At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead merchandise planning and optimise product ranges for customers.
- Company: ScS, a leading furniture retailer based in Sunderland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and market trends.
- Why this job: Shape product strategies and make a real impact on customer experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in merchandise planning and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
ScS in Sunderland is seeking an experienced Merchandise Planning Manager to shape and optimise the product range for customers. You will lead the range planning process, collaborating with Buying in Italy, Retail, Digital, eCommerce and Marketing to deliver commercially focused product strategies that respond to demand and market opportunities.
You will use sales data, market trends and customer insights to forecast demand, report on trends, and drive margin growth while aligning assortment.
Strategic Furniture Merch Planning Lead in Sunderland employer: Scs
ScS is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture at the Livingston Distribution Centre where teamwork and customer satisfaction are paramount. With a competitive salary, generous holidays, and numerous employee benefits including discounts and clear pathways for career progression, ScS provides a rewarding environment for those looking to grow in their roles while making a meaningful impact in customers' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Furniture Merch Planning Lead in Sunderland
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Scs, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Scs!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Furniture Merch Planning Lead in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Scs, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Scs and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Scs that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scs
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
