Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage inventory strategy and optimise stock levels for beauty products.
- Company: Join Space NK, a leading destination for innovative beauty brands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, and a vibrant work culture.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of beauty retail while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in inventory management and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
If you love beauty, you’re in the right place. As the ultimate curator of over 100 of the most in-demand, highly innovative and boundary-pushing beauty brands, we are the go-to destination for worldwide beauty discovery. Together through our neighbourhood stores, online presence and loyalty scheme, Space NK has built a flourishing community in which to discover beauty. The customer is at the heart of everything we do, and we will always endeavour to offer everything they need to help them explore, experiment, and enjoy our brands.
Purpose of Position
To support the Planning Director in the planning and delivery of the inventory strategy by owning total business WSSI planning, logistics planning and channel stock management, working in close partnership with them and with sign‑off on key strategic decisions, to maximise sales and profitability and positively impact EBITDA. This role offers the opportunity to help shape an evolving function and demonstrate immediate impact through strong commercial decision-making and cross-functional leadership.
Key Accountabilities and Measures
- Deliver intake, stock, stock cover and stock health (including management of excess stock) in line with agreed targets
- Achieve channel availability targets through effective forecasting and stock allocation/rebalancing
- Deliver new store opening stock packages on time and to plan, meeting availability requirements
- Own day‑to‑day trading decisions; elevate and agree sign‑off for material risks, spend, or plan changes
Financial Planning
- Own pre-season WSSI / financial planning
- Plan top line intake to support cash flow planning
- Plan top line and category stock targets
- Plan top line and category freight budgets
- Own the commercial logistics budget for sellable and non‑sellable variables
In-Season
- Weekly management of total business WSSI and OTB to ensure intake remains aligned to trading needs and sales whilst managing markdown risk, identify risks and opportunities
- Lead the weekly logistics operational review, balancing logistics capacity and commercial requirements to deliver business objectives
- Own inbound and outbound DC re‑forecasting
- Take ownership of freight costs across the commercial teams, identifying and escalating risks and opportunities
- Identify and manage stock loss risks across all channels
Stock and Availability
- Develop the Branch Merchandising operating model, including creation and integration of the specialist AGR function
- Optimise channel availability through commercial analysis, forecasting and effective AGR management
- Maintain appropriate channel stock levels to deliver sales, manage markdown and identify risks and opportunities
- Track stock health, identify excess and agree actions with Commercial teams
- Deliver a robust stock management process for peak trading, working cross‑functionally to meet requirements whilst mitigating risk
- Develop and maintain strong links with the Retail team, identifying opportunities and risks and sharing insights
- Lead the team in meeting requirements for exceptional stores with specific needs
New Stores
- Keep informed on the new store opening programme, including what is in budget vs. out of budget and timing
- Determine opening stock package requirements for each opening, highlighting concerns and risks
- Track opening packages vs. target, communicating risks and agreeing mitigating actions
Additional Responsibilities
- Support the monthly price change process
- Gift card intake requirements and stock management including Christmas
- Support the delivery of a sound stock management process for pop‑up activations
- Be a champion for driving efficiency across the division and wider business
Training & Development
- Develop a very good working knowledge of all Merchandising systems and processes
- Identify and support the team in their training and development of needs
- Responsible for driving own development
Competencies and personal attributes
- Entrepreneurial and proactive, capable of a high level of independent working
- Resourceful and highly commercial
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities, new challenges and driven to improve
- Ability to challenge ways of working and developing best practice approach
- Ability to cultivate strong relationships, collaborate and work cross‑functionally effectively
- Strong ownership mindset: takes end‑to‑end accountability, escalates key risks early and aligns/signs off significant decisions with the Planning Director
Please note that only successful candidates will be contacted. All applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK. Space NK are an equal opportunities employer.
Merchandise Manager - Inventory (12 Month FTC) employer: Space NK
Contact Detail:
Space NK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandise Manager - Inventory (12 Month FTC)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the beauty industry, especially those who work at Space NK. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research Space NK’s brands and their inventory strategies. Show us you’re passionate about beauty and ready to contribute to our community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills align with the role of Merchandise Manager. Highlight your experience in stock management and commercial decision-making to impress us.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Space NK.
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandise Manager - Inventory (12 Month FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Beauty: When writing your application, let your love for beauty shine through! Share why you’re excited about the role and how your passion aligns with our mission at Space NK.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in inventory management and commercial operations. We want to see how your skills can help us maximise sales and profitability!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Space NK
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Merchandise Manager, you'll be dealing with a lot of data. Brush up on your financial planning skills and be ready to discuss how you would manage stock levels, intake, and logistics. Prepare some examples of how you've successfully handled inventory challenges in the past.
✨Understand the Brand
Space NK is all about beauty and innovation. Familiarise yourself with their product range and the brands they carry. Show your passion for beauty and how it aligns with your professional experience. This will demonstrate that you're not just a numbers person but also someone who understands the market.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like managing excess stock or ensuring availability during peak trading. Think through potential scenarios and have a structured approach ready to share. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your answers.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
You'll be leading a team, so be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you motivate others. Share examples of how you've developed team members or improved processes in previous roles. Highlight your ability to collaborate cross-functionally, as this is key in a role that impacts multiple departments.