Branch Assistant Merchandiser in Havant - FatFace

Job Description Role: Branch 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 assist the Branch Merchandiser in managing the store grading and management of ongoing stock position within our stores globally to maximise sales and profitability and minimise markdown in our store portfolio. In addition, you will assist in the management of liquidation of terminal stock through various channels.

Role Responsibilities

• Regular reporting on various store and stock KPI’s, to include full price, clearance and terminal stock types. Feedback store lessons learnt to influence merchandising decisions both in season and for the future
• Provide regular forecasts of stock movements internally and for the Next logistics team.
• Assisting the Branch Merchandiser in the management of the seasonal store grading.
• Awareness of the store opening and closing program and ownership of the necessary stock plans.
• A key contact to work with the retail field team to collate feedback and highlight any actions needed at store/grade level. Protecting key stores at key trading periods.
• Assist in the running of FatFace international business for tasks outside of the main product system.
• Assist in the management and liquidation of terminal stock throughout the business using own channels available as well as third party disposal routes. Liaise with the outlet stores as appropriate.
• Ad-hoc involvement in operational issues and tasks.
• Input into cross functional activity as required eg. retail operations, Visual Merchandising and DC.
• 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 Branch 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.

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.
• Understanding of the FatFace store estate.

Key Contacts and Relationships:

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

Accountable for Resources:

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