Head of Merchandising

Description:

To create and deliver the retail strategy for the Groups strategic direction across all our retail division

To lead the merchandising team to deliver a commercial range of products on time and in full to the market to achieve the budgeted sales and contribution.

Client Details

A great opportunity for a Head of Merchandising to join a leading multi channel retailer in the Leeds area who are known for their internal progression. They are an established business that have been trading for a number of years. They sell through a number of different channels, store, ecommerce, wholesale etc.

Description

To own with the Head of Buying the commercial product assortment, meeting our customer requirements across each customer-group.

Presentation of key strategic vision for the business with regards to seasonal analysis, option plan, forecasted sales, intake and margin
Ensure budgeted margins are achieved and provide a strategic vision of both short and long-term sales, stock and margin potential.
To own the brands and customers' requirements, managing the phasing of intake and utilising existing stocks across the business to meet demand maximising sales and contribution
Ensure the delivery of the right product at the right time in-line with the design/merchandise/buying strategy to meet evolving customer requirements. Driving consistency in delivery across all customer-groups.
Analysing consumer buying patterns and predicting future market trends that are relevant for the business, by analysing previous sales history and live feedback from consumers
Managing the supply chain effectively building relationships with suppliers and customers
Creation, delivery and review of the Merchandising strategy; On time in full delivery, maximising contribution, minimising stock holdings

People:

To support, coach and guide the Merchandising team to deliver both the business and team individuals' objectives. Every team member to have a clear set of agreed personal objectives at all times.
Development of the merchandising teams career progression and a continually refined succession plan.
Motivate and lead the Merchandising team (direct and indirect reports at all levels)
Align department resources with areas of growth and profitability.
Liaising with functions across the business with an emphasis on buying, accounts and the sales teams / distributors to understand issues, requirements, clearly managing expectations and priorities.
Ensure any training needs for the team are identified and provided as required.
Development of the merchandising teams career progression and a continually refined succession plan.
Be responsible for the recruitment of key & strong candidates for your own area of business who can be developed within the organisation, ensuring the development and retention of department members
Ensure teams provide excellent service to suppliers, customers and other departments

Trade & Planning:

The continual review of key performance indicators such as sales, discount levels, stock and net achieved margin, and the setting of commercial strategies to ensure delivery within the business framework.
Monitor and then optimise the trade-off between improvements in stock / working capital / markdown vs better stock availability and sales growth.
Understand progress within the supply chain to ensure approvals and decisions are taken at key times to ensure on time garment delivery.
Manage changes in demand and logistical changes as and when they arise.

Additional responsibility:

Effectively manage the travel budgets for the department ensuring budgeted levels are not overspent unless authorised.
Manage external working relationships with key stakeholders.
Manage trim stocks effectively - in line with the agreed business stock targets.
Management of critical path to ensure desired garment delivery dates are achieved setting out clear guidelines of when delivery of garments is expected#
Contribute to the planning of seasonal launch agendas
Ad Hoc reports as the business demands
Ensure any system changes and updates are managed and understood and any training is provided for the team as required.

Profile

Financial awareness and understanding of departmental budgets and margins
Commercial and competitor awareness
Strong housekeeping and organisational skills
Numeracy
Effective communicator
Ability to work on own initiative
Team player
Good visual presentation skills
Time management skills
Ability to work under pressure
Self-motivatedJob Offer

A generous holiday allowance of 25 days plus bank holidays.
Early finish on a Friday
Free parking
Hybrid working
An opportunity to play a key role in a leading retail company.Head of Merchandising

Head of Merchandising

Head of Merchandising