Assistant Merchandiser in Crewe

WHAT WILL THIS ROLE INVOLVE? At Ryman, the Assistant Merchandiser plays a key role in supporting the trading team to deliver strong commercial performance across assigned product categories. This role is responsible for helping to optimise stock availability, sales, margin and intake through effective analysis, forecasting and stock management.

WHAT WILL YOU BE RESPONSIBLE FOR?

• Trading & Performance Analysis
  • Analyse weekly sales and stock data to identify emerging trends, calling out risks and opportunities to the Department.
  • Identify risks and opportunities within product categories and recommend and implement actions.
  • Monitor bestsellers, slow sellers and seasonal performance.
  • Assist the buyer with promotional planning and trade activity analysis.
  • Provide detailed performance analysis to influence and support Buyers during product selection and range reviews.
• Stock Management
  • Manage stock allocations and replenishment to stores.
  • Ensure stock availability is maintained while minimising markdown and excess stock risk.
  • Monitor intake, stock levels and supplier deliveries and execute intake plans in line with inbound targets.
  • Liaise with suppliers regarding deliveries, product information and queries.
  • Raise and issue purchase orders (POs) to suppliers accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Identify slow-moving stock and collaborate on markdown or exit strategies within margin targets.
• Forecasting & Planning
  • Assist in building sales forecasts and stock plans for assigned product categories.
  • Update forecasting tools and maintain accurate merchandising data.
  • Work closely with Buying teams to ensure product ranges align with sales and stock objectives.
  • Plan rate of sales for promotional activities, core range refreshes, and seasonal initiatives (such as Back to School).
  • Assist in pulling together commercial roll-ups and pricing architectures for presentation to senior leadership.
  • Work closely with the Space Planning team to align promotional stock allocations with in-store layouts.
• Reporting & Administration
  • Produce regular trading and KPI reports for the merchandising team.
  • Maintain accurate product and stock data across internal systems.
  • Raise purchase orders and support supplier communication where required.
  • Ensure all merchandising administration is completed accurately and on time.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with Buying, Supply Chain, Ecommerce and Store Operations teams.
  • Support new product launches, seasonal events and promotional activity.
  • Build strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN YOU

• Essential
  • Proven experience within a fast-paced retail merchandising environment (ideally at Allocator, Merchandising Assistant, or Assistant Merchandiser level).
  • Strongly commercial, highly numerate, and data-driven. You must be comfortable working with large datasets.
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, and complex formulas are second nature to you).
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build cross-functional relationships with Buyers and Logistics.
  • High degree of tenacity and the ability to thrive under pressure in a dynamic retail setting.
• Desirable
  • Knowledge of specialist merchandising planning software and tools.
  • Experience within a multi-channel retail business in retail categories like stationery, FMCG, or General Merchandise.
  • Understanding of WSSI and forecasting processes.

Personal Attributes

• Proactive and eager to learn.
• Positive and adaptable approach.
• Strong problem-solving mindset.
• Able to work effectively in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Passionate about delivering great customer outcomes through effective stock management.

WHAT YOU WILL GET FROM US

• Fantastic training to help you complete your role and be the best you can be, with the option to continue your development into a more senior role, if you choose to progress within the business.
• A great Team to work with where you can progress and make a difference at all levels.
• Competitive Salary
• Holiday Allowance
• Free Parking
• Subsidised Canteen
• Access to mental health first aiders
• Company Pension scheme
• Apprenticeship scheme to continue your development

WHO ARE WE? Founded by Henry J Ryman in 1893, Ryman has been the go-to destination for stationery, office supplies, printing, technology, and more for over 130 years. We are part of the Theo Paphitis Retail Group, which also includes Robert Dyas, Boux Avenue, and London Graphic Centre. From our very first store on Great Portland Street, we have grown to over 200 locations and a thriving website and app offering quality products and exceptional service. We believe in supporting our colleagues and equipping them with the tools and knowledge they need to grow, thrive, and have fun whilst doing it. At Ryman, all of our teams from our stores to our warehouse and Retail Support Centre are passionate about retail. We put our customers first and have a common goal to keep them at the heart of everything we do. We are energetic and enthusiastic, delivering results through resilience, innovation, and adaptability. If you are a team player who’s ready to make an impact, this could be the perfect role for you. Ryman is an equal opportunities employer. Our policy is to recruit a diverse workforce and follow the guidelines of the Equality Act. Our mission is to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams. We celebrate differences, encourage everyone to join us, and be themselves at work.

PLEASE NOTE THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE AND YOU MAY BE REQUIRED TO CARRY OUT OTHER DUTIES AS AND WHEN REQUIRED.