At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse sales and inventory data to create accurate demand forecasts.
- Company: Join RKW Ltd, a dynamic retail supply chain leader in Stoke on Trent.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, staff discounts, and exclusive perks.
- Other info: Great opportunities for training and career development await you.
- Why this job: Make an impact by optimising sales and collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Retail experience and strong analytical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The role of Merchandising Analyst is now available within the supply chain division of RKW Ltd. If you are working as a Merchandiser / Merchandising Assistant / Junior Merchandiser / Merchandising Planner – or a Merchandising Analyst – we want to hear from you.
Ideal applicants will have a track record of working with Sales and Inventory Data – within a retail business (e-commerce a benefit) – and the numerical competency to contribute to forecasting activities. We are looking for someone to join an established function. Working alongside Sales and the wider Merchandising team, you will work closely with customers to maximise sales whilst ensuring forecasts and demand plans are accurate.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Analyse historical sales, inventory data, promotional activity and seasonality to build an accurate baseline demand plan.
- Develop and maintain demand forecasts at SKU/customer level, using appropriate forecasting methods and system tools.
- Collaborate across departments to incorporate new product launches, promotions and customer insights into the forecast.
- Facilitate regular demand review meetings with the sales team and customers to produce clear forecast assumptions, risks and opportunities.
- Monitor forecast accuracy and drive continuous improvements to the demand plan.
- Identify and escalate supply constraints, demand spikes or exceptions, proposing mitigation plans with relevant stakeholders.
- Provide regular reporting and insights on demand, inventory and service performance to support commercial decision‑making.
Experience and Skills
- A background in retail or merchandising, including a knowledge of industry practices.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends and translate insight into actions.
- Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups) and confidence working with large data sets.
- Experience using planning systems (SAP, Power BI, D365) and/or forecasting tools.
- Excellent communication skills, able to work cross‑functionally with Sales, Purchasing and Supply Chain.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise, manage deadlines and maintain attention to detail.
- Commercial awareness and customer focus, balancing availability, stock levels and business targets.
- Ability to challenge assumptions constructively and present recommendations with clear rationale.
Company Benefits
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Free parking on all sites
- Staff discount on all products
- Employee Assistance Program
- Refer a Friend Scheme
- Training and development
- Eye care allowance
- Exclusive discounts on cinema, holidays, days out and eating out
- Long service incentives and rewards
We look forward to hearing from you. Please apply via this advert or send a CV and covering email directly to.
Merchandising Analyst employer: RKW
RKW Ltd is an exceptional employer located in Fenton, Stoke on Trent, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee development and collaboration. With comprehensive benefits including 25 days of annual leave, staff discounts, and a commitment to training, we empower our team members to thrive in their roles while enjoying a supportive environment that values innovation and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandising Analyst
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Get yourself out there by attending supply chain meetups and industry events. It's a great way to meet fellow professionals, learn about trends, and maybe even hear about job openings before they’re posted online.
✨Show Off Your Skills on LinkedIn
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities! Post insights or articles on LinkedIn about supply chain challenges or solutions you’re passionate about. This not only showcases your expertise but can catch the eye of recruiters looking for someone like you.
✨Engage with Supply Chain Communities
Dive into online communities related to supply chain operations like forums or groups on Reddit and LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions can help you network, get advice, and you might even stumble upon some hidden job opportunities.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you spot a position at RKW, make sure to apply through our website directly. It's often the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role of Merchandising Analyst.
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandising Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in supply chain operations. Whether it’s managing logistics or coordinating with suppliers, we want to see examples of how you've navigated the complexities of the supply chain. Concrete achievements, like reducing costs or improving delivery times, will definitely catch our eye!
Quantify Your Impact:When listing your previous roles on your CV, go for numbers! Mention percentages or actual figures where possible—like how much you've improved efficiency or reduced waste. It's all about showing us the tangible impact you've made in your past positions in supply chain operations.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, don’t just regurgitate your CV. Instead, connect your experiences specifically to the role at RKW. Share why you're passionate about supply chain operations and how this full-time role aligns with your career goals—I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear that!
Research and Reflect:Before you apply, take some time to research RKW and its supply chain operations. Reflect on how your skills and experiences can fit into their operations. Being able to discuss their challenges and how you can contribute to solving them in your application will really make you stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at RKW
✨Know Your Basics in Supply Chain Management
Make sure you've got a solid grasp of key supply chain concepts like demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics. We could be quizzed on these during technical rounds, so brush up on any software tools commonly used in the industry like SAP or Oracle. This knowledge will help us show we can hit the ground running!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss real-world scenarios where you've used data analysis to solve supply chain challenges. If you've got experience with tools like Excel or Tableau, get ready to talk about how you've used these to optimise processes or improve efficiencies. Employers love seeing that we can turn data into actionable insights!
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Project Management Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Think of examples where you've worked on cross-functional teams or managed projects. Sharing how you navigated challenges while working with diverse groups will show that we can thrive in a dynamic environment like at RKW.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by RKW
Look into any unique supply chain challenges RKW might be facing, whether it's sustainability, supplier relationships, or global disruptions. Being prepared to discuss these topics shows that we're not only informed but also genuinely interested in how we can contribute to their success. That’s a big plus in any interview!
