At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the merchandising function, define strategies, and manage product planning.
- Company: Join a fast-growing fine jewellery retailer focused on ethical, made-to-order pieces.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, private healthcare, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative culture that values your ideas and growth.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in merchandising, preferably in jewellery or fashion, with strong analytical skills.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant office in Hatton Garden with a focus on innovation.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
We are a fast-growing fine jewellery retailer specialising in made-to-order, ethically sourced pieces that combine timeless design with custom craftsmanship. As we scale, we are investing in building a robust merchandising function to bring greater structure, insight, and commercial discipline to our product offering. This is a pivotal leadership role with high visibility and impact across the business.
As the Head of Merchandising, you will be responsible for establishing and leading the merchandising function from the ground up. This includes defining assortment strategies, leading merchandise planning and pricing, developing reporting capabilities and building a high-performing team. You will also oversee budgeting and forecasting for merchandise performance, aligning product and financial goals across the business.
Key Responsibilities- Strategic Merchandising Leadership
- Build the merchandising function, including tools, processes, and team structure
- Develop and own the product strategy and roadmap in collaboration with the buying department
- Create a structured approach to assortment planning, new product introduction (NPI), and seasonal cadences
- Assortment & Product Planning
- Define and manage product categories, ensuring optimal breadth and depth based on data and insights
- Partner with the buying and design team to inform product development through customer, market, and performance insights
- Manage lifecycle of SKUs — from launch to discontinuation — with clear rationale and analysis
- Monitor and improve margins through smart pricing, upsell strategies, and bundling opportunities
- Analytics & Forecasting
- Own product and sales reporting, forecasting, and performance dashboards
- Develop insights into customer purchasing behaviour to guide stock availability, pricing, and marketing strategies
- Track and analyse customisation trends, diamond/stone preferences, and component costs
- Team Management & Development
- Lead and mentor a high-performing merchandising team as the function scales
- Set clear goals, KPIs, and growth paths for team members
- Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning
- 7+ years of merchandising experience, jewellery or fashion experience preferable
- Proven ability to lead a merchandising function, excellent communication skills and stakeholder management
- Strategic thinker with strong commercial awareness with experience in budgeting, forecasting and range building
- Analytical mindset with strong Excel skills; familiarity with BI tools a plus
- Self-motivated, able to work independently and as part of a team using initiative
- A passion for product, detail, and delivering an exceptional customer experience
- Career Growth: Be part of a fast-growing business where your contributions matter and your ideas are valued.
- Collaborative Culture: Work in a supportive, transparent environment that encourages innovation and excellence.
- Hybrid Working: Enjoy flexibility with 3 days a week in our vibrant Hatton Garden office.
- Flexi Hours: Start your day between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, and finish anytime between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
- Vitality Private Healthcare: Comprehensive Vitality private healthcare, offering you access to high-quality medical support and wellness benefits.
- PERKBOX: Access to Perkbox for exclusive discounts, rewards, and well-being benefits, helping you make the most of your work-life balance!
- 25 days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays: Giving you plenty of time to rest, recharge, and enjoy life outside of work.
Head of Merchandising employer: Neve Jewels Group
Contact Detail:
Neve Jewels Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Merchandising
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the jewellery industry, especially around merchandising strategies. This will not only help you understand the market better but also allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to our merchandising function.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the jewellery and fashion sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals that could help you stand out in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in leading merchandising functions. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully developed product strategies or improved sales performance through effective assortment planning.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills by being prepared to discuss how you use data to inform merchandising decisions. Highlight any experience you have with BI tools or advanced Excel techniques, as these will be crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Merchandising
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Merchandising position. Understand the key responsibilities and requirements, and think about how your experience aligns with them.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in merchandising, particularly in jewellery or fashion. Emphasise your leadership skills, strategic thinking, and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to build and manage a merchandising function.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Discuss your vision for the merchandising function and how you plan to contribute to the company's growth. Be sure to mention your analytical mindset and experience with budgeting and forecasting.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've used data and insights to inform product strategies and decision-making in previous roles. Highlight your proficiency in Excel and any experience with BI tools, as these are crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Neve Jewels Group
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As the Head of Merchandising, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to develop and implement a strategic merchandising function. Be prepared to discuss your vision for the role and how you would approach building the team and processes from the ground up.
✨Highlight Your Analytical Skills
This role requires a strong analytical mindset. Bring examples of how you've used data to inform product decisions, manage pricing strategies, or improve margins in previous roles. Familiarity with BI tools will be a plus, so mention any relevant experience.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership Experience
You'll be leading a high-performing merchandising team, so it's crucial to highlight your leadership style and experience. Share specific examples of how you've mentored team members, set goals, and fostered a culture of innovation and accountability.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Prepare scenarios related to assortment planning, product lifecycle management, and customer insights. Think about how you would handle challenges and drive results in these areas.