Assistant Merchandiser (Maternity Cover) in Bathgate

JOB PURPOSE

Support the Merchandiser to plan product ranges, maximise the profitability of the ranges, the stores and the e‑commerce business and to deliver in‑season actions to maximise profit opportunities. To ensure that stock availability is optimised within overall stock targets.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• PLANNING
• Complete historical analysis – by brand, colour, price, size & competitive pricing to support the planning process.
• Support the Merchandiser with the financial planning process (bottom‑up) across the product hierarchy, time period and selling channels.
• Support the Merchandiser with the range framework process for determining the width of options and depth of buy.
• Accurately calculate line buys ensuring decisions are based on history and targets for ROS, line life, no of stores and sell through %, seeking approval from the Merchandiser.
• Flex buy volumes according to historical information, phasing, seasonality, trend, brand allocations, ranging decisions, product characteristics and price.
• Ensure accurate sizing decisions are made according to historical sales profiles, analysis and future targets.
• Phase the intake of options and stock to deliver agreed shop floor requirements, launch events and target sales.
• Work closely with the eComm merchandiser to understand performance of the e‑commerce business, making recommendations to the eComm and Product Merchandiser.
• Support the Branch Merchandiser in the development of an allocation strategy, tying back to range planning metrics.
• TRADING
• Complete weekly analysis of department, product, brand and store performance in order to establish trading patterns at each level of the hierarchy and understand the performance key drivers.
• Assist in the preparation of all required reporting packs and trackers, including supplier.
• Identify best and worst sellers and make recommendations for repeats, cancellations, markdowns and re‑phasing opportunities to optimise sales and stocks.
• Monitor and manage product availability to optimise stock levels.
• Ensure that the Order Book is well controlled by the teams.
• Support with chasing stock with Brands as required.
• Propose actions which will optimise sales and profits by product category, brand and store grade.
• Track e‑commerce performance & availability and make recommendations.
• Create and manage line cards for all continuity/core lines to ensure a balanced flow of stock across the season, the selling channels and the size break.
• Create and maintain an accurate intake and delivery schedule.
• Liaise with Branch Merchandising and allocation team to ensure they understand category performance, stock positions and how these should be reflected across the selling channels.
• Check and maintain systems for delivery performance including dealing with deliveries which are out of tolerance, liaise with freight forwarder as applicable, DC and suppliers/brands on delivery issues.
• Support the in‑season reforecasting process with bottom‑up forecasts to establish realistic sales and stock positions through the hierarchy and manage OTB raising any issues with the Merchandiser.
• Maintain an accurate product category line detail in conjunction with the buying team.
• Action seasonal recodes in order to monitor and manage terminal stocks.
• CUSTOMER & MARKET AWARENESS
• Maintain a commercial and customer focus in all activities and decisions.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the schuh customer and expectations they have when shopping with us.
• Keep abreast of sales performance, understanding drivers behind best and worst sellers.
• Demonstrate a passion for the products we sell and an awareness of market trends.
• Regularly visit schuh stores, concessions and online - highlighting any ideas, opportunities or concerns.
• Demonstrate outstanding knowledge of what our competitive set are doing on the high street and online conducting regular visits to assess their ranges and activities.
• Understand and comply with health and safety rules and anti‑bribery policy.
• PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Take responsibility for continually improving own performance by agreeing and achieving objectives.
• Arrange regular performance reviews with your manager.
• Be proactive in driving your own personal development.
• Seek/receive feedback on your development for your career progression and utilise training, development and support resources available.
• Demonstrate self‑awareness and an understanding of others needs and own impact on others.
• MANAGING PEOPLE
• Assist the Merchandiser in managing a high performance team.
• Contribute to the performance review of the MAA by regularly discussing progress with Merchandiser.
• Monitor MAA activity, workload and priorities and delegate effectively.
• Communicate and give balanced and effective feedback to MAA with the support of the Merchandiser.
• With the Merchandiser, identify the development needs of the MAA giving direction, motivation and support where needed.
• Support recruitment process under guidance of merchandiser.
• Highly numerate and analytical.
• Competent user of advanced excel, confident in use of data and standard retail systems.
• Excellent time management and communication skills with the ability to prioritise effectively.
• Ability to influence & present ideas in a positive and professional manner.
• Embrace and lead continuous improvement, adopt a creative approach with strong critical thinking skills.
• Awareness of retail industry and competition within sector.
• Demonstrates an ability to work consistently to high standards.
• Is self‑motivated to achieve.
• Is able to contribute to team effectiveness.
• Demonstrates a focus on finding solutions and improvements which add value to customers and the overall business.
• Build strong relationships with the wider team including merchandising, buying, eCommerce, marketing, store managers, logistics.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Temporary

Job function: Product Management, General Business, and Strategy/Planning Retail