At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales and partner performance through strategic planning and analysis.
- Company: Join River Island's dynamic team focused on innovative partnerships.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 50% staff discount, free gym access, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Great opportunities for professional development and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in merchandising while growing your career with us.
- Qualifications: Previous merchandising experience and strong analytical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Strategic Partnerships Merchandising team at River Island plays a key role in delivering commercial growth through a diverse portfolio of strategic partners and external channels.
This is achieved by developing and implementing the planning and trading strategy for partner accounts, ensuring alignment with the River Island brand while maximising sales, profit and partner performance.
The Junior Merchandiser has a direct impact on the product offer across Strategic Partnerships by supporting the development and delivery of the partner strategy.
Working closely with Buying, Account Management and wider business functions, they drive planning and trading performance, identify commercial opportunities, manage risk and ensure the right product reaches the right partners at the right time.
Responsibilities
- Own the planning and trading of selected Strategic Partnership accounts or product categories, presenting directly to the Strategic Partnerships Merchandiser and Merch Lead.
- Support the development and delivery of the Strategic Partnerships merchandising strategy, aligned to the River Island brand and commercial objectives.
- Grow sales and profit by actively driving trading performance and supporting all aspects of the planning process.
- Through analysis of current and historical performance, partner data and market trends, identify risks and opportunities and recommend actions to improve performance.
- Work closely with Buying to develop seasonal range plans, supporting option planning, pre‑season buys, intake, stock and in‑season trading.
- Manage stock and partner commitments to ensure planned stock levels are maintained and trading objectives are achieved.
- Support the management of the department critical path to ensure timely product delivery.
- Produce and maintain sales reporting, forecasting and commercial analysis to support business decisions and partner performance.
- Build strong cross‑functional relationships with Buying, Account Management, Supply Chain and wider business teams.
- Support the implementation of company initiatives, processes and ways of working across the Strategic Partnerships function.
- Manage the development of junior merchandising team members, supporting in setting direction and objectives for the department.
Qualifications
- Experienced Assistant Merchandiser or current Junior Merchandiser with at least 18 months’ experience within merchandising.
- Experience in an omni‑channel business is highly desirable; experience within Strategic Partnerships or Wholesale is advantageous.
- Track record of directly managing or mentoring others to create high engagement and performance.
- Strong communication, analytical and numerical skills.
- Excellent commercial awareness with the ability to identify risks and opportunities through data analysis.
- Very strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with good self‑awareness.
- Highly organised with excellent prioritisation skills.
- Good coaching and development skills.
- Disciplined, results‑oriented, resilient and adaptable to change.
- Forward‑thinking, innovative, with a curious mindset.
- Passion for the River Island brand and customer.
Benefits
- Generous 50% staff discount and a bargain staff shop on site.
- Discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more through the Retail Trust.
- Free onsite gym, subsidised restaurant & café to fill your needs.
- Various social events throughout the year.
- Support for different family setups, including enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption & fertility treatment.
- Flexible working, on top of payday and summer early finish Fridays.
- Give as you earn scheme, a 'Giver Island' day each year and matched funding.
- Upskilling support through on‑the‑job training and qualifications.
- A succession plan for career progression.
- A generous bonus scheme and private pension plan.
- Choice to opt in for healthcare through our provider AXA.
- 25 days paid holiday, exclusive of Bank Holidays, with the option to purchase additional holiday twice a year.
- Keeping You Safe.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Strategic Partnerships Junior Merchandiser employer: River Island
RIVER ISLAND is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises inclusivity and teamwork in the heart of Belfast. With opportunities for personal growth and a generous 50% staff discount, employees are encouraged to thrive in a dynamic retail environment while making a meaningful impact on customer service and store operations.
