At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead merchandising for handbags and accessories, driving sales and managing a dynamic team.
- Company: Feel-good fashion retailer focused on inclusivity and customer experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 40% staff discount, private pension, and extra day off for your birthday.
- Other info: 12-month FTC in London with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team and make a real impact in the fashion industry.
- Qualifications: Strong merchandising experience with advanced analytics and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 £ per year.
We’re working with a leading feel-good fashion retailer, making style accessible, fun and inclusive for customers across the UK and Republic of Ireland through a strong omnichannel presence of 360+ stores, website and mobile app.
With a customer-first culture and a clear focus on commercial performance, the business is committed to developing its people, embracing diversity and creating a positive impact through fashion.
We’re looking for a Senior Merchandiser to join the team on a 12-month fixed-term contract.
This will be on handbags and accessories, managing a team of four.
The role will take ownership of the planning, trading and delivery of a department’s commercial strategy, with responsibility for achieving sales, profit, margin and stock targets.
You’ll lead WSSI and forecasting, manage stock flow, OTB and commitments, contribute to range planning and sign-off, and work closely with Buying, Design and suppliers to maximise commercial opportunities.
You’ll also identify risks and opportunities, support promotional activity and lead, coach and develop a merchandising team.
The successful candidate will have strong previous merchandising experience, with advanced commercial and trade analytics skills including WSSI, forecasting and understanding of key profit drivers.
You’ll have experience of range strategy and planning, departmental OTB and stock ownership, as well as senior-level supplier management and negotiation.
We’re looking for a strategic thinker who can see the bigger picture, a confident and influential communicator who can partner with senior stakeholders, and a decisive, solutions-focused individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
Strong leadership, coaching and team development skills are essential.
This is a 12-month FTC based in London, with 4 days per week in the office.
The role offers a competitive salary of circa 65k alongside an excellent benefits package, including 40% staff discount, friends and family discounts, private pension, virtual GP access, life assurance from day one, holiday purchase scheme, an additional paid day off for your birthday, enhanced family leave, interest-free season ticket loans and Cycle2Work.
Senior Merchandiser (12 Month FTC) employer: Retail Human Resources
Join a leading fashion retailer in West London as a Merchandiser for Kidswear, where you'll thrive in a supportive and collaborative culture that values your contributions. With a competitive salary and an attractive benefits package, including performance-related bonuses and flexible working options, this role offers excellent opportunities for career development in a dynamic retail environment. You'll play a pivotal role in shaping product ranges while leading a team, ensuring your impact is felt across the business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Merchandiser (12 Month FTC)
✨Get Your Foot in the Door Early
In retail, many temporary roles pop up during peak seasons, like Christmas or summer sales. Keep an eye on the calendars for these spikes and start scouting for opportunities a bit in advance. We can even help you stay sharp on your search!
✨Utilise Local Connections
Visit local shops in person and chat with managers about potential temporary openings. Many retail positions are filled by word-of-mouth, so don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation while you grab a coffee or do your weekly shopping!
✨Show Off Your Availability
Retail managers love flexibility! Make sure to highlight your availability in a casual chat or when you apply through our website. The more open you are to work varied shifts, the more likely they are to bring you on board—especially for temporary gigs!
✨Be Ready for On-the-Spot Interviews
When you walk into a shop, be prepared for the possibility of an on-the-spot interview. Dress comfortably but smartly, have a few key points about your experience ready, and be enthusiastic. Remember, it’s all about making that positive first impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Merchandiser (12 Month FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you've got, whether it’s casual jobs or volunteer work. Employers want to see that you can interact well with customers, so think about any instances where you've gone the extra mile to help someone out.
Flexibility Is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary position, you should emphasise your flexibility in your application. Mention your availability clearly in your cover letter and CV—employers love knowing they can rely on you to work varied hours, especially during busy periods!
Keep It Short and Sweet:For temporary roles, we don’t need an essay! Keep your CV and cover letter concise, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills. Highlight any specific retail achievements, like sales targets met or product knowledge that demonstrates your eagerness to dive straight in.
Tailor Your Application to Retail Human Resources:Don’t forget to personalise your application for Retail Human Resources! Take a look at their values and product range, and if you’ve had previous experience with similar brands, mention that. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and have a good understanding of what they do.
How to prepare for a job interview at Retail Human Resources
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In retail, it's all about customer interaction, so be ready to share examples of how you've handled tough customer situations. We recommend thinking through a couple of scenarios before the interview where you went above and beyond to help a customer, as these can really make you stand out.
✨Brush Up on Product Knowledge
Temporary roles often have a steep learning curve because you'll need to pick up product knowledge fast. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the main products or services that Retail Human Resources offers, and if possible, try to understand their current promotions. It’ll give you the edge to engage customers effectively.
✨Flexibility is Key
Being in a temporary retail role means you may need to adapt quickly to different tasks or shifts. Be prepared to highlight your flexibility and willingness to take on varied responsibilities during the interview. Think of examples where you've had to juggle multiple tasks at once – that’ll show you're a great fit for the dynamic retail environment.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since retail roles often require collaboration, be ready to showcase your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you worked well with colleagues, especially in fast-paced situations. This will underline your ability to slot into the team at Retail Human Resources and contribute positively during your temporary stint.
