Assistant Merchandiser

JD GROUP; Bury; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job description

Reporting to: Merchandiser

Operating Ratio: 80/20 Current / Future Key

Objective: To support the team by taking responsibility for ensuring all product is in the right stores to enable achieving departmental sales, markdown, stock, intake, and profit plans. Primarily ‘Store’ focused but working with the product file. Substitute for the Merchandiser in their absence.

Key Responsibilities

1. Planning: Provide the Merchandiser and Buyer with the previous season analysis at store and product level.
2. Input into creation of the store strategy with the Merchandiser/Buyer.
3. Assist in formulation of range plan at store level with the Merchandiser/Buyer.
4. Work with the Merchandiser to ensure pre-scheduling meets options and range plan at store level.
5. Create ratios for all buys.

Trading

1. Prepare weekly review of stores and product in preparation for Monday trading meeting.
2. Identify priority stores for the week, review and propose actions.
3. New/Re-fit Stores - Analysis of performance.
4. Over/Under Performing Stores and Over/Under Optioned Stores.
5. Priority stores fed to team by management team or other function.
6. Complete Retail Feedback sheets, completing required actions as well as any follow-up.
7. Attend store visits from which create and execute an action plan to improve trade.
8. Manage line cards in conjunction with the Merchandiser.
9. Participate in the Monthly Re-forecast.
10. Manage condensing of stocks and IBT’s.
11. Taking direction from the Merchandiser, assist retail with merchandising aids.
12. Manage and monitor exception stocks on a daily basis, primarily through the GUI system.
13. Ensure stores are seasonally correct.
14. Plan and action new store ranges (in conjunction with pre-schedule).
15. Carry out any ad-hoc analysis as required.
16. Consolidate the supplier order books.
17. Book in new product with guidelines from the Merchandiser.
18. Cost, retail, and margin checks.

Teamwork

1. Reporting to the Merchandiser.
2. Working with the Merchandise Team.
3. Working with the Buyer.
4. Seeking guidance on ‘Best Practice’ merchandising from the Trading Manager and implementing.
5. Develop relationships as appropriate with Store Operations, Visuals, Marketing DC, etc.

Key Deliverables – Year 1

1. Attend all systems courses.
2. Strive to have an awareness and understanding of planning processes.
3. Be the voice of ‘Stores’ on the department.
4. Develop more effective branch merchandising through a greater analytical understanding.