Junior Merchandiser

The Merchandising team at River Island plays a key role in realising the commercial opportunities created by our unique product across all our channels. This is achieved by developing and implementing the multichannel planning and trading strategy for a multiproduct department. The Junior Merchandiser has a direct impact on the product offer by channel to fulfil all customer requirements and deliver their department strategy, sales and profit plans. Working closely with their buying counterparts, the Junior Merchandiser ensures that department margin targets are achieved and grows market share whilst maintaining our sustainability commitments. A River Island Junior Merchandiser must successfully drive the performance of the merchandising team.

Key Accountabilities

• Supports in the development of the department and category strategy for a multiproduct area.
• Grows sales and profit by actively driving the successful trading of the department and supports in all aspects of the planning process.
• Through analysis of current and past performance alongside market data, formulates all opportunities to drive the business across all channels.
• Manages an option framework to ensure a balanced range by channel.
• Controls stocks within planned levels and works within agreed markdown targets.
• Supports in the management of the department critical path with buyer to ensure timely delivery of product.
• Supports the planning of the distribution strategy of stock to all channels.
• Supports all wholesale opportunities to drive performance.
• Using all available sources including regular store visits, industry news, sales and margin history, comp shops, identifies risks and opportunities, proposing actions to positively impact performance.
• Builds cross divisional working relationships and external networks.
• Supports the team in the implementation of all company working practices and processes.
• Manages the development of the Junior members of the merchandising team, supports in setting the direction and objectives to be achieved on the department.

Key Experience Required

• Experienced Assistant Merchandiser or current Junior Merchandiser.
• Experience in an omni-channel business is highly desirable.
• Track record of either directly managing others, or supporting and mentoring other team members to create high levels of engagement and performance.

Job Role Competencies

• Strong communication skills.
• Strong analytical & numerical skills.
• Very strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, good self-awareness.
• Highly organised, good prioritisation skills.
• Good coaching and development skills.
• Disciplined and conscientious, results oriented.
• Resilient and adaptable to change.
• Forward-thinking, innovative with a curious mindset.
• Passion for the RI brand and customer.

About Us

We’re a much-loved brand with an exciting future. Our Islanders are a diverse bunch of bright, talented people who love working together – and are proud of the work they do. Progression here can take you in all kinds of directions. This is what a career at River Island is like. And this is where yours starts. This role is based at our Head Office in West London.

What we can offer you

• Generous 50% staff discount so you can treat yourself to the latest products, and a bargain staff shop on site!
• Reducing Islanders everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more through Reward Gateway!
• A free onsite gym, subsidised restaurant & café to fill your needs. Various social events to socialise throughout the year.
• Every family is unique, we support Islanders with all different family setups enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption & fertility treatment.
• Flexible working is a given, on top of payday and summer early finish Fridays.
• Support with upskilling through on the job training and qualifications. A succession plan if you want to progress.
• A generous bonus scheme & private pension plan.
• The choice to opt in for healthcare through our provider AXA.
• 25 days paid holiday, exclusive of Bank Holidays. With the added option to purchase additional holiday twice a year for whatever the need!

At River Island, we are committed to the safeguarding of all of our employees regardless of age or job role. We promote and encourage the belief in British Values- including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. Our Island is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‑economic background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.