To create and deliver the retail strategy for the Groups strategic direction across all our retail division
To lead the merchandising team to deliver a commercial range of products on time and in full to the market to achieve the budgeted sales and contribution.
Client Details
A great opportunity for a Head of Merchandising to join a leading multi channel retailer in the Leeds area who are known for their internal progression. They are an established business that have been trading for a number of years. They sell through a number of different channels, store, ecommerce, wholesale etc.
Description
To own with the Head of Buying the commercial product assortment, meeting our customer requirements across each customer-group.
- Presentation of key strategic vision for the business with regards to seasonal analysis, option plan, forecasted sales, intake and margin
- Ensure budgeted margins are achieved and provide a strategic vision of both short and long-term sales, stock and margin potential.
- To own the brands and customers' requirements, managing the phasing of intake and utilising existing stocks across the business to meet demand maximising sales and contribution
- Ensure the delivery of the right product at the right time in-line with the design/merchandise/buying strategy to meet evolving customer requirements. Driving consistency in delivery across all customer-groups.
- Analysing consumer buying patterns and predicting future market trends that are relevant for the business, by analysing previous sales history and live feedback from consumers
- Managing the supply chain effectively building relationships with suppliers and customers
- Creation, delivery and review of the Merchandising strategy; On time in full delivery, maximising contribution, minimising stock holdings
People:
- To support, coach and guide the Merchandising team to deliver both the business and team individuals' objectives. Every team member to have a clear set of agreed personal objectives at all times.
- Development of the merchandising teams career progression and a continually refined succession plan.
- Motivate and lead the Merchandising team (direct and indirect reports at all levels)
- Align department resources with areas of growth and profitability.
- Liaising with functions across the business with an emphasis on buying, accounts and the sales teams / distributors to understand issues, requirements, clearly managing expectations and priorities.
- Ensure any training needs for the team are identified and provided as required.
- Development of the merchandising teams career progression and a continually refined succession plan.
- Be responsible for the recruitment of key & strong candidates for your own area of business who can be developed within the organisation, ensuring the development and retention of department members
- Ensure teams provide excellent service to suppliers, customers and other departments
Trade & Planning:
- The continual review of key performance indicators such as sales, discount levels, stock and net achieved margin, and the setting of commercial strategies to ensure delivery within the business framework.
- Monitor and then optimise the trade-off between improvements in stock / working capital / markdown vs better stock availability and sales growth.
- Understand progress within the supply chain to ensure approvals and decisions are taken at key times to ensure on time garment delivery.
- Manage changes in demand and logistical changes as and when they arise.
Additional responsibility:
- Effectively manage the travel budgets for the department ensuring budgeted levels are not overspent unless authorised.
- Manage external working relationships with key stakeholders.
- Manage trim stocks effectively - in line with the agreed business stock targets.
- Management of critical path to ensure desired garment delivery dates are achieved setting out clear guidelines of when delivery of garments is expected#
- Contribute to the planning of seasonal launch agendas
- Ad Hoc reports as the business demands
- Ensure any system changes and updates are managed and understood and any training is provided for the team as required.
Profile
- Financial awareness and understanding of departmental budgets and margins
- Commercial and competitor awareness
- Strong housekeeping and organisational skills
- Numeracy
- Effective communicator
- Ability to work on own initiative
- Team player
- Good visual presentation skills
- Time management skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Self-motivated
Job Offer
- A generous holiday allowance of 25 days plus bank holidays.
- Early finish on a Friday
- Free parking
- Hybrid working
- An opportunity to play a key role in a leading retail company.
Head of Merchandising
Head of Merchandising
Head of Merchandising