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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage stock levels, forecast trends, and optimise product ranges for maximum sales.
- Company: Join WHSmith, a trusted brand with over 230 years of history in retail.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, 25 days holiday, and private medical care.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team that values innovation and personal growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in merchandising, strong analytical skills, and a proactive mindset required.
- Other info: Open to flexible working arrangements and committed to inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
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Direct message the job poster from WHSmith
Sourcing top talent for WHSmith | Networker | Relationship builder
Based; Greenbridge Swindon (with hybrid working)
Competitive salary plus cash/car allowance + private medical
At WHSmith our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers. The ones that enable our growth.
We now have an exciting opportunity for a Merchandiser to join our High Street Books Merchandising team at our Support Centre in Swindon.
The role of a Merchandiser is to accurately forecast trends, plan stock levels and monitor performance with the goal of maximising sales and profits.
What you will be doing
- Responsible for the end-to-end stock management
- Closely monitor stock availability and fulfilment levels v forecast and budgeted levels
- Work closely with suppliers to agree forward intake plans to maximise sales, availability and minimise price overrides
- Manage the day-to-day OTB, intake and exit stock within budgeted levels
- Ensure promotional and new range launches fall within agreed timescales
- Support the range reviews, construction and optimisation of the range to ensure our offering is competitive and hitting the right notes with our customers
- Cross functional communication, working collaboratively with the Buying team on ranging decisions and markdown plans for exit stock
- Manage critical path relating to promotions, range reviews and new range launches
What we are looking for
- You will be an established Merchandiser and be an expert in range planning and stock management
- Strong commercial acumen with a proactive mindset; always looking for ways to drive both the merchandising function and the wider business forward
- Exceptional analytical skills, highly numerate and have excellent attention to detail
- An enthusiastic and persuasive communicator, resourceful and pragmatic with a positive approach to problem solving
- Be able to support a collaborative, innovative and results-orientated environment
How we reward our teams
- Hybrid working model from home and in the office
- 4pm Friday finish
- Flexible Working
- 25 days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday
- Family friendly leave
- Company pension scheme
- Sharesave Scheme
- Annual Bonus based on company and Personal Performance
- Competitive salary & car allowance
- Private medical
- Staff discount card for stores and online
About us
Celebrating 230 years, we’re proud to have grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries around the world, and we’re proud to be that air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey, both in life and through life. As a diverse group of over 12,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.
WHSmith have occupied our place as the Hub of the High Street and in our customers’ hearts since 1792. Across our diverse estate of over 500 stores on UK high streets, with our wide-ranging store sizes and formats, we sell a large range of products including stationery, greeting cards, art and craft, newspapers, magazines, books and drinks. We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration and innovation resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture.
At WHSmith, we’re all about creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can be themselves and do their best. No matter your background, age, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, race or ethnicity, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation or anything else that makes you, you—you’re welcome here.
We’re also open to flexible working where possible, so if that’s something you need, let’s chat. And if you need any adjustments during the selection process, just let our Talent Acquisition team know—we’re happy to help!
Seniority level
Associate
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Purchasing, Product Management, and Supply Chain
Industries
Retail
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Merchandiser, Books employer: WHSmith
Contact Detail:
WHSmith Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandiser, Books
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with WHSmith's product range, especially in the books category. Understanding their current offerings and trends will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their merchandising strategy.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of WHSmith on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide insights into the company culture and expectations for the Merchandiser role, which can be invaluable during your discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed stock levels and forecasting in previous roles. Highlighting your analytical skills and commercial acumen will demonstrate that you're a strong fit for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaborative spirit by thinking of ways you can work with other teams at WHSmith, such as Buying and Marketing. Being able to articulate how you would foster cross-functional communication will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandiser, Books
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in merchandising, stock management, and trend forecasting. Use specific examples that demonstrate your analytical skills and commercial acumen.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention how your skills align with WHSmith's values and the specific requirements of the Merchandiser position.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any previous roles where you successfully managed stock levels or collaborated with suppliers. This will show your capability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Provide examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. This could include instances where you forecasted trends or optimised stock levels to maximise sales.
How to prepare for a job interview at WHSmith
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
As a Merchandiser, you'll need to demonstrate exceptional analytical skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to forecast trends and manage stock levels in your previous roles.
✨Highlight Your Communication Abilities
Effective communication is key in this role, especially when working with suppliers and cross-functional teams. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others to achieve merchandising goals.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
WHSmith values a proactive mindset and strong commercial acumen. Be ready to discuss how you've driven sales and maximised profits in past positions, showcasing your understanding of the retail landscape.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of specific challenges you've faced in stock management or range planning and how you approached them with a positive and resourceful attitude.
