Junior Merchandiser

Join to apply for the Junior Merchandiser role at River Island. The Merchandising team at River Island plays a key role in realising the commercial opportunities created by our unique product across all channels. This is achieved by developing and implementing the multichannel planning and trading strategy for a multiproduct department. The Junior Merchandiser has 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 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.

Department: Menswear

Location: Head Office, Chelsea House

Responsibilities / 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, formulate 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, and competitive 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 junior members of the merchandising team, supports in setting the direction and objectives to be achieved in 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.

What we can offer you:

• Generous 50% staff discount and access to an on-site staff shop.
• Discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more through Reward Gateway.
• Free onsite gym, subsidised restaurant & cafe, and various social events.
• Family-friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption & fertility support.
• Flexible working, payday and summer early finish Fridays.
• Give as you earn scheme with matched funding.
• On-the-job training and qualifications, with a succession plan if you want to progress.
• Bonus scheme & private pension plan.
• Healthcare option through AXA.
• 25 days paid holiday, with option to purchase additional days.

Keeping You Safe: River Island is committed to safeguarding all employees regardless of age or job role. We fulfil our obligation under the Prevent duty to stop extremism and extremist views in our business. We promote British values including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect among diverse beliefs. We are an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from individuals of all ages, genders, ethnicities, disabilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, socio-economic backgrounds, religions and beliefs. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Marketing and Sales

Industries: Retail