At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive merchandising for Active, Kids & Accessories, ensuring products are in the right place at the right time.
- Company: Join Vivobarefoot, a brand on a mission to promote healthier lifestyles and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture that values fresh perspectives and encourages personal growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of merchandising using AI and data tools while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in footwear, apparel or retail with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
We have a core belief that our toxic, sedentary lifestyles are making humans, and the planet, sick. So we're on a mission to change it. We're looking for a detail-driven Merchandiser to join our team - someone who ensures our products land in the right place, at the right time, in the right quantities, and helps us build commercial performance across our Active, Kids & Accessories category.
This isn't just a numbers role. You'll help shape the future of how Merchandising operates at Vivobarefoot - applying AI, automation and data tools across forecasting and insight generation, and setting the standard for faster, smarter commercial decisions.
📍 Wrington, Bristol (Hybrid)
Where you'll play:
- Own Merchandising for the Active, Kids and Accessories BU, across all channels
- Partner with Product Line Managers to spot opportunities across GIM, pricing architecture, product mix and channel/regional mix
- Partner with Marketing to build a go-to-market plan that optimises sales against BU strategy, ROS and budget
- Align the Merch Plan with Demand, Capacity and company targets budget, blended margin, and beyond
- Build relationships with regional leads to gather insight on local ROS and product opportunities
- Lead trade reporting and performance reviews, flagging risk and opportunity across sales, stock and margin
- Manage the BU-level stock position, using AI-driven insight where available
- Coordinate the buy at BU level right products, right place, right time, right quantities - keeping cover, aged stock and budget all in check
- Plan buy quantities and present sales forecasts for new ranges
- Report on current-season sales and analyse the previous season's performance
- Plan four buys a year for your category, maximising profit through pricing analysis and markdown reviews
All about you:
- Experience in a similar role within Footwear, Apparel or Retail
- A trading mentality: comfortable working at pace, questioning results, and driving outcomes, with a track record to back it up
- Experience managing WSSI and OTB
- Strong numerical and analytical skills
- Sharp, collaborative commercial problem-solving
Sound like you? If you're ready to bring your trading instincts to a brand on a mission, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now - salary will be discussed at application stage.
Vivobarefoot believes that diversity is the essence of its ecosystem. We encourage diversity of thought and believe that it enables creativity and innovation to flourish. Our mission is to create a fair and equitable workplace where people thrive and are empowered to become their true selves at work. We believe that feedback and fostering collaboration will allow employees to blaze new trails and enjoy every aspect of the Vivobarefoot community.
Every opportunity for recruiting a new member of the Vivobarefoot family should be an opportunity for us to introduce fresh perspectives, talent and skills into our community. Therefore, our commitment is to recruit regardless of race, colour, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, mental health illness, disability, marital or parental status, national or social origin, gender identity, age or any other characteristics protected by law. We look forward to walking this barefoot journey with you!
Merchandiser in Bristol employer: Vivobarefoot
Vivobarefoot is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees while fostering a vibrant and supportive work culture. Located in the heart of Greater London, the company offers generous holiday allowances, private medical healthcare, and exclusive employee discounts, making it an attractive place for those passionate about health and wellness. With ample opportunities for personal and professional growth, joining Vivobarefoot means being part of a mission-driven team dedicated to changing lifestyles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandiser in Bristol
✨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 Vivobarefoot, 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 Vivobarefoot!
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandiser in Bristol
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 Vivobarefoot, 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 Vivobarefoot 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 Vivobarefoot that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vivobarefoot
✨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!
