Assistant Merchandiser

Roles and responsibilities

The Assistant Merchandiser is responsible for supporting the Senior Merchandiser and Merchandiser of the BU. He/ She will produce reports, analyse these and recommend actions. He/she will assist with the planning and product selection of the BU catalogues and categories. He/she will also ensure that trackers and data files are updated and maintained, and for managing the allocation process.

What You Will Do

Catalogue Buying:

• Assist in the catalogue buying process and maintain Core Buying sheets.
• Input buying quantities into systems and prepare planograms using DRB.
• Use reports to analyze performance against targets and support IBO range creation.
• Stay aware of market trends and contribute to business strategy.
  

Allocation Process:

• Manage accurate BTF settings and guide allocators.
• Implement AI allocation solutions and liaise with stores on regional needs.
  

Business Reports & Analysis:

• Generate accurate reports and track promotions.
• Analyze weekly trade data, identify trends, and recommend actions.
• Maintain data integrity and provide insights for future buying.
  

Communication:

• Serve as the primary contact for store stock issues.
• Support weekly trade updates and digital transformation.
• Maintain strong relationships with stakeholders and ensure product data accuracy.
  

Leadership:

• Coach team members, support their development, and uphold M&S values.
  

Required Skills To Be Successful

• Passion and product knowledge and love of M&S brand and heritage
• A Confident Team Player
• Able to handle Complexity
• Highly Numerate
• Product Confident
• Good Communicator
• Good working knowledge of Excel and key Microsoft Applications
  

What Equips You For The Role

• 3-5 Years’ Experience in Fashion Buying and Merchandising at AM or Allocator level
• Education to Degree level or equivalent
• Experience within a retail buying environment in MENA and/or Europe and experience of UK/European brands

Desired candidate profile

• Product Assortment Planning:

  • Assist in developing product assortments by gathering information on customer preferences, market trends, and competitor offerings.
  • Help with the analysis of sales data to determine which products to stock, how much to order, and when to replenish stock.
  • Support the creation of seasonal or promotional product lines, ensuring alignment with company objectives and market trends.

• Inventory Management:

  • Assist in managing stock levels, ensuring that products are available without overstocking.
  • Help monitor and track inventory movement, and communicate with suppliers and buyers about stock replenishment.
  • Assist with stock audits and inventory reconciliation to ensure that stock levels are accurate and discrepancies are resolved promptly.

• Sales Analysis and Reporting:

  • Analyze sales data and trends to provide insights into product performance.
  • Prepare reports on sales performance, stock levels, and customer feedback for the merchandising team.
  • Use data to help identify slow-moving products, popular items, or upcoming trends to inform future merchandising strategies.

• Visual Merchandising Support:

  • Assist in planning and implementing visual merchandising strategies to ensure that products are presented attractively in-store and online.
  • Support the creation of display layouts and signage that align with brand guidelines and enhance customer experience.
  • Monitor the effectiveness of in-store and online displays, making adjustments based on customer response and sales data.

• Supplier and Vendor Coordination:

  • Work with suppliers and vendors to ensure timely delivery of products and resolve any issues with shipments.
  • Assist with price negotiations, order confirmations, and ensuring that products meet the company’s quality standards.
  • Track deliveries and ensure products arrive on time to avoid stockouts or delays in sales.

• Pricing and Promotional Strategies:

  • Assist with pricing strategies by analyzing competitors' pricing and market trends.
  • Help create promotional plans, including sales events, discounts, and offers, and track their effectiveness.
  • Ensure that pricing is consistent across all channels, and help manage markdowns or clearance sales.

• Trend Research and Competitor Analysis:

  • Stay informed about market trends, consumer preferences, and industry developments.
  • Research competitor pricing, promotions, and product offerings to ensure the company remains competitive.
  • Provide input to the merchandising team regarding new trends or popular items that could influence product assortment.

• Product Launch Support:

  • Assist in launching new products, coordinating between different teams (e.g., marketing, sales, and logistics) to ensure a smooth rollout.
  • Help with the creation of product descriptions, promotional materials, and marketing strategies for new launches.
  • Track the success of product launches and contribute to post-launch analysis.