About

We are working on an incredible opportunity for a capable, ambitious space planner/branch merchandiser to join one of Europe's most successful retailers that has experienced exceptional growth across all retail channels and International sectors with a store count of over 1000 stores.

The key responsibility is to ensure stock is in the correct locations at the correct time, to optimize sales and reduce markdown. To work with the product merchandisers and 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.

Key responsibilities

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

Feed into seasonal building blocks providing information on space, grade, regions and options.

Propose the overall Grading ensuring that any opening, closures and significant space changes are accounted for.

Present grading to senior management and retail teams.

Analyse performance of new stores and make amends as appropriate.

Work in conjunction with the brand teams to review department/category performance

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.

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.

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

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

 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