Assistant Merchandiser

Job Purpose:

• To support the Merchandising Manager in the trading and planning of the department through management of the critical path from buy to store delivery for each range.
• To support the Merchandising Manager with the pricing structures and promotional plans to ensure that Margin budgets/forecasts are achieved
• To manage stock flow to stores in line with the departmental plan and maximise sales and profit opportunities.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Monitor product and range performance against sales, margin, stock and availability targets with the Merchandising Manager (MM), making recommendations and generating analysis to support buying decisions.
• Assist the MM in implementing all aspects of the department strategy to deliver sales and profit targets.
• Identify and action markdown and clearance requirements with guidance from the MM.
• Ensure discontinued stock and overstocks are appropriately and profitably managed on an ongoing basis, proposing activity to clear stocks within budgeted parameters
• Manage the range change process to ensure seamless clearance of old stock and distribution of new displays to stores, engaging all necessary stakeholders (supply chain, stores, DCs, Marketing, Buying)
• Create and effectively maintain the Pricebook, maintain prices in related systems and documentation for all trading events
• Agree the store ranging plan and zonal BCN’s with the MM and buying team and monitor to maximise sales opportunities and minimise risk.
• Compile reports, analyse all category activities and be aware of competitors’ promotional plans and mechanisms.
• Ensure retail operations and stores are fully informed of all issues affecting them and they are provided with relevant information to increase sales.
• Oversee the creation of store packages for new and refit stores.
• Conduct regular store visits to develop a commercial awareness of product ranges, stores and competitors.
• Maintain a direct and positive working relationship with Retail, Marketing, and Buying
• Coach and support the Merchandise Admin assistants
• Where appropriate, coordinate and supervise the Merchandise Administration Assistants to ensure that all item information is updated and maintained on the system to optimise stock availability and sales.

Supply Chain

• Oversee timely delivery of stock to stores to meet launch and promotional timelines.
• Highlight required actions to meet future sales estimates to the Supply Chain team using the Stock & Cover report and other relevant documentation including Sales Forecasts.
• Work with Supply Chain, SUKU and other direct suppliers to optimise supply chain performance.

Marketing

• Liaise with the Marketing Department to ensure that all point of sale, price tickets, spec sheets and promotional material are correct.
• Coordinate the creation and provision of point of sale materials for new products and sales promotions.
• Check all promotional material for prices, dates and descriptions.

General

• To participate as an effective and willing team member in order to achieve individual and team goals
• To ensure the health and safety of Self, Customers and Colleagues is not at risk, by taking all reasonable steps to ensure safety in the workplace.
• To adhere to all Company policies and procedures.
• To undertake prescribed training and development.
• To undertake any tasks as reasonably requested by management