Junior Merchandiser in London - French Connection

Job Description We have an exciting opportunity for a Junior Merchandiser to join our Retail Merchandising team. This role will report to the Merchandising Manager and will lead ladieswear department across retail stores and concessions.

Purpose of the role:
The role involves leading the planning and execution of the ladieswear department strategy to deliver pre-defined KPI’s that maximise product sales and profitability. At its core it’ll involve ownership of seasonal product plans, understanding what drives and impacts performance to influence it with commercial actions and trading levers.
Key attributes to the role include working with multiple data sources to aid the creation of reporting, along with a strong interpretation of trading results. The role will involve collaborating with Buying, Retail, Visual Merchandising, E-commerce and Warehouse teams to ensure brand ambitions are aligned with commercial goals and operational capabilities.

Trading
·        Trade the department to deliver sales and margin budgets.
·        Produce weekly merchandising reports and confidently present in the trade meeting.
·        Manage intake into stores to hit forecasts, drive sales and minimise risks.
·        Work with the Allocators to control inventory levels, allocations and replenishment as required.
·        Maximise profit through identifying opportunities for promotions, repeats, re-pricing, cancellations and changing delivery method.
·        Markdowns management including markdown proposal.
·        Maintain Weekly Stock, Sales and Intake forecasts (WSSI)
·        Actively drive OTB opportunities
·        Maintain and forecast never out of stock product line cards.
·        Provide regular and ad-hoc analysis to the business at product/category level.
·        Undertake regular Store Visits

Planning:
·        Provide analysis on historical sales patterns and trends to help develop forward plans.
·        Create Seasonal Plans for the Department on the category level - In line with Company KPI's
·        Create seasonal markdown plans for review with financial targets.
·        Defining sizing requirements and adjusting them accordingly.
·        Review store grading.
·        Provide ROS analysis and plan new seasons buy accordingly.

About You:
·        Proven experience working as a Senior Assistant Merchandiser or Junior Merchandiser within fashion/retail business.
·        Strong attention to detail and an ability to analyse data sets to make informed trade decisions.
·        Advanced working knowledge of Excel
·        Highly organised, with great time management skills and ability to handle multiple tasks.
·        Excellent interpersonal skills, able to communicate and influence effectively at management level.
·        Ability to work independently and handle responsibility.
·        Experience in managing and developing a small team.