Branch Merchandiser
A fantastic opportunity for an experienced Branch Merchandiser to join one of most successful International Brands in Europe (relocation Required) working closely within the Merchandise department. The business has been trading positively throughout the recent pandemic across all Omni Channels. The position has a specific remit to ensure stock is in the correct locations at the correct time, to optimize sales and reduce markdown. Working closely with Regional Managers to review gradings and maintain grading process. To use analysis to feed into store space plans. To support, train and develop the allocation team.
Review & Research:
Conduct analysis across the store base
Provide historical information at grade, regional and store level to feed into the departmental teams’ SWOT and Lessons Learnt reviews.
Work cross-functionally to develop a sound understanding of the customer
Lead store visits on a regular basis.
Feed into seasonal building blocks providing information on space, grade, regions and options.
Provide an initial top line view of a seasonal grading, to include any known openings and closures.
Maintain awareness of current business priorities to ensure that department strategy is aligned to that of the business
Challenge existing thinking and identify new sales and profit opportunities
Range Planning & Build:
Propose the overall Grading ensuring that any opening, closures and significant space changes are accounted for.
Present grading to senior management and retail teams.
Support expansion into new stores.
Analyse performance of new stores and make amends as appropriate.
Work in conjunction with the brand teams to review department/category performance
Intake & Allocation:
Ensure warehouse and logistics teams are aligned to any department specific initiatives
Develop top level allocation and replenishment principles.
Review and refresh grading in season to reflect openings, closures, space changes and recent performance.
Ensure stock is moving through the warehouse as expected.
Check Allocation plans issued by department teams.
Own and manage the administration of the JDA Allocation tool to ensure that the business grading, allocation and replenishment principles are reflected in the system
Trade:
Review sales performance at grade and store level, proposing trading actions and delivering those signed off after trade meetings.
Build Strong relationships between product, retail and DC teams through clear and relevant communication with regular trade updates.
Plan stock builds ahead of key selling periods.
Sign off and monitor the opening and closure processes.
Report on performance of trials to the brand team and key stake holders.
Ensure the continuity business is maximised potentializing availability.
Review DC and Store stock levels, taking action as appropriate to support the business KPIs.
Support retail teams with ad hoc reporting
Work with the stock control team
Exit:
Ensure store stocks are potentialized for Sale launch and DC is clear
Manage any turned off stores to get them switched back on with correct stock levels in a timely manner.
Review stores’ stock levels, performance and grading in season to ensure store level terminal risk is minimised.
Work with stock control team and retail ops to ensure any necessary transfers are actioned to appropriate stores
Leadership:
Form strong relationships with Merchandising team
Support the development of the allocators
Lead weekly team meetings with the allocators to set priorities and ensure clarity of tasks
Support the Merchandisers to conduct objective setting and performance reviews for the allocators
Take an active role in Merchandiser meetings
Proactive approach to involvement in tasks outside of own department
Key Characteristics
Strong analytical and numerical skills with the ability to use the results to deliver opportunities
Excellent communication skills and a customer focused approach
Flexible and calm under pressure
Good organization and time management skills
Strong relationship builder and ability to work cross-functionally
Confident in challenging across all levels and able to respond positively when challenged back
Aware of own development requirements and actively seeks development opportunities
Previous experience of managing and developing a team
Experience of branch merchandising and grading principles
Experience presenting to senior management and influencing decision making
Previous experience of developing / streamlining processes to be more effective
