Junior Merchandiser

Job Title: Junior Merchandiser
Reports To: Merchandiser/Head of Merchandising
Location: Livingston, Scotland or Central London - Hybrid 2/3 days in office per week.
Purpose: Responsible for the general running of your own department in conjunction with the Merchandiser. Reporting directly into the Merchandiser/Head of Merchandise, working very closely alongside the Buyer in order to maximise profits where possible. Managing the performance of the range and analysing.
About the Role:
STRATEGY

Working with the Buyer, evaluate performance and interpret the overall business strategy to create a strategic view of the product area
Liaise with the buyers with regards to any cut offs/deadlines that have to be achieved
Maintain a clear knowledge and awareness of the customer needs, the market and the competition as a central focus for the product strategy
Keep abreast of overall Brand strategies and determine how planning requirements should be adjusted accordingly, in particular in the event of significant Brand allocation restrictions

PLANNING

Responsible for providing historical information at buys with regards to how a similar product/brand has sold
Work with the Merchandiser to develop robust option frameworks for width and depth of ranges according to sales and space targets, ROS, line life and density targets
Adapt range plans to optimise the needs of e-commerce, ROI and grades/clusters of stores
Identify any risks and opportunities that need to be addressed
Determine and implement strategies for sales, stockturn, end of season stocks and profit goals and ensure clarity within the team
Prepare Lessons Learnt as required to impact Buying cut offs
Determine the optimal size planning strategy for the Brands

TRADING

Working with the Merchandiser to optimise profit and limit risk by managing sales performance across the product and channel hierarchies
Develop and communicate supplier/Brand business plans and forecasts in conjunction with the Buyer
React quickly to new information and update controls as OTB plans change
Clear understanding and communication of trading patterns at all levels of the hierarchy and by store type
Work with the Merchandiser to influence and deliver brand objectives for stock inventory, ensure that the team are in control of order books and relevant websites (e.g. Nike.Net) as required to secure optimum availability
Provide visibility to Buying team of OTB positions
Ensure that stock is managed to reflect the balance between replenishment and newness, and that the correct options are planned & managed for store linear space
Liaise with the Branch Merchandiser and the allocation team to ensure stock flows effectively into the business and across the sales channels in line with range planning decisions
Liaise with logistics to ensure accurate intake forecasts optimise the flow of stock through the DC and ensure stock targets are met - especially during exceptional weeks (e.g. launch weeks, marketing events, peak periods)
Ensure the merchandising actions within the Trading Calendar are carried out in a timely and accurate manner
Plan, implement and analyse promotions and their results to recommend future events with sales & profit impacts

CUSTOMER & MARKET AWARENESS

Maintain a commercial and customer focus in all activities and decisions
Set up and maintain all seasonal and event analysis & reporting
Demonstrate a deep understanding of the schuh customer and expectations they have when shopping with us
Keep abreast of sales performance, understanding drivers behind best and worst sellers
Demonstrate a passion for the products we sell and an awareness of market trends
Regularly visit schuh stores, concessions and online - highlighting any ideas, opportunities or concerns
Demonstrate outstanding knowledge of what our competitive set are doing on the high street and online conducting regular visits to assess their ranges and activities
Understand and comply with health and safety rules and anti-bribery policy

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Take responsibility for continually improving own performance by agreeing and achieving objectives
Arrange regular performance reviews with your manager
Be proactive in driving own personal development
Seek/receive feedback on your development for your career progression and utilise training, development and support resources available
Demonstrate self-awareness and an understanding of others needs and own impact on others

MANAGING PEOPLE

Set and agree workload and priorities, ensuring a focus on critical issues
Conduct regular performance reviews and be proactive in managing performance and informing management of team progress
Drive team development, providing consistent feedback and clear communication
Act as a role model within the team, as a coach/mentor offering support whilst motivating the team to perform at a maximum
Be willing to share own expertise and knowledge
Take a key role in supporting new colleagues through their induction programme

About You:

Highly numerate and analytical. Advanced Excel skills
Competent user of advanced excel, confident in use of data and standard retail systems
Excellent time management and communication skills with the ability to prioritise effectively
Ability to influence & present ideas in a positive and professional manner
Embrace and lead continuous improvement, adopt a creative approach with strong critical thinking skills
Ability to lead, delegate, support and coach a team
Awareness of retail industry and competition within sector
Role models schuh values
Demonstrates an ability to work consistently to high standards
Is self-motivated to achieve
Is able to contribute to team effectiveness
Demonstrates a focus on finding solutions and improvements which add value to customers and the overall business
Build strong relationships with the wider team including merchandising, buying, eCommerce, marketing, store managers, logistics

About the perks/benefits

Up to 40% product discount for you and your loved ones
Up to 36 days holiday (including bank holidays)
PLUS your birthday off to celebrate you
Flexible working hours and hybrid working options
Perk platform for hundreds of discounts
Manage, save and access your wages as you earn them to get paid your way
Employee assistance programme to support your wellbeing through resources, helplines and Virtual GP services
A pension scheme to help you save for the future
Development and progression opportunities across stores and Head Office
A paid volunteering day and opportunities to be a part of our company Purpose Groups

About schuh

At schuh we are the ‘Same but different’.

By embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity, we aim to empower our people to be fiercely and unapologetically themselves.

This means you will support our commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion, and ensure that colleagues and customers from all backgrounds, beliefs and communities are treated fairly.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments to support disabilities or health conditions. Please let our talent team know of any adjustments needed during the hiring process.

Our Talent Acquisition Team will work as quickly as possible to review your application. In the meantime, if you have any questions or would like any additional information at all, please contact talent@schuh.co.uk

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