Strategic Partnerships Assistant Merchandiser

Responsibilities

• Support the Strategic Partnerships Merchandiser and Merch Lead in forming and delivering partner strategy aligned with the Wholesale Strategy and River Island Brand.
• Assist with planning and trading, order management, and key risk/opportunity messages.
• Collaborate with partner and wholesale counterparts to shape the buying and merchandising plan and guide teams in delivery.
• Build strong cross‑functional relationships and undertake company projects to support new initiatives.
• Act as the key point of contact for Partner Account team, handling day‑to‑day queries including cancellations.
• Work with Wholesale product teams to direct and sign off on range plans, considering option width, ALB, pre‑season buys, OTB and in‑season trading budgets.
• Provide accurate, relevant analysis to the Wholesale Merchandising team to maximize sales and trading opportunities and propose adjustments to financial plans.
• Maintain Wholesale sales reports and data for internal reporting, and seek additional information to support business understanding of international performance and KPI tracking.
• Manage projected intake of flow products, ensuring appropriate stock levels aligned with cut‑offs.
• Maintain weekly intake forecasts and Wholesale stock management, reviewing and aligning stocks with seasonal strategy and markdown periods.
• Maintain accurate information in Wholesale order database and support timely delivery of planning documents.
• Manage the workload of the Merchandising Admin Assistant, setting direction, objectives, and providing timely feedback.
• Challenge and improve company working practices where appropriate, fostering a culture of wellbeing and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Prior experience at Assistant Merchandiser level, or established Senior Merchandising Admin/Senior Allocator.
• Experience in an omni‑channel business (highly desirable).
• Proven track record of mentoring, delivering strategic plans, and exceeding KPIs.
• Advanced Excel skills.

Skills and Competencies

• Passion for the RI brand and customer.
• Excellent verbal, numerical and analytical reasoning skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and influencing skills.
• Ability to manage complexity, solve problems and make sense of contradictory information.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, emotional intelligence and self‑management.
• Capability to present ideas, adapt style and gain buy‑in.
• People‑management and coaching skills.
• Highly organised with effective prioritisation.
• Disciplined, conscientious, results oriented, tenacious, resilient, and adaptable to change.
• Forward‑thinking, innovative, and a change advocate with continuous learning mindset.

Benefits

• 50% staff discount.
• Free onsite gym and subsidised restaurant & café.
• Flexible working, early finish Fridays (summer and payday).
• Benefits through the Retail Trust, including wellbeing solutions and financial advice.
• Support for maternity, paternity, adoption and fertility treatment.
• Give‑as‑you‑earn scheme and matching donation.
• Upskilling through on‑the‑job training and qualifications.
• Generous bonus scheme and private pension plan.
• 25 days paid holiday (excluding Bank Holidays), with option to purchase additional holiday twice a year.
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