At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic merchandising team to ensure top-notch stock availability and service.
- Company: Join Schoolblazer, the leading supplier of school uniforms with a fresh approach.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a discretionary bonus, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a growing company expanding into international markets.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the innovative schoolwear sector while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Retail merchandising experience and strong analytical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Oundle, Northamptonshire or Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire (on-site)
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Reports To: Buying & Merchandising Director
Direct Reports: 2 Merchandisers, 1 Export and Import Coordinator
About Schoolblazer
Schoolblazer is the leading supplier of uniform and sportswear to independent schools. We are seeking a Senior Merchandising Manager to support our buying team in delivering outstanding levels of stock availability and service. Schoolblazer was founded in 2004 with a simple mission: To transform the school uniform market with a new approach to product, service and channel. We are an online only business, creating bespoke product ranges and have delivered 24 years of consistent, profitable growth. We now supply circa 300 schools in the UK and are successfully expanding our business into Australia and New Zealand. We source most of our product directly from factories in Indonesia and Sri Lanka and have delivered industry leading standards of customer satisfaction through ultra-high levels of availability and product consistency.
The market is challenging. We have over 50,000 SKU’s and sales per item average around 10 units per year. Our customers expect 100% availability – and to be able to shop at the last minute before their children return to school. This requires an innovative, data driven approach to stock management and merchandise planning.
The Role
You will lead the merchandising team managing the end-to-end critical path from order placement through to customer delivery. Working closely with Buying, Operations, and Customer Services teams, you will ensure production schedules are maintained, delivery commitments are achieved, freight costs are optimised and service levels remain industry leading. The successful candidate will combine strong commercial awareness with exceptional planning and organisational skills, balancing delivery deadlines, inventory investment and freight costs to achieve agreed OTIF and customer service targets.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead our small but hard working team of 2 Merchandisers, 2 Merchandise Assistants and Export and Import Coordinator.
- Own and manage production schedules for both the UK critical paths and for Australia and New Zealand.
- Ensure we meet stock availability targets particularly during peak Back-to-School periods.
- Manage inbound freight planning and execution.
- Balance cost, speed and service requirements when selecting freight methods.
- Significant retail merchandising experience.
- Strong understanding of supply chain management, production planning and inventory control.
- Experience managing merchandising teams.
- Strong analytical and commercial skills.
- Advanced Excel knowledge.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience within schoolwear, uniforms, or apparel retail.
- Knowledge of international sourcing and freight management.
Why Join Schoolblazer?
This is an opportunity to play a key role in the most innovative business in the schoolwear sector. You will lead a talented merchandising team, influence critical operational decisions, and help ensure that our customers receive their uniforms on time, every time.
Annual leave: 25 days per annum, plus bank holidays
Discretionary bonus: up to 15% of salary
Senior Merchandising Manager in Oundle employer: Schoolblazer
At Schoolblazer, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our team enjoys comprehensive benefits, including opportunities for professional development and growth, all while working in a vibrant environment that spans the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the schoolwear sector and be part of a company that values your contributions.
