Merchandising & Buying Administrator in Stockport

Merchandising & Buying Administrator in Stockport

Stockport Entry level 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
P Louise

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the Merchandising and Buying teams with essential admin and analytical tasks.
  • Company: Join a leading beauty retail brand with a vibrant team culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and opportunities for career growth.
  • Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on teamwork and continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that ensures products are available when customers need them.
  • Qualifications: Previous admin or retail experience and strong numerical skills required.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

The Merchandising Administrator is responsible for providing essential administrative and analytical support to the Merchandising and Buying teams, ensuring the smooth day-to-day management of product ranges across retail stores and ecommerce channels. This role plays a key part in maintaining accurate stock and product data, supporting inventory management processes, and assisting with the execution of seasonal and promotional trading plans. Working within a fast-paced beauty retail environment, the Merchandising Administrator will help ensure products are available to customers at the right time while supporting the wider team in delivering sales, profitability and stock objectives.

The ideal candidate will be highly organised, numerically confident, detail-oriented, and eager to develop a career within merchandising, retail planning, or commercial operations.

Key Responsibilities
  • Stock & Inventory Administration
    • Maintain accurate stock records across stores, distribution centres and ecommerce fulfilment locations.
    • Monitor stock availability and highlight potential shortages, overstocks or replenishment issues.
    • Support stock allocation and replenishment activities to ensure products remain available across all sales channels.
    • Assist with stock transfers between stores, warehouses and fulfilment centres when required.
    • Monitor incoming deliveries and update systems to ensure inventory information remains accurate.
  • Purchase Order & Supplier Administration
    • Raise, maintain and amend purchase orders within merchandising systems.
    • Track supplier confirmations, shipment schedules and expected delivery dates.
    • Ensure all product and order information is accurately recorded and updated.
    • Liaise with suppliers and internal departments to resolve discrepancies relating to orders, deliveries or stock issues.
    • Support the management of critical path timelines to ensure products are delivered on schedule.
  • Reporting & Data Management
    • Produce daily, weekly and monthly sales and stock reports for the merchandising team.
    • Maintain reporting tools and spreadsheets used to support trading decisions.
    • Assist in analysing sales performance, stock levels and inventory productivity.
    • Support the preparation of trade packs and reporting for weekly trading meetings.
    • Ensure data accuracy across all merchandising systems and reports.
  • Product & Range Administration
    • Support the setup and maintenance of product information across merchandising systems.
    • Assist with the creation of new product records, ensuring all product attributes, pricing and descriptions are accurately entered.
    • Maintain range plans and product trackers throughout the product lifecycle.
    • Support product launch activities by ensuring stock and system readiness ahead of launch dates.
    • Assist in monitoring product performance and maintaining continuity lines.
  • Ecommerce & Omnichannel Support
    • Monitor stock availability across online and store channels to support a seamless customer experience.
    • Assist with maintaining accurate online stock positions and product information.
    • Support ecommerce trading activity by providing stock and sales reporting.
    • Work with cross-functional teams to ensure stock is available for online promotions, launches and campaigns.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
    • Build strong relationships with Buying, Merchandising, Supply Chain, Ecommerce, Retail Operations and Finance teams.
    • Support communication between departments to ensure accurate and timely flow of information.
    • Assist with resolving operational issues relating to stock, deliveries and product availability.
    • Participate in team meetings and contribute to ongoing process improvements.
  • Administrative Support
    • Manage merchandising documentation, trackers and filing systems.
    • Prepare reports, presentations and meeting materials for the merchandising team.
    • Support ad hoc analysis and administrative projects as required.
    • Ensure all merchandising processes are completed accurately and within agreed deadlines.
Person Specification
  • Essential Requirements
    • Experience
      • Previous administrative, retail, inventory, planning or analytical experience.
      • Experience working in a fast-paced retail or commercial environment is advantageous.
    • Numerical & Analytical Skills
      • Strong numerical aptitude with confidence working with data and spreadsheets.
      • Ability to identify trends, discrepancies and opportunities within sales and stock information.
    • Systems & Technical Skills
      • Intermediate to advanced Excel skills, including: Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, SUMIFS, Conditional Formatting.
      • Basic reporting and analysis.
      • Comfortable learning and using merchandising, ERP and inventory management systems.
      • High level of confidence working with large volumes of data.
    • Organisation & Attention to Detail
      • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
      • Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
      • Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
    • Communication
      • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
      • Ability to build effective working relationships across multiple departments.
      • Confident communicating information clearly and professionally.
    • Commercial Awareness
      • Interest in retail, beauty and consumer trends.
      • Understanding of the importance of stock availability, customer experience and commercial performance.
  • Key Competencies
    • Exceptional attention to detail.
    • Strong organisational and time-management skills.
    • Proactive and solutions-focused mindset.
    • Analytical thinking and problem-solving capability.
    • Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.
    • Adaptable and flexible in a fast-paced retail environment.
    • High level of accuracy and accountability.
    • Desire to learn and develop a long-term career within merchandising and retail planning.
    • Customer-focused approach with an understanding of how operational excellence supports the overall shopping experience.

