At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead merchandising strategies to optimise product ranges and drive sales across multiple locations.
- Company: Join Morleys Department Stores, a trusted name in retail with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career development, and a vibrant work culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth in a collaborative team focused on success.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while shaping the future of retail.
- Qualifications: Proven merchandising experience and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Merchandiser working in the Morleys Stores Group head office based in Wimbledon. It is a full-time position reporting to the Head of Merchandising. Morleys Department Stores Group is an independent, privately-owned department store group that operates 7 stores principally in Greater London and Newbury, and an Ecommerce platform for our flagship store in Wimbledon. Our stores are at the heart of local communities and have centuries of heritage, brand trust and loyalty - all key to the values we bring to life in-store and through our communications.
Role Overview
The Senior Merchandiser is responsible for leading the commercial planning strategy across designated product categories, managing and optimising product ranges to drive sales, maximise profitability, and control stock across a £100m+ department store group. This role drives sales, profit, and stock optimisation through effective planning, forecasting, trading and inventory. This role combines commercial analysis, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure the right products are available at the right time, in the right quantities across our 7-store portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
- Planning & Trading
- Develop and deliver seasonal and annual merchandise financial plans aligned with business strategy, company sales and margin targets.
- Drive forecasting accuracy and manage OTB (Open to Buy) processes and budgets and stock levels to ensure effective inventory control.
- Drive sales, profit and stock performance across multiple locations and digital channels where applicable.
- Monitor weekly sales, stock, and margin performance, identifying risks and opportunities.
- Re-forecast sales and intake based on performance trends and market conditions.
- Analyse historical performance, market trends and customer behaviour to identify commercial opportunities and risks.
- Range & Stock Management
- Own in-season trading performance and proactively react to weekly trade performance.
- Manage stock allocation (RROs) and intake flow to optimise product availability across all categories, increase sell-through and minimise markdown and improve stock productivity.
- Ensure effective replenishment and allocation strategies are in place across all stores.
- Identify underperforming categories, brands or stores and work with buying team to implement recovery actions.
- Oversee stock turn, sell-through rates, and aged stock management.
- Lead markdown and promotional strategies to drive revenue and clear stock efficiently.
- Commercial Analysis
- Analyse historical performance, market trends and customer behaviour to identify commercial opportunities and risks.
- Partner closely with the buying teams to build commercially balanced assortments and category strategies.
- Provide actionable insights to buying and senior leadership teams.
- Use data to influence range planning, pricing architecture, promotional activity and markdown decisions.
- Satellite Department Relationships
- Work closely with Buyers to understand range building.
- Partner with Finance, Marketing, and Store Operations teams to align on trading plans.
- Team Leadership
- Manage, coach and develop Junior Merchandisers and Buying Administrators.
- Set clear objectives and performance expectations for the team, provide coaching to improve team performance.
- Build merchandising capability through training and mentoring.
- Encourage a collaborative, commercially focused and solution-oriented team.
- Ensure strong accuracy, pace and attention to detail across all merchandising processes.
Key Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in merchandising within fashion, home, beauty retail (department store environment preferred).
- Strong commercial acumen with a track record of driving sales and margin.
- Advanced analytical skills with proficiency in Excel.
- Experience managing budgets and stock volumes.
- Excellent planning, organisation, and prioritisation skills.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Sales and margin performance.
- Stock turn target 2.3 to 2.5.
- Markdown percentage of sales.
- Budget & Forecast accuracy.
- OTB management.
Personal Attributes
- Highly analytical with strong attention to detail.
- Commercially driven and customer focused.
- Strategic thinker with strong trading instincts.
- Highly organised and detail oriented.
- Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
- Proactive problem solver with strong decision-making capability and results focused.
- Collaborative team player with leadership capability.
Desirable
- Experience in a £100m+ sales turnover.
- Knowledge of department store trading.
- Experience with merchandising software (e.g. SAP/BYD, Futura).
Senior Merchandiser employer: REC-REVOLUTION LTD
Morleys Department Stores Group is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Wimbledon, where you can make a significant impact on local communities through our heritage-rich department stores. We prioritise employee growth with opportunities for mentorship and development, fostering a collaborative culture that values innovation and strategic thinking. Join us to be part of a team that drives commercial success while enjoying the benefits of working in a supportive and community-focused setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Merchandiser
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the retail and merchandising world. Attend industry events or join online forums where you can meet people who might know about job openings. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Morleys Department Stores Group thoroughly. Understand their values, product ranges, and recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the Senior Merchandiser role. Highlight your commercial acumen and analytical skills, and don’t forget to share specific examples of how you’ve driven sales and managed stock effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, don’t hesitate – get your application in and let’s make some merchandising magic happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Merchandiser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Merchandiser role. Highlight your experience in merchandising, especially in fashion or department store environments, and showcase your commercial acumen and analytical skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven sales and managed stock effectively in previous positions. Make it personal and engaging!
Show Off Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires advanced analytical skills, don’t shy away from showcasing your proficiency in Excel and any relevant merchandising software. Include examples of how you've used data to influence trading decisions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at REC-REVOLUTION LTD
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Merchandiser, you'll need to demonstrate your strong commercial acumen. Brush up on key metrics like sales performance, stock turn rates, and markdown percentages. Be ready to discuss how you've used these figures to drive profitability in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
This role requires advanced analytical skills, especially with Excel. Prepare examples of how you've analysed historical performance and market trends to identify opportunities. Bring along any relevant reports or data visualisations to illustrate your points.
✨Understand the Brand and Its Community
Morleys Department Stores Group has a rich heritage and is deeply rooted in local communities. Research the brand's history and values, and think about how you can contribute to maintaining that connection. Be prepared to share your thoughts on community engagement strategies.
✨Collaboration is Key
You'll be working closely with various teams, so highlight your experience in cross-functional collaboration. Think of specific instances where you've partnered with buying, finance, or marketing teams to achieve merchandising goals. Show them you're a team player who can lead and inspire others.
