At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead inventory strategy and manage stock for maximum sales and profitability.
- Company: Join a dynamic retail company focused on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, and a chance to make an impact.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of inventory management and drive real business results.
- Qualifications: Experience in inventory management and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Department: Commercial Operations and Planning
Position Reports to: Planning Director (Inventory)
Direct reports: Inventory Team (2 direct reports, 7 total)
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, identifying 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 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
Equal Opportunity Statement
Space NK are an equal opportunities employer. All applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK.
Merchandise Manager - Inventory (FTC) employer: Space NK
At Space NK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture. As a Merchandise Manager in Inventory, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on our inventory strategy while benefiting from comprehensive training and development programmes tailored to enhance your career growth. Located in a vibrant environment, we offer competitive benefits and a collaborative atmosphere that encourages innovation and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandise Manager - Inventory (FTC)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their inventory strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about what you bring to the table and how you can help them maximise sales and profitability. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandise Manager - Inventory (FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Merchandise Manager role. Highlight your experience in inventory management, financial planning, and any relevant achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this position. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed stock levels or improved sales in previous roles. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, make sure to highlight your analytical skills in your application. Talk about your experience with forecasting, stock allocation, and any tools you’ve used to manage inventory effectively. We love numbers as much as we love creativity!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at Space NK
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Merchandise Manager, you'll need to be comfortable with data. Brush up on your WSSI and financial planning knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to make decisions in the past and how you can apply that to their inventory strategy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a team and working cross-functionally. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or collaborated with other departments. Highlight your ability to drive efficiency and improve processes.
✨Understand Their Business
Research the company’s current inventory strategies and any recent news related to their operations. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle specific challenges, like managing excess stock or ensuring channel availability. Think through potential scenarios and your approach to problem-solving, as this will demonstrate your proactive mindset.
