Merchandiser, Retail

Primary Objective

• Optimise the profitability of a designated product area.
• Develop a commercial liaison across all interfaces with the Merchandising function within the business

• Budget preparation
  • Prepare seasonal buying plans through thorough analysis of historical data and understanding of future trends / activities.
  • Set and agree core KPI’s with the Buyer in terms of sales, stock intake phasing, margin, stockturn, markdown and terminal stock etc.
• Range planning
  • Translate agreed KPI’s (as above) into a range framework in conjunction with the Buyer
  • Working with the Buyer to develop commercial ranges within this framework
  • Establish initial stock intake plans and stock covers within this framework
• Selection / sign off
  • Ensure final ranges as selected meets the targets outlined as above
  • Jointly with the Buyer to deliver range within the critical path
• Intake
  • Plan and control the initial product intake phasing
  • Plan and control mailer / event availability
• Stock control
  • Ensure product delivery is in line with the stock distribution strategy (e.g. sufficient outer cartons to meet allocation requirements)
  • Facilitate stock delivery to plan through close liaison with Allocation / DC / Stores.
• Trading / In season monitoring
  • Maximise opportunities & minimise risks of the performance of the area by monitoring actual performance versus plan and taking remedial action as necessary.
  • Maintain effective control of;
    • Open to Buy management
    • Intake, despatch, DC & Store stock levels
    • Accurate forecasting of markdown spend
    • Terminal stock forecasts
    • Completion and maintenance of corporate core data / forecasting and statistical tools
• Analysis / Data
  • Provide ad hoc analysis in respect of all aspects of the above
  • Maintain comprehensive data records for immediate and future analysis
• Commercial Acumen
  • Maintain a full and working knowledge of the product, supply chain, competitors and wider retail market to maximise the performance of the product area.
• Liaison
  • Close working relationship with Buying / QA teams.
  • Regular contact with Allocation team / Distribution Centre.
  • Regular store visits and liaison with all store focussed departments
  • Develop close working relationships with all product related departments to encourage co-operation and achievement of the KPI’s.

• Commercial awareness (ideally of Poundstretcher’s product and customer profile)
• Self motivated
• Can cope with multiple tasks retaining high level of accuracy
• Able to find and extract data and develop a full understanding and awareness of business systems relative to fulfilling the role.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Displays self confidence and initiative
• Demonstrates effective team working skills
• Hardworking and flexible attitude to work
• Tenacious
• Good numerical and analytical ability
• Takes a proactive approach to learning not reliant only upon company training opportunities

• 10% Colleague Discount, with enhanced discount events throughout the year.
• 33 days holiday per year, including bank holidays.
• Group Life Assurance.
• Free onsite parking.
• Pension scheme to help support your future.
• My Staff Shop, offering a wide range of discounts and shopping vouchers.
• Training and development opportunities through apprenticeships - we want to support you in growing your career with us.