Merchandiser
Location: Sittingbourne, Kent
Salary: £34,000
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
We are recruiting for a highly organised and analytical Merchandiser to join a busy and collaborative Supply Chain and Purchasing team based in Sittingbourne.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in merchandising, buying or purchasing who enjoys working with data, managing stock levels and building strong supplier relationships.
The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring stock availability, managing purchase orders and coordinating with both UK and overseas suppliers to meet customer demand.
Key Responsibilities
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Raise and manage purchase orders with UK and Far East suppliers, ensuring goods arrive within required delivery timescales.
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Monitor stock levels, identify purchasing requirements and ensure sufficient stock availability.
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Analyse sales reports, forecasts and stock data to determine effective replenishment strategies.
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Maintain accurate records of purchase orders, supplier information and stock quantities.
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Build and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers, including factories in China and Vietnam.
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Monitor supplier lead times and coordinate deliveries to ensure customer requirements are met.
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Utilise internal systems and databases to track inventory and identify potential stock shortages.
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Support the wider merchandising and purchasing team with additional administrative and operational tasks.
Skills & Experience Required
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Previous experience within merchandising, buying, purchasing or supply chain would be advantageous.
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Strong numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and identify trends.
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Intermediate Excel skills are essential, alongside proficiency in Microsoft Office.
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Excellent organisational and administrative skills with strong attention to detail.
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Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
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Proactive and adaptable approach to problem-solving.
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
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Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
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Experience managing overseas suppliers, particularly in the Far East, would be desirable.
The Ideal Candidate
You will be a detail-oriented and commercially aware individual who enjoys working with numbers, analysing stock data and ensuring processes run smoothly. You will be confident managing competing priorities, communicating with suppliers and taking a proactive approach to stock management.
Interested?
If you have experience in merchandising, purchasing or buying and are looking for your next opportunity in Sittingbourne, we would love to hear from you!
Apply today to find out more!
Merchandiser in Sittingbourne employer: Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd Careers
As an IT Support Engineer at our company, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. We offer comprehensive training programmes, a collaborative culture, and the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in a vibrant location. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying competitive benefits and a strong commitment to work-life balance.
Contact Details:
Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd Careers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandiser in Sittingbourne
✨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 Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd 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 Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd Careers!
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 Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd 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 Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd 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 Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd Careers that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd 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!