At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to maximise profitability and strategically plan product ranges.
- Company: Seraphine, redefining maternity wear with stylish and functional designs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for innovation and growth.
- Why this job: Join a forward-thinking brand and make a real impact in the fashion industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in fashion merchandising and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
About Seraphine
Redefining maternity wear for a new generation, Seraphine’s collections are intelligently designed and developed in London to help women maintain their sense of self – and style – through pregnancy. Inspired by the fashion landscape, these trend-led pieces are full of hidden details that allow the fit to cleverly adapt to the changing needs of pregnancy and breastfeeding – always working with a woman's body, rather than against it.
Role Purpose
To maximise the profitability of the department by leading a team, working with the Buyer and suppliers to strategically plan, build, and trade commercial product ranges. The role ensures the business plan is achieved by having the right product, in the right place, at the right time, and in the right quantities.
Role Responsibilities
- Strategy & Planning
- Develop and execute the department strategy with your Buyer/Designer to maximise profit, by understanding customer needs and utilising strong knowledge of competitor product, pricing, and trading activity.
- Formulate and propose planning parameters by analysing past and proposed season ranges, considering the impact of sales contribution by channel.
- Manage and control the Critical Path for each phase with your Buyer, ensuring deadlines are met and proactively communicating any impact on launch position and actions taken.
- Ensure range balance by working with your Buyer, Designer, and Technologist, optimising the use of trials and stock buys, and ensuring commerciality to the brand.
- Appraise and develop suppliers in conjunction with the Buyer to maintain a strong supply base.
- Trading & Forecasting
- Actively trade the department by continually reviewing performance and potentialising emerging trends to maximise profit and minimise risk.
- Manage weekly/monthly forecasts (WSSI), clearly communicating changes/impact on stock position, and controlling intake with the Buying and Technical teams to achieve optimum stock levels and minimise markdown.
- Control the intake margin to achieve plan, ensuring all orders are entered accurately and authorised promptly according to the Critical Path.
- Oversee the execution of markdowns and promotions within agreed parameters, accurately forecasting the effect on sales, stocks, and profit.
- Monitor and analyse KPI’s including returns rates and attribute analysis (sizing, price, colour), making recommendations to adjust future buys where necessary.
- Leadership & Collaboration
- Manage and develop the team, including delegating tasks, prioritising workflow, and conducting regular performance appraisals against competencies.
- Manage internal and external relationships to develop partnerships, actively contributing to the development of junior members within the function.
- Work with cross-functional teams (e.g., Supply Chain, Site Optimisation, Retail Operations) to identify opportunities to maximise profit.
- Suggest, pilot, and optimise AI-driven processes to improve or solve specific commercial friction points.
Technical Requirements
- Extensive experience across multiple fashion categories.
- Proven experience managing and developing a team.
- Experience working directly with senior leadership, possesses excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build strong relationships across the business.
- Ability to stay calm under pressure and motivate the team through challenging periods of change.
- Shows innovation by challenging existing processes and practices to drive the business forward.
- Strong knowledge of the competition’s product offer, pricing strategy and trading activity.
Merchandiser (Seraphine) in London employer: Next Careers
At Victoria’s Secret, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where teamwork and passion for customer service thrive. Our Sales Associates enjoy flexible shifts, comprehensive training, and opportunities for personal growth in a supportive environment, all while being part of a globally recognised brand that values creativity and innovation. Located in Exeter, our store provides a unique chance to engage with customers in a dynamic setting, making every day rewarding and enjoyable.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandiser (Seraphine) in London
✨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 Next Careers, 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 Next Careers!
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandiser (Seraphine) in London
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 Next Careers, 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 Next Careers 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 Next Careers that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Next Careers
✨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!
