At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Merchandiser in creating sales forecasts and analysing product performance.
- Company: Join a leading womenswear brand with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work closely with various teams and develop your leadership potential.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that shapes the future of fashion retail.
- Qualifications: Strong merchandising skills and a passion for fashion are essential.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
Key accountabilities and measures
- Supporting the Merchandiser in agreeing the strategy and targets for creating and achieving pre and in season department or Range sales and stock forecasts by channel in addition to GSM Markdown and availability, taking the lead for the relevant scope (range or department)
- Analysis of sales identifying winners and losers and taking appropriate actions working in collaboration with stakeholders to react to trade and maximise sales opportunity for the Department
- Accountable for creating accurate long term and short-term Department or range forecasts
- Assisting the Merchandiser and Buying team to formulate a detailed plan on the products to be offered each quarter across all channels inc International
- Booking quantities of products to meet launch and respond to in season variables for all channels in the UK and International
- Take lead in developing Department or range plan review and lessons learned
- Managing departmental documentation relating to all sale periods including markdown plans
- Maintaining accurate listings in Range Planner
- Working with Sourcing Offices to manage critical path from buy to delivery for each stroke including global capacity management and the agreement and monitoring of global production plans with suppliers
- Providing information to Space Planning & Development team to allow them to generate layout plans to stores
- Maintaining awareness of competition’s product offer to provide input into price point strategy and catalogue by shape of chain
- Responsible for adopting One Best Way of working delivering standardisation and consistency across all BUs
- Maintaining communication links to retail, channels, allocation, suppliers, sourcing offices and international
- Implementing and exploiting new systems and processes
- Act as deputy to the Merchandiser across the wider scope of their role on a day to day basis in addition to leading cyclical meetings such as trade, run rate and commercial review
- Assist the International team to maximise M&S departmental sales during International Buying events
- Motivate, develop and train relevant line reports e.g. MAA
Key skills
- Strong Merchandising skills including managing GSM, development of Department Plan, stock / commitment management, creating sales estimates, and production plans
- Strong Knowledge of the end to end buy to store process
- Controlling unplanned in-season costs
- Negotiation skills (managing in season unplanned costs)
- Able to fully utilise the relevant IT support systems, (Range Planner, SSI, GMOR) and to be fully conversant with standard business desktop applications
- Strong numerical, analytical and interpretive skills
- Ability to initiate and build strong relationships with Design, Buying and Technology Strong interpersonal/ communication skills
- Influencing (internal & external)
- Leadership potential
Key relationships and stakeholders
- Merchandising team and peers
- Commercial and Operations Team
- Retail, Ecommerce, International, Ocado, Outlets Suppliers
- Sourcing Offices Buying Team
- Demand and Fulfilment Team Retail Trading
- Finance
- Supply Chain and Logistics
Junior Merchandiser - Womenswear Brands 12 Month FTC employer: Marks & Spencer
At M&S, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Ashby de la Zouch that fosters teamwork and flexibility. Our Customer Assistants in Operations enjoy competitive pay, including an unsocial hours premium, and have access to growth opportunities within a supportive culture that values hard work and dedication. Join us to be part of a team that keeps our stores running smoothly while developing your skills in a fast-paced retail setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Merchandiser - Womenswear Brands 12 Month FTC
✨Get Your Foot in the Door Early
In retail, many temporary roles pop up during peak seasons, like Christmas or summer sales. Keep an eye on the calendars for these spikes and start scouting for opportunities a bit in advance. We can even help you stay sharp on your search!
✨Utilise Local Connections
Visit local shops in person and chat with managers about potential temporary openings. Many retail positions are filled by word-of-mouth, so don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation while you grab a coffee or do your weekly shopping!
✨Show Off Your Availability
Retail managers love flexibility! Make sure to highlight your availability in a casual chat or when you apply through our website. The more open you are to work varied shifts, the more likely they are to bring you on board—especially for temporary gigs!
✨Be Ready for On-the-Spot Interviews
When you walk into a shop, be prepared for the possibility of an on-the-spot interview. Dress comfortably but smartly, have a few key points about your experience ready, and be enthusiastic. Remember, it’s all about making that positive first impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Merchandiser - Womenswear Brands 12 Month FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you've got, whether it’s casual jobs or volunteer work. Employers want to see that you can interact well with customers, so think about any instances where you've gone the extra mile to help someone out.
Flexibility Is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary position, you should emphasise your flexibility in your application. Mention your availability clearly in your cover letter and CV—employers love knowing they can rely on you to work varied hours, especially during busy periods!
Keep It Short and Sweet:For temporary roles, we don’t need an essay! Keep your CV and cover letter concise, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills. Highlight any specific retail achievements, like sales targets met or product knowledge that demonstrates your eagerness to dive straight in.
Tailor Your Application to Marks & Spencer:Don’t forget to personalise your application for Marks & Spencer! Take a look at their values and product range, and if you’ve had previous experience with similar brands, mention that. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and have a good understanding of what they do.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & Spencer
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In retail, it's all about customer interaction, so be ready to share examples of how you've handled tough customer situations. We recommend thinking through a couple of scenarios before the interview where you went above and beyond to help a customer, as these can really make you stand out.
✨Brush Up on Product Knowledge
Temporary roles often have a steep learning curve because you'll need to pick up product knowledge fast. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the main products or services that Marks & Spencer offers, and if possible, try to understand their current promotions. It’ll give you the edge to engage customers effectively.
✨Flexibility is Key
Being in a temporary retail role means you may need to adapt quickly to different tasks or shifts. Be prepared to highlight your flexibility and willingness to take on varied responsibilities during the interview. Think of examples where you've had to juggle multiple tasks at once – that’ll show you're a great fit for the dynamic retail environment.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since retail roles often require collaboration, be ready to showcase your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you worked well with colleagues, especially in fast-paced situations. This will underline your ability to slot into the team at Marks & Spencer and contribute positively during your temporary stint.
