Assistant Merchandiser in Havant - FatFace

Job Description Role: Assistant Merchandiser
Position Type: Permanent, Full-Time (35 hours)
Location: Havant, Hampshire (Hybrid working- 3 days per week office based)

Who are we?
For over 30 years, we've travelled, we've laughed, we've grown. We believe life is for living and more fun with those we love. Our purpose is to bring style and positivity to our customers lives through the clothes we make, the things we do and the values we have. We are Made for Life.
Equality and inclusion isn't an aspiration but the standard. We promote and drive equality within our workforce to ignite an inclusive foundation for us all to build from and truly connect with our customers, colleagues and communities alike. You play a key part in creating an environment free from prejudice, racism, sexism, harassment, bullying and any other form of marginalisation in our work places.

Role Summary

To maximise profit through efficient stock movement, potentialising sales and availability with minimal markdown. Assisting the Merchandiser in all aspects of the Merchandising function, including the range selection and sign-off process. Also providing trading, admin and analytical support to the Merchandising team.

Role Responsibilities

• Input into the department strategy, producing historical analysis as required.
• Assist in the creation of the department forecasting and building of range plans, taking traded history and planned future events into consideration.
• Produce and maintain line flows reflecting up to date forecasts, commitment and ensure all contracts are reported correctly on the system.
• Feedback current performance to the Merchandiser and make suggestions for repeats, cancellations and markdowns, understanding the implications on profitability.
• Propose and cost markdown events and promotional activity.
• Oversee the availability of stock to ensure launch dates are met and intake targets are achieved in line with forecasts.
• Under the direction of the Merchandiser, place orders with suppliers and manage the progress of stock into the business, reviewing quantities, shipment modes and delivery dates. Keep the product systems up to date with the latest information.
• Review the performance of stock between all channels and suggest appropriate action, such as transfers of stock between DC’s or store distribution extensions/restrictions.
• Undertake analysis of category/season/product performance on an ongoing basis and feedback lessons learnt to influence merchandising decisions both in season and for the future.
• Input into cross functional activity as required eg. retail operations, Visual Merchandising and DC.
• Supervise, train and develop the Trainee Merchandiser where appropriate.
• Develop self through personal development, store and competitor visits as well as building on your understanding of other functions within the business.
• Deputise for the Merchandiser as required.
• Play your part in delivering the company sustainability strategy.

Skills and Experience

• Experience at Allocator/Trainee Merchandiser/existing Assistant Merchandiser level
• Highly numerate, presentation and analysis of figures, including good working knowledge of Microsoft excel and BI.
• Good communication and negotiation skills.
• Presentation skills.
• Good planning and self-organisation skills
• Previous experience in retail essential.
• Team Management & task delegation skills

Role Competencies

• Good understanding of all merchandising principles and systems.
• Good understanding of customer profile, product range, and competitors
• Brand and commercial awareness.
• Use Excel, BI and product systems.
• Knowledge of critical path and product lifecycle..

Key Contacts and Relationships:

• Design, Buying, Merchandising, Sourcing, Quality
• Logistics
• Retail, Ecom, Wholesale & Partners
• Brand team

Accountable for Resources:

• Stock (forecasting and movement) and availability
• Accuracy of information on internal systems
• Company integrity - relationship with externals
• Financial – ensure profitability of category through stock management.