Senior Merchandiser - Apparel

Senior Merchandiser

Responsible to: Merchandise Manager

Department: Merchandising

Location: JD Group Head Office, Bury, Greater Manchester

Role Overview: To lead the team to deliver all Channel Sales, Markdown, Stock, Intake and Profit Plans. Be influential in the implementing of change to achieve company goals/objectives.

Key Duties/Responsibilities

Strategy (10%):

• With the Buyer review previous season and capture lessons learned
• With the Buyer create the strategy for the department and present
• Drive Team development supporting the business to facilitate internal promotions and succession planning

Plan (35%):

• Approve the proposed grading from the trading Merchandiser for input into the assortment planning process
• Review the SMT plan at Buyer Group/Season annually and apply plan at Category/Season level to meet the Buyer Group/Season plan
• Quarterly plan at Category/Season level with the Buyer to submit a plan on the System that reflects the best possible mix of product to deliver the KPI's
• Formulate range plan at Store level in conjunction with the Buyer quarterly
• Attend selection/pre-selection meetings with the Buyer and suppliers
• Plan the pre-scheduling to meet the range plan - in conjunction with Assistant Merchandisers

Trade (50%):

• Review weekly trading performance and achieved KPI's, identifying Issues
• Propose and agree actions to recover risk and maximise opportunities with the Buyer at category and line level.
• Monthly - Capture all agreed actions in the monthly forecast reviews
• Work up the forecast from category/Season level to Buyer Group
• Meet and gain approval : Incorporating
• Forecasting any sales variance to plan
• Creation of OTB's
• Management of commitments- On time delivery, rebuys cancellations
• Markdown proposals
• Provide Retail with Merchandising aids through the Store Allocators
• Manage the range plan in Season reflecting any changes
• Create and Manage/monitor sell out dates against all products
• Establish collaborative working relationships across functions including Online ,Store operations , visuals, Marketing, Finance , DC and Stores.
• Deputise in Merchandise Managers absence to ensure smooth running of area at all times.

Stock (5%):

• Overview the ratio's for all buys in conjunction with Assistant merchandiser
• Ensure that the Buy matches the plan buy
• Manage Intake at category and line level

Behavioural

• Delivering Excellence Working at a consistently high standard & with enthusiasm. you work to deliver a high quality service to meet personal and team expectations.
• Responsibility (Delivers results) Take ownership of your work and use your initiative to deliver. Take responsibility for your own actions & decisions
• Team Work You work with others to reach a common goal; sharing information, supporting colleagues and searching out expertise and solutions from relevant stakeholders.
• Leadership You lead by example through your behaviours and professional approach to work; inspiring your colleagues and driving for results.
• Communication You communicate clearly and concisely, ensuring that the message is understood by all.

Skills/Knowledge/Experience

• Experience within a similar role is essential
• Experience within a sports/fashion retailer is advantageous
• Highly numerate and strong commercial focus
• Proven deliverables within previous roles