Merchandiser - North West

THE ROLE

Merchandisers are responsible for ensuring that products appear in the right store at the right time and in the right quantities. This involves working closely with the buying teams to accurately forecast trends, plan stock levels and monitor performance. While the buyer selects the lines, the merchandiser decides how much money should be spent, how many lines should be bought, and in what quantities.

Merchandisers set the prices to maximise profits and manage the performance of the ranges, planning promotions and markdowns as necessary. They also oversee the delivery and distribution of the stock and deal with problems with suppliers as they arise.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Liaising with buyers, analysts, stores, suppliers and distributors

• Working closely with colleagues as part of a departmental team
• Forecasting profits and sales using computer programs, in particular Excel
• Planning budgets and presenting sales forecasts and figures for new ranges to senior managers
• Controlling stock levels based on forecasts for the season to ensure the business has the optimum amount of stock
• Managing the performance of the ranges, which involves: analysing every aspect of the best and worst sellers (for example, the best selling price points, colours or styles); ensuring that best sellers are fully potentialised; and keeping an eye on slow sellers, taking action to reduce prices or set promotions as necessary
• Accompanying buyers on visits to manufacturers to appreciate production processes;
• Visiting suppliers and stores for best/worst seller meetings
• Meeting with suppliers and managing the distribution of stock, possibly negotiating cost prices with suppliers
• Identifying production and supply difficulties and dealing with them as and when they occur
• Managing, training and supervising staff

IDEAL CANDIDATE

Potential candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• Good analytical and numerical skills (some companies use aptitude tests as part of the selection process, in particular numeracy tests), and commercial awareness
• The ability to keep a cool head under pressure, to quickly identify problems and recommend solutions
• Sound decision-making skills
• The ability to plan and prioritise
• Good communication and negotiation skills
• Computer literacy
• Aptitude for teamwork
• Self-confidence

OUR CLIENT

Our client is one of the most successful blue chip retail companies in the UK, a market leader in their field they are focussed on and committed to driving the impressive growth they have achieved to date by investing in their employees. They have a strong commitment to training and developing their staff and where possible seek to promote from within and offer fantastic opportunities for future progression allowing individuals to forge successful careers.