Merchandiser

The Role

At Debenhams Group, we are on a journey of transformation, revitalising our brand, culture, and connection with colleagues and customers alike. In a fast changing retail environment, effective and authentic communication is vital to building trust, aligning our teams, and amplifying the impact of our work across internal and external audiences. We are looking to hire an experienced Merchandiser to join our team. You will support the merchandising function for the business to ensure that all relevant stakeholders have accurate data which can directly, pro actively and consistently inform decisions relating to maximising profitability and contributing to overall business strategy and growth. You will support the Head of Merchandising to ensure that the buying function is effectively controlled within the agreed business strategy, and that all necessary frameworks, controls and skill sets are in situ to enable the necessary degree of both long term planning and in season trading to maximise business performance. This role will be based out of our Ancoats, Manchester office.

What You'll Be Doing Financial

• Using data to optimise the sales volume and profitability of all designated product areas.
• Planning of budgets by category, option count, and depth of buy based on the overall business and financial goals of the company.
• Controlling stock levels based on weekly sales and stock intakes (WSSI); reviewing sales forecasts based on performance, and actions re forecasts.
• Analysing and monitoring best and worst sellers and making informed recommendations for action.
• Recommending promotions and re buys as necessary.
• Monitoring and maintaining buying margin and gross profit margins as requested.
• Ensuring that best sellers reach their full potential.

Processes and Department Development

• Being aware of current and emerging best practice within merchandising/buying and making recommendations to the business via Head of Merchandising as appropriate.
• Working closely with the Head of Merchandising at a strategic level within buying and merchandising and translating strategy to implementation.

Communication and Relationship Building

• Competently managing a team of people to deliver to the best of their ability, giving regular feedback and supporting them through their career development.
• Building effective and open relationships with all members of the buying and merchandising team, based on reliable, accurate and relevant data.
• Ensuring productive relationship between merchandising function and all other business areas to ensure goals achieved, for example, Studio, VM and finance teams.
• Delivering key information at the right time, to the right people, and presenting when necessary at high level meetings as requested by Senior Management.

What We Look For

• Experience working in a similar role.
• A solid understanding of WSSI.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Highly numerical and analytical.
• Strong decision making skills.
• Ability to excel in a fast paced environment and prioritise effectively.
• Good commercial knowledge.