At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the merchandising team to drive sales and optimise product strategies.
- Company: Join JD Sports, a leading name in sports fashion with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Great opportunities for teamwork and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the fast-paced world of retail merchandising.
- Qualifications: Experience in merchandising and a knack for financial KPIs.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: JD Sports Fashion PLC, Edinburgh House, Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, Bury, BL9 8RR
Responsible to: Associate Director of Merchandising Outdoor
Role Overview: Lead the team across all channels to deliver Sales, Markdown, Stock, Intake and Profit Plans. Be influential in implementing change to achieve company goals and objectives.
Key Duties / Responsibilities:
- Planning: Drive the review of the previous season and capture lessons learned. Drive the strategy for the department and present it. Review the SMT plan at Buyer Group/Season annually and apply the plan at Category/Season level to meet the Buyer Group/Season plan. Create quarterly plan at Category/Season level with the Buyer to submit a plan on the System that reflects the best possible mix of product to deliver the KPI’s. Attend selection/pre‑selection meetings with the Buyer and suppliers. Plan the pre‑scheduling to meet the range plan – in conjunction with Assistant Merchandisers. Overview the ratios for all buys in conjunction with merchandise teams. Ensure that the Buy matches the plan Buy. Be responsible for pushing the business forward through proposing new ways of working and planning and be the driving force in implementing. Ensure buying and merchandising plans tie in with financial stock targets (sales, stock and intake). Ensure supplier terms are utilised to hit company targets.
- Trading: Review weekly trading performance and achieved KPI’s, identifying issues and the course of action in preparation for the weekly trading meetings. Propose and agree actions to recover risk and maximise opportunities with the Buyer at category and line level. Monthly – Capture all agreed actions in the monthly forecast reviews. Work up the forecast from category/Season level to Buyer Group. Forecast any sales variance to plan. Creation of OTB’s. Management of commitments – on time delivery, rebuys cancellations. Markdown proposals. Manage the range plan in Season reflecting any changes. Create and manage/monitor sell‑out dates against all products. Manage Intake at category and line level.
- Teamwork: Work with the Buyer to deliver the plan. Guide and direct the Merchandising Team to help deliver the plan. Work closely with the multi‑channel team to help deliver the plan. Establish working relationships with Store Operations, Visuals, Marketing, Finance DC etc. Team development right up to Merchandiser helping the business to facilitate internal promotion/strengthening of the teams. Work with online marketing executives to optimise the website.
Key Deliverables:
- Attend all Systems courses to enable full utilisation of the System.
- Adhere to the Merchandise Calendar delivery plans and forecasts as required.
- Focus on training and developing your team ‘On‑The‑Job’.
- Achieve company Sales, Margins, and stock plans.
Skills / Experience / Knowledge needed:
- Experience within a similar merchandising role is essential.
- Worked to/within financial KPI’S within previous role is advantageous.
Merchandiser in Bury St Edmunds employer: Naylor's Equestrian Llp
JD Sports Fashion plc is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Bury, where innovation and teamwork drive success. With a strong focus on employee development, we provide ample opportunities for growth and advancement within the merchandising team, ensuring that every member can contribute to and benefit from our collective achievements. Our commitment to fostering a collaborative culture, alongside competitive benefits, makes JD Sports a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandiser in Bury St Edmunds
✨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 Naylor's Equestrian Llp, 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 Naylor's Equestrian Llp!
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandiser in Bury St Edmunds
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 Naylor's Equestrian Llp, 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 Naylor's Equestrian Llp 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 Naylor's Equestrian Llp that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Naylor's Equestrian Llp
✨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!
