Senior Merchandiser – Concessions
Job Type : Permanent, Full Time
Salary :
Purpose of Role
The Senior Merchandiser, Concessions is responsible for planning, controlling and monitoring the purchasing, intake and distribution of merchandise, working across multi-seasons / countries, in order to maximize sales and margin within the assigned retail partners of responsibility. Working closely with the Buying department, the core areas of responsibility are as follows: Trading, Planning, Managing Allocation fulfillment with DC, Strategic Planning and Relationship with others.
Main Responsibilities
* Ensure full end of season departmental reviews are held within the teams in preparation for pre-season strategy
* Present the pre-season plan, along with the Buyers to the Director of Concessions and SVP for sign off, providing a robust, commercially focused proposal
* Assist in the building of Arthur plans accordingly to incorporate the seasonal plans, new store openings, taking into account forward weeks cover, sales phasing, markdown costs and intake by month and profit. Work with sales/finance to align initiatives.
* Ensure that the correct profiles and grades are in place in order to maximize sales potential and minimize markdown, ensuring the correct ratio from top to bottom
* Take part in the weekly staff meetings in conjunction with the Concessions Buying team to review sales performance by retail partner and best-selling lines from the previous week. Meet quarterly to review assigned retail partners and agree on products to repeat/discontinue
* Create/Check quantities for all repeat orders ensuring they are aligned to forecasted sales, Open to Buy (OTB), margin and airfreight targets. Determine units needed for new store builds/opportunities to expand existing partners.
* Ensure store allocations for replenishment or new store builds are in compliance to retail partner models and expectations. Communicate progress to Concessions merchandising, sales and sales operation teams.
* Manage direct reports such that they are fully aware of key trading issues to ensure efficient and smooth running of all areas relating to the assigned retail partner.
* Manage OTB on a weekly basis in conjunction with the Buyer for the assigned retail partners and translate needs by department. Allocate OTB accordingly to maximize sales and profit margin, ensuring an appropriate allocation is assigned to repeat orders and new products
* Conduct store visits to obtain direct feedback relating to individual products and stock levels. Highlight recommendations to the allocation team to enhance sales at store and company level
* Prepare and action markdown proposals, ensuring these fall within the defined parameters of budget and margin targets. Ensure in-line with sales/finance P&L by retail partner.
* Communicate effectively across all levels and via all channels, in particular with sales, sales operations and DC team.
Education and/or Certifications
* Business degree or Fashion related degree such as a BA in Design, Textile Management, Fashion Journalism, Fashion and Marketing or Merchandising Management
* 5-6 years' experience within a Merchandising role
Essential Criteria
* Strong math and analytical skills
* Strong written and verbal communication skills
* Advanced low-mid proficiency in Microsoft Excel
* Store or Retail experience a plus
More Information
- Address Birmingham, West Midlands