At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage product imports and coordinate with suppliers in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Company: Join a small, dynamic retail company known for quality and team growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free parking, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Permanent position offering job security and stability.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team and make a real impact in the retail industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in merchandising or import roles, strong organisational and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 38500 - 38500 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity for an Import Merchandiser to join the retail industry, focusing on managing product imports and coordinating with suppliers. The role is based in Skelmersdale and offers a chance to contribute to a fast-paced and evolving department.
The hiring organisation is a small-sized company operating within the retail sector, known for its commitment to delivering quality products and fostering a productive environment. The company prides itself on its efficient processes and focus on growth within its team.
The role operates in a fast-paced environment, liaising closely with Sales, Design, Shipping, Warehousing, factories, and customers.
Key Responsibilities- Customer & Account Management: Manage key customer accounts, including B&M and The Works, overseeing a large portfolio of live product lines. Provide weekly updates to customers and suppliers on the progress of running orders. Respond to and resolve customer and supplier queries efficiently and professionally.
- Critical Path & Order Management: Create and manage detailed critical paths for all confirmed orders, from development stage through to final delivery. Ensure critical paths are adhered to by internal departments and external factories. Raise purchase orders with Far East factories and manage orders through SAP, including item code set-up.
- Sourcing & Factory Management: Maintain a strong understanding of the factory base, including audits, capabilities, limitations, and production possibilities. Liaise with Sales and Design to ensure enquiry sheets are completed accurately with full product specifications and customer requirements. Send enquiry documentation to factories and negotiate to achieve the best possible pricing. Build and maintain strong working relationships with factories and the Eurowrap China team.
- Product Development & Sampling: Send product artwork, packaging artwork, colour proofs, swatches, and samples to factories. Chase and manage all samples through the approval process. Review pre-production and production samples, ensuring timely customer approval before mass production and shipment.
- Production, Shipping & QC: Monitor factory production status and resolve any issues that arise during manufacture. Arrange container fills, shipment image forms, and liaise with the Shipping Department to confirm goods are approved for shipment. Carry out QC checks on bespoke stock upon arrival at the warehouse, addressing any quality issues identified during or after factory QC.
- Additional Responsibilities: Undertake any other duties as required by the Buying Team Leader or Managing Director in line with the needs of the business.
A successful Senior Import Merchandiser should have:
- Previous experience in a merchandising or import-related role within the retail industry.
- Strong organisational skills with an ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Proficiency in analysing data and generating actionable insights.
- Excellent communication skills to liaise with suppliers and internal teams.
- Knowledge of import regulations and documentation requirements.
- A proactive approach to solving problems and streamlining processes.
- Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in documentation and reporting.
Competitive salary up to £38,500 per annum. Free parking available on-site for all employees. Opportunities for career progression within the retail industry. A permanent position offering job security and stability. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a supportive team in Skelmersdale. If you are an experienced Import Merchandiser looking for your next challenge, we encourage you to apply today!
Senior Import Merchandiser in Skelmersdale employer: Michael Page
At Michael Page, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that champions community impact through our Social Value Lead role. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth while making a meaningful difference in the property industry. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive salaries and a commitment to employee well-being, ensuring that you thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Import Merchandiser in Skelmersdale
✨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 Michael Page, 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 Michael Page!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Import Merchandiser in Skelmersdale
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 Michael Page, 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 Michael Page 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 Michael Page that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨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!