Merchandising & Buying Administrator in Stockport employer: P Louise

As a leading player in the beauty retail sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where our employees can thrive. Our Merchandising & Buying Administrator role offers not only competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth but also a chance to be part of a collaborative team that values innovation and excellence. Located in a vibrant area, we provide a supportive culture that encourages creativity and career development, making us an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the retail industry.

P Louise

Contact Details:

P Louise Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Merchandising & Buying Administrator in Stockport

Get Visible in Your Community

Retail hiring often happens locally, so don’t hesitate to stroll into shops like P Louise with your CV in hand. Engage with the staff—show them your enthusiasm and ask about any openings. It’s all about making a memorable impression, so don’t shy away from being friendly!

Join Retail Job Fairs

Local job fairs are a goldmine for entry-level retail positions. Keep an eye out for events in your area where P Louise might have a booth. This allows us to chat directly with hiring managers and get the inside scoop on what they're looking for!

Leverage Your Social Networks

Utilise social media platforms to let your friends and family know you're on the hunt for an entry-level retail gig. You’d be amazed at how many opportunities come from a simple post. Ask if anyone’s heard about openings at P Louise or similar spots—it’s all about tapping into your network!

Look for Seasonal Opportunities

Retail often ramps up staffing during holiday seasons, so keep an eye out for temporary positions. Get in touch with P Louise around times like Christmas or Black Friday. Applying for seasonal roles can sometimes lead to permanent positions if you impress!

We think you need these skills to ace Merchandising & Buying Administrator in Stockport

Stock Management
Inventory Administration
Data Analysis
Numerical Skills
Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, SUMIFS)
Attention to Detail
Organisational Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, it's all about the customer experience! Make sure your CV highlights any previous customer service roles or relevant experiences. Whether it's a part-time gig or volunteering, include instances where you’ve gone above and beyond for customers to showcase your people skills.

Keep It Clear and Concise:Retail hiring managers sift through tons of applications, so get straight to the point. Tailor your CV to include key information like your availability and any retail experience, but make it easy to read. Bullet points and a tidy layout can make all the difference for those first impressions!

Craft a Friendly Cover Letter:Since this is an entry-level position, let your enthusiasm shine through in your cover letter! Mention why you're excited about working at P Louise specifically—people love to see a genuine connection. Talk about your willingness to learn and how you're ready to take on the challenges of retail.

Research and Refer to Retail Trends:Showing knowledge of the retail industry can set you apart! Briefly mention some current retail trends or issues in your application to demonstrate your interest and understanding of the market. It’ll show that you’re not just any applicant but someone who genuinely cares about the brand and its customers.

How to prepare for a job interview at P Louise

Show Off Your Customer Service Skills

In the retail world, customer service is king! Get ready to share your experiences dealing with customers, whether it’s from previous jobs or volunteering. Think about examples where you handled tough situations or went the extra mile, as employers like P Louise want to see that you’ve got the people skills to keep their customers happy.

Know Your Products Inside Out

Before heading to your interview at P Louise, take a deep dive into their product range. If you have a particular brand or category you're passionate about, bring that enthusiasm to the conversation. Familiarising yourself with their values and bestsellers can really set you apart as someone who's not just looking for any job, but is genuinely interested in retail.

Dress the Part – Retail Style

For an entry-level role in retail, your appearance can say a lot about your understanding of the industry. Dress smart but relatable—think about what you'd wear on the shop floor. Showing that you understand the brand image of P Louise through your style can give you an edge right from the get-go.

Demonstrate Your Team Spirit

Retail is all about teamwork! Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a positive team environment at P Louise. Having stories that illustrate how you've worked well with others, whether in school projects or group activities, can showcase your collaborative spirit, which is crucial for an entry-level position.