Merchandiser in Havant - FatFace

Job Description Role: 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 plan & manage department key KPI’s such as sales, stock and markdowns to maximise sales & margin across channels, and achieve terminal stock targets.

Role Responsibilities

• Work cross-functionally within the product team to produce department product strategy in line with overall company strategy, proposing the financial parameters and successfully implement.
• Create weekly and phase level plans by channel and category for sales, margin, stock and markdown, taking traded history and planned future events into consideration
• Create a range plan at grade level which satisfies strategic channel, financial and space requirements.
• Work closely with the DBMS team to develop and select a balanced and commercial range which delivers the product strategy, and successfully sign off with Management.
• Plan seasonal pricing and promotional activity together with Buyer and in line with overall strategy, supported by financial evaluation.
• Together with the Buyer, input into & implement a supplier strategy which sets out short, medium and long term plans for supplier partnerships, development & improvement.
• Thorough weekly re-forecasting of line flows and department forecasts to ensure that in season activity maximises profitability whilst maintaining efficient controls of stock. Highlight trading opportunities and risks and propose effective action.
• Review, propose and cost markdown events and promotional activity, calculating the effect on margin and profit.
• Manage the availability of stock to ensure maximum profitability, launch dates are met and sale and stocks are potentialised in line with department KPI’s across trading channels. Responsible for the placement of orders with suppliers and managing the progress of stock into the business, reviewing quantities, shipment modes and delivery dates. Ensure the product systems are up to date with the latest information.
• Input into cross functional activity as required e.g. retail operations, visual merchandising, finance, logistics.
• Effectively manage and motivate your merchandising team through performance management, personal development and appraisals, ensuring that they understand their contribution towards company goals.
• Play your part in delivering the company sustainability strategy.

Skills and Experience

• Business related Degree Proven track record in Merchandising at either Junior Merchandiser/ Merchandiser level.
• Previous experience in retail essential.
• Team Management & task delegation skills
• Highly numerate and able to interpret data to determine decision making, work to budgets and financial plans.
• Strong communication and influencing skills at all levels.
• Ability to present complex technical information to others in an understandable way.
• Strong presentation skills to all levels.
• Strong planning and organisation skills – able to change plans in line with business needs.

Role Competencies

• Thorough understanding of all merchandising principles and systems
• Understanding of critical path and product life cycle
• Comprehensive understanding of customer profile, and product range and competitors
• Use of Excel, BI and product systems.
• Brand and commercial awareness.

Key Contacts and Relationships:

• D,B,M and Sourcing team members and line management
• Brand team
• Channels – retail, ecom, wholesale & partners
• Logistics
• Directors
• Suppliers

Accountable for Resources:

• Brand Integrity – product in line with Brand identity
• Company integrity - relationship with externals
• Financial - ensure profitability of category within Stores and Direct channels, through product strategy, working to budget.
• Stock – maximising profitability and availability
• People – leadership of your direct reports