans ensuring all details are accurate and updated in internal systems· Support with meeting scheduling, minutes, and seasonal planning documentsProduct & Range Support· Assist with the preparation and maintenance of product ranges· Assist in range building, trend research and preparation for buying meetings· Track product samples and co-ordinate fittings and approvals· Coordinate samples, prepare boards and materials for range reviews, trade and sign offsSystem Management· Ensure accurate product data entry and maintain internal systems: range plan, web support, PIM, photography plan, POS etc· Liaise with internal departments (design, merchandising, technical, sourcing, shipping) to ensure smooth workflowSupplier Liaison· Communicate with suppliers on fabric, sample, colour and strike off requests and approvals· Track and chase product samples and approvals supporting sourcingCritical Path Management· Maintain critical paths and ensure key deadlines are met to ensure on-time product delivery· Support tracking of all key milestones: sending of colours, protos, sample approvals, orders placed etcData and Reporting· Help with sales analysis and preparing for trade meetings; gain a full understanding of highest best/worst sellers, rate of sale, store cover and sell through etc· Monitor competitor activity and compile pricing/trend comparisons· Ensure all product data and imagery is accurate and uploaded to web platform at key times, constantly reviewing web performance and supporting improvementsKey Skills & Attributes:· Strong organizational and time management skills· Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially excel and power point· Excellent attention to detail and accuracy with a proactive approach to problem solving· Confident communicator with good interpersonal and relationship building skills· Ability to work proactively and manage multiple priorities· A passion for retail and an interest in buying or product development· Supportive and collaborative approach to working in a teamKey Performance Indicators (KPIs):Commercial Acumen: know and understand your customer and competition. Actively participate in trend and product research. Competitor shops and propose new ideas and opportunities to improve trade and increase revenueProduct Knowledge: become a product expert and assist with the management of fits and fit process. Learn and improve knowledge on garment construction, fabric and trim application whilst maintaining quality and applying attention to detail at all timesRange Building: support with sample management and preparation of product ranges for meetings and demonstrate organisational skills by maintaining an accurate sample management systemOrganisation & Time Management: co-ordinate and support with proto packs, fabric, colour, print, managing tasks and completing accurately and efficiently, within set deadlinesUnderstanding Profitability: ensure an awareness to costs and margin when supporting with buying decisions or sharing new ideasCritical Path: keep product launches on time by monitoring and managing key critical path milestones ie. Red Seal, Black Seal, Approvals etc. Ensure speed and responsiveness during product developmentAdmin Accuracy: 100% accurate in data entry on system and range plans (product titles, composition, pricing, approvals etc) Attention to detail at all timesEffective Communication: ensure clear communication to the wider team at all times and demonstrate a collaborative approachTeam Collaboration: support the team and demonstrate a collaborative approach to all tasks given and have an active, questioning approach, contributing to team goalsPlease note that these roles are based in our Carlisle Head office 5 days a week, Monday to Friday.About us:The Edinburgh Woollen Mill is a retail business comprising of over 400 units, including High Street, Tourist & Destination sites, predominantly Fashion and Home.High StreetThe Edinburgh Woollen Mill has mainstream high street stores selling ladies and menswear for the 45 plus customer. Outlets are located in a wide variety of market and provincial towns across the UK and Ireland.Tourist Shops and Visitor CentresWe have specialty tourist stores, where gift items and other products reflect the stores location. The outlets, which trade under an individual, often local, fascia, are in key tourist locations throughout the UK. Many stores are on busy tourist routes and benefit from coach visits where food service and exhibitions are all part of the attraction.Destination ShoppingThere are Destination Sites which contain all of the Company\’s concepts and other brands to increase their attractiveness as a retail destination. The sites trade under local, individual fascia’s such as Antartex Village, and Kernow Mill, Mackinnon Mills.Please apply now if interested!To view our privacy notice please visit:www.ewm.co.uk/careers