Assistant Merchandiser; Maternity Cover

Assistant Merchandiser (Maternity Cover)

Job Title:

Assistant Merchandiser (Maternity Cover 9-12 Months)

Area:
Buying & Merchandising

Support the Merchandiser to plan product ranges, maximise the profitability of the ranges, the stores and the e‑commerce business and to deliver in‑season actions to maximise profit opportunities. To ensure that stock availability is optimised within overall stock targets.

• Complete historical analysis – by brand, colour, price, size & competitive pricing to support the planning process
• Support the Merchandiser with the financial planning process (bottom‑up) across the product hierarchy, time period and selling channels
• Support the Merchandiser with the range framework process for determining the width of options and depth of buy
• Accurately calculate line buys ensuring decisions are based on history and targets for ROS, line life, no of stores and sell through %, seeking approval from the Merchandiser
• Flex buy volumes according to historical information, phasing, seasonality, trend, brand allocations, ranging decisions, product characteristics and price
• Ensure accurate sizing decisions are made according to historical sales profiles, analysis and future targets
• Phase the intake of options and stock to deliver agreed shop floor requirements, launch events and target sales
• Work closely with the eComm merchandiser to understand performance of the e‑commerce business, making recommendations to the eComm and Product Merchandiser
• To support the Branch Merchandiser in the development of an allocation strategy, tying back to range planning metrics

• Complete weekly analysis of department, product, brand and store performance in order to establish trading patterns at each level of the hierarchy and understand the performance key drivers
• Assist in the preparation of all required reporting packs and trackers, including supplier
• Identify best and worst sellers and make recommendations for repeats, cancellations, markdowns and re‑phasing opportunities to optimise sales and stocks
• Monitor and manage product availability to optimise stock levels
• Ensure that the Order Book is well controlled by the teams
• Support with chasing stock with Brands as required
• Propose actions which will optimise sales and profits by product category, brand and store grade
• Track e‑commerce performance & availability and make recommendations
• Create and manage line cards for all continuity/core lines to ensure a balanced flow of stock across the season, the selling channels and the size break
• Create and maintain an accurate intake and delivery schedule
• Liaise with Branch Merchandising and allocation team to ensure they understand category performance, stock positions and how these should be reflected across the selling channels
• Check and maintain systems for delivery performance including dealing with deliveries which are out of tolerance, liaise with freight forwarder as applicable, DC and suppliers/brands on delivery issues
• Support the in‑season reforecasting process with bottom‑up forecasts to establish realistic sales and stock positions through the hierarchy and manage OTB raising any issues with the Merchandiser
• Maintain an accurate product category line detail in conjunction with the buying team
• Action seasonal recodes in order to monitor and manage terminal stocks

• Maintain a commercial and customer focus in all activities and decisions
• Demonstrate an understanding of the schuh customer and expectations they have when shopping with us
• Keep abreast of sales performance, understanding drivers behind best and worst sellers
• Demonstrate a passion for the products we sell and an awareness of market trends
• Regularly visit schuh stores, concessions and online - highlighting any ideas, opportunities or concerns
• Demonstrate outstanding knowledge of what our competitive set are doing on the high street and online conducting regular visits to assess their ranges and activities
• Understand and comply with health and safety rules and anti‑bribery policy

• Take responsibility for continually improving own performance by agreeing and achieving…