At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Merchandising function and drive commercial performance through strategic planning and data analysis.
- Company: Join Whistles, a premium fashion brand known for its timeless design and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team that values diversity and encourages personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business performance while leading a talented merchandising team.
- 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.
Head of Merchandising in London employer: Whistles
Whistles is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions inclusivity and collaboration. As the Head of Merchandising, you'll not only lead a talented team but also have access to significant growth opportunities within a premium fashion brand located in London, where your strategic insights will directly influence business success. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on creating a supportive environment, Whistles stands out as a place where your contributions are valued and celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Merchandising in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your merchandising expertise and how you've driven sales and profit in the past. We want to see you confidently share your success stories and how you can bring that magic to Whistles!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework before the interview! Understand Whistles’ brand values, their current market position, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to walk in feeling ready to discuss how you can contribute to their merchandising strategy.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. We’re excited to see your application and can’t wait to potentially welcome you to our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Merchandising in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Merchandising role. Highlight your experience in merchandising, data analysis, and team leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our needs at Whistles!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about merchandising and how you can drive commercial performance. Be sure to mention specific achievements that demonstrate your expertise.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role is all about data-led decision making, make sure to highlight your analytical skills. Share examples of how you've used data to inform decisions and improve business outcomes in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
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 sales, profit margins, and stock levels. 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. Prepare examples of how you've built high-performing teams and fostered collaboration across departments. Highlight your ability to motivate and develop talent within your team.
✨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.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about scenarios where you've had to adapt your merchandising strategy based on market changes or sales performance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
