Description
Mint Velvet began when founders Liz Houghton and Lisa Agar-Rea set out to create an unfailingly chic collection of contemporary, great quality staples and elevated fits that they felt were missing from their wardrobes. Feeling frustrated that they couldn't find anything they wanted to wear, or the great customer service they craved, they started fusing relaxed comfort with glamorous yet wearable fashion trends. Relaxed Glamour was born.
As collaborative creatives, we take untold pride in our work, designing with heart and soul. We want to be a force for good and are committed to becoming a more circular and responsible business, from the fabrics we choose to our considered processes. We are an agile and growing business, and we work hard to create an environment which allows for growth and progression, balanced with the support and flexibility needed to meet the challenge of a high-performance culture.
Our leadership teams and founders sit amongst the teams and encourage a culture of balance and passion. MV is a very special place, and our values are anchored by three main pillars: people, planet, and community.
Our Values:
With Soul. Courage & Resilience. Passion & Drive. Entrepreneurial Spirit. Collaborative.
As Channel Trading Manager, you'll be the strategic lead for stock optimisation across our Bricks stores and Host ecommerce platforms. You'll drive full-price sell-through, enhance trading performance, and ensure the right product mix is available at the right time and place. Acting as the key merchandising contact between Retail and Head Office, you'll build strong partnerships and deliver actionable insights that shape store-level decisions
You'll also oversee third-party clearance relationships, support host partnerships (including new U.S. ventures), and lead a team focused on allocation, replenishment, and trading excellence.
The Role
* Conduct regular in-depth analysis of all brick stores at product department level, collaborating with the Trading Director & Retail Director to develop and refine a seasonal store grading framework. Maintain and adapt the framework as needed through the season, ensuring it remains a responsive and strategic tool for trading and allocation based on evolving store performance
* Direct replenishment strategies across all channels using Merret, ensuring accurate parameters and optimal stock flow across all channels
* Maintain oversight of inbound stock and brand intake volumes, aligning with trading priorities
* Lead new store launches end-to-end, from system integration to merchandise planning
* Support host ecommerce operations, including seasonal planning and U.S. assortment strategy
* Serve as brand lead for Allocations, delivering training and weekly allocation reviews
* Lead monthly theme allocation reviews and partner with Head of Visual Merchandising for seamless execution
* Drive trading strategy for Outlet stores, balancing clearance needs with performance
* Manage clearance partner relationships, ensuring margin protection and brand alignment
* Deliver ad hoc and quarterly sizing/IAQ analysis to inform future buys and allocations
* Present data-driven insights to senior leadership with a profit-focused mindset
* Own sell-through analysis and adjust replenishment to maximise performance
* Act as senior contact for Retail teams, resolving stock queries and guiding strategy
* Collaborate with Product Merchandising and Head of Merch to align seasonal buys; leading Channel Lessons Learnt sessions to inform future planning
* Deliver weekly forecasts to the DC and maintain close communication to manage pick volumes
What You'll Have
* Proven experience in channel trading, merchandising, or retail analytics within a fashion or lifestyle brand
* Strong commercial acumen with a track record of driving sales and margin improvements
* Advanced analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and trading systems (e.g., Merret, Endeca)
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills across departments and external partners
* Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
* Experience in launching new stores or ecommerce channels, including international markets
You'll Be Rewarded With
* Competitive starting salary and great career prospects in a fast-paced and growing business
* 25 days holiday plus bank holidays and a day off on your birthday
* Company-funded private health insurance
* Discretionary bonus scheme
* 50% staff discount
* Interest-free Season ticket loan
* Bespoke induction support and ongoing development to help you thrive in your new role
* Summer hours - 3pm finishes every Friday throughout June, July & August
* A welcoming and inspiring work-environment - an early finish on pay day, social activities and more
About Mint Velvet
In 2009, co-founders Liz, Lisa and Jane came up with the idea for Mint Velvet over cups of fresh mint tea at Liz's kitchen table. After years of not finding what they wanted to wear on the high street, the trio had outgrown the fast fashion brands dominating the retail space and wanted the latest trends translated in a relaxed way. The concept of 'Relaxed Glamour' was born: easy, effortless clothing that can be slipped on to create a luxe look on even the busiest of days.
Known for our easy shapes, beautiful prints and flattering fits, all with thoughtful finishing touches, Mint Velvet's unique handwriting is synonymous with everyday luxury and quality. The range has also expanded to include accessories, activewear, homeware and gifts – all with our signature Relaxed Glamour aesthetic.
After a whirlwind of success in the first couple of years, we now have stores nationwide, a thriving website and partnerships with premium department stores. As we enter the next exciting phase of our journey, we're on the lookout for exceptional people to join us and help continue the legacy of our ambitious brand growth, with the same energy and passion we've had since the beginning. We operate in a professional but non-corporate way and believe that a strong team is greater than a team of strong people (and everyone takes their turn to pitch in and make the tea).