Head of Merchandising

Forward Role has partnered with a fast-growing retailer on the search for a commercially driven Head of Merchandising to take ownership of trading performance and lead the merchandising function into its next phase of growth.

This is a senior leadership role with full accountability for sales, margin, stock and intake performance.

As Head of Merchandising, you will be the senior owner of commercial performance across the business. You will translate ambitious growth targets into robust forecasts, disciplined stock investment plans, and profitable trading outcomes.

You will lead forecasting, Open-to-Buy (OTB), WSSI and inventory strategy across all DTC channels, ensuring capital is deployed effectively and risk is proactively managed.

• Own weekly and seasonal trading performance (sales, margin, stock and intake)
• Build and manage annual and seasonal forecasts, including phasing and reforecasting
• Drive stock efficiency, weeks of cover and sell-through performance
• Own pricing architecture, promotional planning and markdown strategy
• Protect and optimise margin through disciplined trading decisions
• Analyse performance vs forecast and act decisively on risks and opportunities
• Optimise stock levels across categories, channels and territories
• Lead intake phasing to balance availability, cash flow and risk
• Own end-of-season planning and stock clearance strategy
• Establish and manage merchandising KPIs and reporting cadence
• Improve forecasting accuracy through data insight and post-season analysis
• Bring market, competitor and channel insights into planning decisions
• Build, lead and develop a high-performing merchandising team

• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in a senior merchandising role
• Proven track record delivering growth in a DTC-led business (ecommerce & retail)
• Strong commercial acumen with exceptional analytical capability
• Experience managing large stock and intake budgets
• Confident leading weekly trade meetings and influencing senior stakeholders
• Advanced Excel skills
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• A collaborative leader who builds strong cross-functional relationships

• 25 days holiday + your birthday off
• Uncapped bonus scheme
• Private healthcare
• Staff discount
• Ongoing personal development opportunities
• The opportunity to play a key role in a high-growth, ambitious brand