The Merchandising team at River Island plays a key role in realizing the commercial opportunities created by our unique product across all channels. This is achieved by developing and implementing the multichannel planning and trading strategy for a multiproduct department. The Merchandiser directly impacts the product offer by channel to fulfill customer requirements and deliver department strategy, sales, and profit plans. Working closely with buying counterparts, the Merchandiser ensures that margin targets are achieved, market share grows, and sustainability commitments are maintained. A River Island Merchandiser must successfully drive team performance.
Key Accountabilities:
1. Develops the department and category strategy for a multiproduct area.
2. Grows sales and profit through successful planning and trading across all channels.
3. Analyzes current and past performance alongside market data to identify opportunities to drive the business.
4. Creates a forward strategy with the Buyer to deliver brand briefs and operating plans.
5. Proposes adjustments to financial plans, OTB, and orders to optimize margin and sales.
6. Delivers a balanced range by channel through an option framework.
7. Controls stocks within planned levels and adheres to markdown targets.
8. Maximizes sales through commitment reviews by size and product availability.
9. Plans sourcing strategies to reduce costs, grow margins, and support sustainability commitments.
10. Manages critical path with the buyer to ensure timely product delivery.
11. Plans and executes stock distribution strategy across channels.
12. Identifies wholesale opportunities and performance drivers.
13. Uses store visits, industry news, sales data, and competitor analysis to identify risks and opportunities.
14. Builds cross-divisional relationships and external networks to develop perspectives and opportunities.
15. Challenges existing practices to improve efficiency.
16. Proposes initiatives with the Buyer to drive sales and margin, including new product trials.
17. Develops talent within the team through coaching, mentoring, and learning opportunities.
18. Manages the team effectively, setting objectives, providing feedback, and fostering high performance.
Key Experience Required:
* Experience as a Merchandiser or Junior Merchandiser.
* Experience in an omni-channel business is highly desirable.
* Proven track record of exceeding sales and margin targets.
* Experience in identifying and delivering new product opportunities.
* Strong team leadership and engagement skills.
Job Role Competencies:
* Strong verbal and numerical reasoning skills.
* Excellent communication and analytical skills.
* Attention to detail and accuracy.
* Ability to present ideas effectively and gain buy-in.
* People management, coaching, and mentoring skills.
* Interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and self-management.
* Organized with good prioritization skills.
* Disciplined, results-oriented, resilient, and adaptable to change.
* Curious, innovative, and a continuous learner.
* Passionate about the RI brand and customer.
About Us
River Island is a beloved brand with an exciting future, offering diverse career progression. The role is based at our Head Office in West London. We offer staff discounts, benefits, wellbeing solutions, flexible working, training, bonuses, pension, healthcare options, and holiday benefits.
Keeping You Safe
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting equality. We consider flexible working requests and promote British Values. Our diverse community welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
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