At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Merchandiser in planning product ranges and maximising profitability.
- Company: Join a dynamic retail brand with a focus on innovation and customer experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 40% discount, flexible hours, and 28 days holiday plus your birthday off!
- Other info: Great opportunities for personal development and career progression.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that drives sales and shapes product offerings.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and a passion for retail are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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
- Support merchandise team by updating and utilising wssi information to help make commercial decisions and highlight any potential issues
- 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
Competencies/ Skills/ Attributes
- 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
- 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 28 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
EEO & Adjustments
We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments to support disabilities or health conditions.
Assistant Merchandiser in Milton Keynes employer: Schuh
As an Assistant Merchandiser at schuh, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment that values your contributions and encourages personal growth. With flexible working options, generous holiday allowances, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing, schuh fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the retail sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Merchandiser in Milton Keynes
✨Get Your Foot in the Door Early
In retail, many temporary roles pop up during peak seasons, like Christmas or summer sales. Keep an eye on the calendars for these spikes and start scouting for opportunities a bit in advance. We can even help you stay sharp on your search!
✨Utilise Local Connections
Visit local shops in person and chat with managers about potential temporary openings. Many retail positions are filled by word-of-mouth, so don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation while you grab a coffee or do your weekly shopping!
✨Show Off Your Availability
Retail managers love flexibility! Make sure to highlight your availability in a casual chat or when you apply through our website. The more open you are to work varied shifts, the more likely they are to bring you on board—especially for temporary gigs!
✨Be Ready for On-the-Spot Interviews
When you walk into a shop, be prepared for the possibility of an on-the-spot interview. Dress comfortably but smartly, have a few key points about your experience ready, and be enthusiastic. Remember, it’s all about making that positive first impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Merchandiser in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you've got, whether it’s casual jobs or volunteer work. Employers want to see that you can interact well with customers, so think about any instances where you've gone the extra mile to help someone out.
Flexibility Is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary position, you should emphasise your flexibility in your application. Mention your availability clearly in your cover letter and CV—employers love knowing they can rely on you to work varied hours, especially during busy periods!
Keep It Short and Sweet:For temporary roles, we don’t need an essay! Keep your CV and cover letter concise, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills. Highlight any specific retail achievements, like sales targets met or product knowledge that demonstrates your eagerness to dive straight in.
Tailor Your Application to Schuh:Don’t forget to personalise your application for Schuh! Take a look at their values and product range, and if you’ve had previous experience with similar brands, mention that. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and have a good understanding of what they do.
How to prepare for a job interview at Schuh
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In retail, it's all about customer interaction, so be ready to share examples of how you've handled tough customer situations. We recommend thinking through a couple of scenarios before the interview where you went above and beyond to help a customer, as these can really make you stand out.
✨Brush Up on Product Knowledge
Temporary roles often have a steep learning curve because you'll need to pick up product knowledge fast. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the main products or services that Schuh offers, and if possible, try to understand their current promotions. It’ll give you the edge to engage customers effectively.
✨Flexibility is Key
Being in a temporary retail role means you may need to adapt quickly to different tasks or shifts. Be prepared to highlight your flexibility and willingness to take on varied responsibilities during the interview. Think of examples where you've had to juggle multiple tasks at once – that’ll show you're a great fit for the dynamic retail environment.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since retail roles often require collaboration, be ready to showcase your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you worked well with colleagues, especially in fast-paced situations. This will underline your ability to slot into the team at Schuh and contribute positively during your temporary stint.
