Junior Merchandiser in London

Job Title: Junior Merchandiser Reports To: Merchandiser/Head of Merchandising Location: Livingston, Scotland or Central London - Hybrid 2/3 days in office per week. Purpose: Responsible for the general running of your own department in conjunction with the Merchandiser. Reporting directly into the Merchandiser/Head of Merchandise, working very closely alongside the Buyer in order to maximise profits where possible. Managing the performance of the range and analysing. About the Role: STRATEGY Working with the Buyer, evaluate performance and interpret the overall business strategy to create a strategic view of the product area Liaise with the buyers with regards to any cut offs/deadlines that have to be achieved Maintain a clear knowledge and awareness of the customer needs, the market and the competition as a central focus for the product strategy Keep abreast of overall Brand strategies and determine how planning requirements should be adjusted accordingly, in particular in the event of significant Brand allocation restrictions PLANNING Responsible for providing historical information at buys with regards to how a similar product/brand has sold Work with the Merchandiser to develop robust option frameworks for width and depth of ranges according to sales and space targets, ROS, line life and density targets Adapt range plans to optimise the needs of e-commerce, ROI and grades/clusters of stores Identify any risks and opportunities that need to be addressed Determine and implement strategies for sales, stockturn, end of season stocks and profit goals and ensure clarity within the team Prepare Lessons Learnt as required to impact Buying cut offs Determine the optimal size planning strategy for the Brands TRADING Working with the Merchandiser to optimise profit and limit risk by managing sales performance across the product and channel hierarchies Develop and communicate supplier/Brand business plans and forecasts in conjunction with the Buyer React quickly to new information and update controls as OTB plans change Clear understanding and communication of trading patterns at all levels of the hierarchy and by store type Work with the Merchandiser to influence and deliver brand objectives for stock inventory, ensure that the team are in control of order books and relevant websites (e.g. Nike.Net) as required to secure optimum availability Provide visibility to Buying team of OTB positions Ensure that stock is managed to reflect the balance between replenishment and newness, and that the correct options are planned & managed for store linear space Liaise with the Branch Merchandiser and the allocation team to ensure stock flows effectively into the business and across the sales channels in line with range planning decisions Liaise with logistics to ensure accurate intake forecasts optimise the flow of stock through the DC and ensure stock targets are met - especially during exceptional weeks (e.g. launch weeks, marketing events, peak periods) Ensure the merchandising actions within the Trading Calendar are carried out in a timely and accurate manner Plan, implement and analyse promotions and their results to recommend future events with sales & profit impacts CUSTOMER & MARKET AWARENESS Maintain a commercial and customer focus in all activities and decisions Set up and maintain all seasonal and event analysis & reporting Demonstrate a deep 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 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 Set and agree workload and priorities, ensuring a focus on critical issues Conduct regular performance reviews and be proactive in managing performance and informing management of team progress Drive team development, providing consistent feedback and clear communication Act as a role model within the team, as a coach/mentor offering support whilst motivating the team to perform at a maximum Be willing to share own expertise and knowledge Take a key role in supporting new colleagues through their induction programme About You: Highly numerate and analytical. Advanced Excel skills 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 Ability to lead, delegate, support and coach a team Awareness of retail industry and competition within sector Role models schuh values 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 About the perks/benefits Up to 40% product discount for you and your loved ones Up to 36 days holiday (including bank holidays) PLUS your birthday off to celebrate you Flexible working hours and hybrid working options Perk platform for hundreds of discounts Manage, save and access your wages as you earn them to get paid your way Employee assistance programme to support your wellbeing through resources, helplines and Virtual GP services A pension scheme to help you save for the future Development and progression opportunities across stores and Head Office A paid volunteering day and opportunities to be a part of our company Purpose Groups About schuh At schuh we are the ‘Same but different’. By embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity, we aim to empower our people to be fiercely and unapologetically themselves. This means you will support our commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion, and ensure that colleagues and customers from all backgrounds, beliefs and communities are treated fairly. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments to support disabilities or health conditions. Please let our talent team know of any adjustments needed during the hiring process. Our Talent Acquisition Team will work as quickly as possible to review your application. In the meantime, if you have any questions or would like any additional information at all, please contact talent@schuh.co.uk #INDHP