At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and build the merchandising function, defining strategies and managing product planning.
- Company: Join a fast-growing fine jewellery retailer focused on ethically sourced, custom-crafted pieces.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, private healthcare, and exclusive discounts through Perkbox.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative culture that values your ideas and fosters growth.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in merchandising, preferably in jewellery or fashion, with strong analytical and leadership skills.
- Other info: Work in vibrant Hatton Garden, with 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Title: Head Of Merchandising
Location: London
Reporting to: Merchandise Director
Brands: A&B, Diamonds Factory & Sacet
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.
About the Role
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
Requirements
- 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
Why Join Us?
- 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 merchandising, especially within the jewellery sector. Understanding current market dynamics and customer preferences will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the jewellery and fashion industries. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the Head of Merchandising role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in building and leading teams. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully developed a merchandising function or improved product strategies, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills by being ready to discuss how you've used data to drive merchandising decisions in the past. Familiarity with BI tools and Excel will be beneficial, so brush up on these skills before your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Merchandising
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in merchandising, especially in jewellery or fashion.
Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV showcases your 7+ years of merchandising experience, focusing on leadership roles and achievements. Use quantifiable metrics to demonstrate your impact in previous positions, particularly in budgeting and forecasting.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for product and detail. Discuss how your strategic thinking and analytical mindset align with the company's goals. Mention specific examples of how you've built teams or improved merchandising functions in the past.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your strong Excel skills and familiarity with BI tools in your application. These are crucial for the analytics and forecasting aspects of the role. Make sure to mention any experience you have with customer insights and market analysis.
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 product strategy. Be prepared to discuss your vision for building a merchandising function and how you would approach assortment planning and new product introductions.
✨Highlight Your Analytical Skills
Given the importance of data in this role, make sure to showcase your analytical mindset. Discuss your experience with forecasting, performance reporting, and how you've used insights to drive product decisions in the past.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
This position requires strong team management skills. Be ready to share examples of how you've led and developed high-performing teams, set clear goals, and fostered a culture of innovation and accountability.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Excellent communication and stakeholder management are crucial for this role. Think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams, particularly with buying and design departments, and be ready to discuss these experiences.