Join Our Dynamic Team in the Heart of London!
Welcome to our Head Office, located on the vibrant 5th & 6th floors of our flagship store in Piccadilly! This central London hotspot is surrounded by an array of restaurants, bars, cultural sites, and shopping opportunities, all just a short stroll from Green Park Tube Station and numerous bus stops.
We are on the lookout for a strategic problem solver who is data-driven and highly organized to lead our Fresh and Bakery merchandising team. In this fast-paced role, you will be at the forefront of driving category profitability through precise inventory management and advanced demand forecasting using the RELEX AI replenishment system. Your expertise will provide critical financial oversight via WSSI management and range architecture analysis, optimizing both year-round and seasonal campaign performance. As a key commercial lead, you will also mentor an Assistant Merchandiser and a Merchandise Admin Assistant.
Your Responsibilities
1. Strategic Demand & Inventory Management
* Forecasting & Replenishment: Master the AI replenishment tool (RELEX) to ensure accurate forecasting, ordering, and store-level replenishment.
* Lifecycle Management: Achieve availability and wastage KPIs by adjusting buy quantities based on seasonality, historical performance, and holiday peaks.
* Range Architecture: Conduct category and campaign wash-ups, providing data-backed recommendations for future growth opportunities.
* Made In House Production Planning: Collaborate with in-house Chefs to manage made-in-house products, overseeing lead time requirements and demand forecasts.
2. Financial Planning & Analysis
* Commercial Reporting: Deliver comprehensive weekly reports on sales and margin performance, utilizing WSSI to identify trends and mitigate risks.
* Trading Strategy: Ensure the financial health of both All-Year-Round (AYR) products and seasonal campaigns, aligning stock levels with financial targets.
* Pricing & Markdowns: Work with the Buying team to execute strategic markdown plans, protecting margins while clearing seasonal or short-life inventory.
3. Cross-Functional Collaboration
* Strategic Stakeholder Alignment: Build strong partnerships with Buying, Branch Merchandising, Retail, Online, Marketing, Logistics, and Warehouse for a unified approach to the product lifecycle and inventory flow.
* Range Optimisation: Collaborate closely with Buying to refine the product mix, ensuring the assortment meets customer demand for both core and campaign ranges.
* Retail & Branch Optimisation: Partner with Branch Merchandising to enhance in-store ranging and launch timings.
4. Supply Chain & Supplier Relations
* Operational Excellence: Manage the end-to-end supply chain from supplier to DC, ensuring partners meet OTIF (On-Time In-Full) KPIs.
* Promotional Execution: Oversee stock flow for high-impact campaigns and seasonal lines to ensure seamless launches and exits.
5. Team Leadership & Development
* Mentorship: Directly oversee, coach, and develop the Assistant Merchandiser and Merchandise Admin Assistant (MAA).
What We’re Looking For
Experience: 2+ years at a Merchandiser or Planner level, preferably within Grocery, FMCG, or Perishables.
Analytical Prowess: Strong Excel skills, comfortable with LOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, and complex data modeling.
Agility: Ability to make quick decisions and manage multiple deadlines effectively.
Commercial Acumen: A deep understanding of margins, markdowns, and the financial impact of wastage.
Why Work For Us?
* Competitive salary
* A generous store and restaurant discount of up to 40%
* 25 days of holiday (excluding bank holidays) plus an extra day off for your birthday
* A fantastic subsidized staff restaurant using Fortnum’s ingredients
* A range of opportunities for personal and professional development
* Excellent pension scheme
We are committed to nurturing your career and talent, embracing diversity in all forms. Our inclusive environment respects and celebrates differences, ensuring everyone feels valued.
Join us and be part of a team that has been recognized for outstanding contributions across various sectors, including Retail, Technology, Global Hospitality & Tourism, and more!