At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Merchandising function, driving sales and stock targets through strategic planning.
- Company: Whistles, a premium fashion brand known for timeless design and contemporary collections.
- Benefits: Opportunity to lead a talented team and contribute to commercial success.
- Other info: Join a diverse and inclusive culture that values unique perspectives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while fostering a collaborative team culture.
- Qualifications: Extensive merchandising experience with strong analytical and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
A fantastic opportunity has arisen to lead the Merchandising function at Whistles. You’ll be responsible for driving commercial performance through data-led decision making, strategic planning and strong cross-functional collaboration.
Reporting directly to our Commercial Director, the Head of Merchandising role is central to delivering sales, profit and stock targets. You’ll lead the end-to-end merchandising strategy, from planning through to in-season trading, shaping decisions that directly impact business performance. This role is a key part of the brand leadership team, contributing to the wider strategic direction of the business. You’ll work closely with Buying, Design, Finance and wider stakeholders, playing an active role in influencing decisions and delivering against our commercial objectives.
Key accountabilities and KPIs include:
- Commercial Performance, Planning & Forecasting
- Stock, OTB & Margin Management
- People, Leadership & Capability Development
This is an exciting opportunity to bring your merchandising expertise to a fast-paced, premium fashion brand, driving sales, profit and efficiency through strong planning and agile trading. Your leadership will create a high-performing, collaborative team culture where people feel supported to grow and succeed.
Who you’ll be:
To be successful in this role, you’ll bring the following skills & experience:
- Extensive experience leading merchandising functions with a strong track record of delivering sales, profit and stock targets, and influencing overall business performance
- Proven ability to translate topline financial goals into clear, actionable departmental plans, with strong ownership of WSSI, forecasting and in-season trading
- Highly analytical with the ability to use data, insights and performance metrics to inform decisions, identify opportunities and mitigate risks
- Deep understanding of OTB management, intake planning, markdown strategy and margin optimisation across multiple channels
- An inclusive and motivating leader who builds capability, drives performance and supports the development of high-performing teams
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to build effective relationships across Buying, Design, Finance, DC, Retail and E-commerce
- Experience driving change, improving processes and implementing new ways of working to enhance efficiency and business outcomes
- Strong understanding of multi-channel trading, including retail, e-commerce, wholesale and international markets
This is a brilliant opportunity to lead a talented Merchandising team and contribute to the commercial success of Whistles through strategic thinking, analytical expertise and collaborative leadership.
About Us
DISTINCT, DIRECTIONAL AND CONSIDERED DESIGN Whistles is a London-based style destination known for timeless design, curating must-have pieces and wardrobe signatures that elevate the everyday. Capturing the spirit of modern dressing distinctively, we curate contemporary collections that seek to empower us with a strong sense of independence and individuality.
TFG London Inclusion and Diversity statement of commitment
At TFG London and across all our brands we are committed to creating an inclusive culture that welcomes, develops and celebrates a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, cultural references and ideas and opinions within our business. We are working together to ensure our environment is one where difference is not only respected but encouraged and celebrated and people can bring their authentic, unique selves to work, where their contribution is valued, ability enhanced, and perspective appreciated.
Head of Merchandising employer: Whistles
Whistles is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where creativity and collaboration thrive. As the Head of Merchandising, you will not only lead a talented team but also have access to extensive professional development opportunities within a culture that values diversity and inclusion. Join us to make a significant impact on our brand's commercial success while enjoying the benefits of working for a premium fashion label that prioritises employee growth and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Merchandising
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share specific examples of how you've driven sales and improved processes in your previous roles. Let them see the value you can bring to their team.
✨Be Ready for the Interview
Prepare for those tricky interview questions by practising your responses. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around data-led decision making and cross-functional collaboration. Confidence is key!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and gives us a chance to see your application in the best light. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Merchandising
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Merchandising:When you’re writing your application, let your enthusiasm for merchandising shine through! Share specific examples of how you've driven sales and profit in previous roles. We want to see that you’re not just experienced, but genuinely excited about the impact you can make at Whistles.
Be Data-Driven:Since this role is all about data-led decision making, make sure to highlight your analytical skills. Use numbers and metrics to back up your achievements. We love seeing how you’ve used insights to shape strategies and improve performance!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. We appreciate when candidates show they understand what we’re looking for and how they fit into our vision.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Whistles!
How to prepare for a job interview at Whistles
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Merchandising, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical prowess. Brush up on key metrics like OTB, margin management, and sales forecasts. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills, so think about examples that highlight your ability to motivate and develop teams. Prepare to share how you've built high-performing teams and fostered a collaborative culture in previous positions.
✨Understand the Brand
Familiarise yourself with Whistles' brand ethos and product offerings. Be prepared to discuss how your merchandising strategies can align with their vision of timeless design and contemporary collections. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the brand too.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with various departments, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with Buying, Design, or Finance. Highlight your stakeholder management skills and how you've influenced decisions across teams.
