At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead trading strategy to maximise sales and optimise inventory across all channels.
- Company: Join ME+EM, a fast-growing luxury fashion brand with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, staff discounts, and fun social events.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values creativity, learning, and risk-taking.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior merchandising or buying roles within fashion is essential.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
ME+EM is one of the UK’s fastest-growing luxury fashion brands. As a direct-to-consumer business, we operate in a truly omnichannel way, with an extremely successful online store, monthly mailings, and stores in London, Edinburgh, and concessions in Harrods and Selfridges. At ME+EM, we are an entrepreneurial, creative, and passionate group of people. We work hard, are enthusiastic to learn, and are not afraid to take risks. Our office and stores are always busy and fast-paced, but we work just as hard to make sure it’s fun, with social activities and biannual parties. It takes all these things to build a strong, successful business, and our door is always open to new talent ready to contribute to our growth and evolution.
ME+EM are looking for a dynamic and experienced Head of Trading to lead our trading strategy across all sales channels. This role requires a numerical, commercial buyer or product-focused merchandiser with a strong understanding of market trends, trading performance, and inventory management. Reporting into the Trading Director, you will work with Design, Marketing, and Digital teams to optimize in-season sales performance and ensure that trading activities align with the brand’s goals and objectives. Working closely with the Head of Planning, who will be responsible for setting the budgets, stock levels, and sales forecasts, the Head of Trading will ensure the strategic business plans are executed and adjusted based on real-time data and performance.
- Trading Strategy: Lead trading plans to maximize sales, margin, and customer engagement across all channels.
- Performance Monitoring: Analyse sales data and market trends, taking proactive action to optimize inventory, pricing, and product mix. React quickly to trading performance, identifying opportunities for reorders, restyles, and stock redistribution.
- Stock Management: Oversee inventory allocation to ensure availability while maintaining full-price sell-throughs and managing markdowns effectively.
- Competitive & Market Analysis: Monitor trends, customer insights, and competitor activity to inform commercial decisions.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Marketing, Digital, Retail, and Product teams to align strategies and drive sales.
Previous experience in a senior merchandising or buying role within fashion, ideally in a premium or contemporary womenswear brand. Strong experience in e-commerce and retail trading, ideally with international market exposure, particularly in the US. Proven ability to analyze sales data and make commercially sound decisions. A passion for fashion and a deep understanding of consumer trends and the retail landscape.
33 days annual leave for full-time employees (25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays) ~ Pension Scheme Group ~ Assistance Programme (EAP) ~ Length of Service Award ~ Refer a Friend Scheme ~ Staff uniform for retail employees ~ Generous Staff and Friends and Family Discount ~ Cycle to Work Scheme ~ Tech Scheme ~ Eye Care Vouchers ~ Social events and biannual parties.
ME+EM is an equal opportunities employer committed to fostering and preserving a culture of diversity, equality, and inclusion in our workforce. As an equal opportunities employer, we do not discriminate against applicants based on race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We believe that diversity enriches our workforce and strengthens our organisation. Therefore, we encourage minorities, LGBTQ+ candidates, and individuals with disabilities to apply for opportunities within our company.
Trading employer: ME+EM Ltd
Contact Detail:
ME+EM Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trading
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the fashion industry, especially in luxury and contemporary womenswear. Understanding current market dynamics will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to ME+EM's trading strategy.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the fashion trading and merchandising sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights into the role and the company culture at ME+EM.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed inventory and trading performance in previous roles. Highlight your analytical skills and ability to make data-driven decisions that align with business goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your passion for fashion by staying updated on consumer behaviour and preferences. Being able to articulate how these insights can influence trading strategies will demonstrate your commitment to the brand's success.
We think you need these skills to ace Trading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in trading, merchandising, and e-commerce. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to analyse sales data and make strategic decisions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for fashion and your understanding of market trends. Mention how your previous roles have prepared you for the Head of Trading position and how you can contribute to ME+EM's growth.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Provide examples of how you've successfully monitored performance metrics and made data-driven decisions in past roles. This will show your capability to react quickly to trading performance as required by the job.
Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration: Discuss any experience you have working with different teams, such as Marketing, Digital, and Retail. Emphasise your ability to align strategies and drive sales through collaboration, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at ME+EM Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Trading, you'll need to demonstrate your strong analytical skills. Be prepared to discuss specific sales data and market trends you've worked with in the past. Show how you've used this information to make strategic decisions that positively impacted trading performance.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires working closely with various teams like Design, Marketing, and Digital. Highlight your experience in cross-functional collaboration and provide examples of how you've successfully aligned strategies across departments to drive sales.
✨Understand the Brand's Vision
Familiarise yourself with ME+EM's brand values and current market position. During the interview, express your passion for fashion and how your vision aligns with the company's goals. This will show that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their growth.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would react to specific trading scenarios, such as a sudden drop in sales or inventory issues. Prepare thoughtful responses that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to think on your feet, showcasing your experience in managing similar situations.