At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage menswear merchandising strategies and analyse market trends.
- Company: Join UNIQLO, a top global apparel brand known for quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, 30% staff discount, hybrid working, and more perks.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and grow your career in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: 4-6 years merchandising experience, preferably in menswear; retail experience required.
- Other info: Inclusive employer welcoming diverse applicants; great location near transport links.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
UNIQLO is a leading brand of the Fast Retailing Group, one of the largest apparel retailers in the world. UNIQLO respects the individuality and lifestyle of all customers and takes pride in creating high quality, long-lasting, innovative clothing at an affordable price.
We are currently recruiting for a Merchandiser to sit within the Menswear team, covering the EU market. The role will be based in our London office. You will be reporting into the Head of Merchandising - Menswear and Kids. As a Menswear Merchandiser, you will develop and implement the commercial strategy for our Menswear collection. This position represents an excellent opportunity for a 4-6 year experienced merchandising professional to join a very dynamic team and grow your skills and career with our expanding EU business.
What you will be responsible for:
- Overseeing your division buying plan.
- Providing information to ensure consistent management of product.
- Identifying and interpreting market trends through market research, whilst remaining aware of the activities of our primary competitors.
- Establishing best practice to feedback and recommending product for European market with Global Merchandising and Product Development teams in Tokyo.
- Reviewing the weekly sales figures and undertake analysis and action to continually update forward buying forecasts. Identify trends which represent opportunities or risk to profit.
- Agreeing divisional budgets, seasonal pricing proposal, mark downs and promotional strategies in conjunction with stores and other merchandisers to achieve profit targets.
- Coordinating timing on range assortments and delivery with Global Merchandising.
- Regularly reviewing the delivery schedule forecasts and the actual intake of merchandise with Production and Logistics Departments, anticipating and/or identifying potential problems and take remedial action to resolve issues.
- Managing the optimization of store stocks in line with sales performance to improve company profitability and maximize product availability.
- Coordinating activities between all markets on layout plans and zoning to deliver best layout in timely manner for European stores.
- Collaborating with European Marketing and Inventory control teams on all departmental activities, for example, campaign plans and timing.
- Establishing close contact with stores in order to assess the impact of the range and address opportunities, follow through with In Store Merchandising and Marketing teams if required.
- In conjunction with store operations, support the development of the store opening programme, stock planning, initial allocation and store layout.
- Following and revising the merchandise planning calendar to ensure all deadlines are met. Support the development of the critical path.
Qualifications & professional experience:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree but not necessarily in buying/merchandising.
- 4-6 years’ experience in a merchandising role, with at least 3 years’ experience managing menswear category.
- Retail experience is a must.
Skills & attributes:
- Understanding and ability to apply merchandising principles and practices.
- Understanding of store operations and supply chain process.
- High attention to details and relishes being very hands-on.
- Commercially savvy in order to manage business performance.
- Computer literate with expert knowledge of Excel.
- Team player who effectively collaborates across functions.
- Ability to prioritize own workload to deliver to tight deadlines. Proactive and easily adapt to change.
- Understands and is excited to support UNIQLO's LifeWear concept.
What we can offer you:
- 26 days holiday + 8 bank holidays.
- Staff Discount 30%.
- Global Profit Share Scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Private Medical Care.
- Private Pension Scheme.
- Travel to work loan scheme.
- Additional Benefits.
- Tea and coffee provided.
- Hybrid working, 2 days from home, 3 days in the office.
- Social events throughout the year.
- Seasonal Sample Sales.
- Volunteer Day - twice a year.
- Great Location - Close to transport links, underground Piccadilly and Oxford Street stations. Close by to shops restaurants/bars/cinema and gyms.
UNIQLO is an inclusive employer and we welcome applications from all profiles, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities or background.
We take data protection very seriously and understand the importance of protecting your privacy and Personal Information. For the recruitment process, you can find the applicable privacy policy on our site.
Men\'s Merchandising Planner employer: UNIQLO
Contact Detail:
UNIQLO Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Men\'s Merchandising Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with UNIQLO's LifeWear concept and how it influences their merchandising strategy. Understanding the brand's ethos will help you align your insights and recommendations with their vision during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current menswear trends and competitor activities in the EU market. Being able to discuss recent market shifts or successful merchandising strategies from competitors can demonstrate your industry knowledge and analytical skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the merchandising field, especially those who have experience in menswear. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed buying plans or improved stock optimisation in previous roles. Concrete examples will showcase your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities, which are crucial for this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Men\'s Merchandising Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in merchandising, particularly within the menswear category. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage buying plans and analyse market trends.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the UNIQLO brand and its LifeWear concept. Explain how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities of the Menswear Merchandising Planner role.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your understanding of merchandising principles, retail operations, and supply chain processes. Mention your proficiency in Excel and your ability to work collaboratively across teams.
Showcase Your Achievements: Include quantifiable achievements in your application, such as successful product launches or improvements in sales performance. This will help demonstrate your impact in previous roles and your potential value to UNIQLO.
How to prepare for a job interview at UNIQLO
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Menswear Merchandising Planner, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to analyse sales figures and market trends. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've used data to inform buying decisions in your previous roles.
✨Understand UNIQLO's LifeWear Concept
Familiarise yourself with UNIQLO's LifeWear philosophy and how it influences their product offerings. Showing that you understand and are excited about this concept will help you connect with the company's values during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Team Collaboration Skills
This role requires working closely with various teams, including Global Merchandising and Marketing. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated across functions in past positions to achieve common goals.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage tight deadlines. Think of situations where you've had to adapt quickly or resolve issues in merchandising, and be ready to share those experiences.