Sr. Merchandiser- Womenswear; Planning M&S | Retail

Senior Merchandiser is responsible for the BU Strategy to drive Sales and Cash Margin and is accountable for achieving the Key Business KPI’s of Sales, Cash Margin, Markdown Cost and Closing Stock. He/she controls Space and OTB Planning plus Product Selection. Senior Merchandiser is responsible for Team Management and Team Development ensuring high energy and engagement whilst building and maintaining effective Cross-Functional relationships, including those with the Host Brand.

Description of Accountability:

• Formulate Annual Business Plan
• Constantly search for Business Opportunities to increase Sales and

Cash Margin

• Detailed knowledge of BU, Markets operated in and Key Competitor’s
• Manage BU WSSI

• Plan appropriate Sales and Cash Margin by Department/ Range
• Plan appropriate Sales/ Cash Margin by Store
• Plan appropriate Space for each Department/ Range in each Store
• Plan appropriate OTB and Options by T Department/ Range
• Cut OTB:
  Core v Fashion Flow v Fashion
• Plan appropriate e-Commerce Buy

• Management of Core Template to drive Core Availability
• Size Cut Strategy by Department/ Market
• Appropriate Good/ Better/ Best Offer
• Sufficient Volume on Key OPP’S

• Detailed Preparation for UK Buying Fairs
• Clear IBO Strategy
• Sign Off every Catalogue
• Opportunity Buys to Support Marketing Strategy
• Spend Control
• Margin Optimization

• Weekly Team Meeting and Actions
• Weekly Store Communication (GM Action News)
• Define and Manage Allocation Blueprint
• Define and Manage Replenishment Strategy by Type of Product/ Market
• Implement Robust Promotional Calendar
• Implement robust Innovations Communication
• Ensure Opening Price Points well executed and Messaged In-Store
• Effective Markdown Management - controlling Shop in Shop

Statements but clearing Seasonal Lines

• Conduct Quarterly Comp Shops
• Report on Key Missed Opportunities
• Conduct Quarterly SWOT with Store Champions
• Engage in Market Visits

• Build Good Relationships with Senior Merchandiser Colleagues

within M&S

• Build good relationships with M&S Operations Team, VM Team

and Marketing Team

Build good working relationship with UK

• Engage team with relevant Objectives, inclusion in the

‘Bigger Picture’ plus continued Feedback and

• Provide coaching for development and ensure succession

within the team working with HRBP on Talent Management

• Role model Al-Futtaim Way Behaviours and M&S Values

• A Confident Leader
• Able to handle Complexity
• Excellent Planning and Organizing Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Highly Numerate
• Product Confident
• Good Communicator
• Collaborative Style
• Optimistic Attitude
• Works at Pace with an Impatience to get things Done
• Strong track record of People Management
• Cultural Awareness
• Womenswear or Middle East Experience preferred
• Graduate or Graduate Calibre
• Good working knowledge of Excel
• Knowledge of SAP an additional advantage

• Graduate (Masters Preferred)
• Minimum 8 Years’ Experience in Fashion Planning and Merchandising
• Good Communications skills
• Excellent in Microsoft Excel