Overview
Head of Merchandising (Maternity Cover) Jan 2026 12 months. We’re a fast-growing, multi-channel brand business, selling direct-to-consumer and via wholesale partners worldwide. We’re looking for an experienced Head of Merchandising to join us on a 12-month maternity cover and keep our trading and stock performance on track.
In this role, you will:
* Lead our merchandising function across eCommerce & wholesale channels
* Deliver seasonal range plans, pricing, and promotions to hit sales and margin targets
* Manage forecasting, WSSI, and stock allocation to optimise sell-through
* Partner with Buying, Marketing, and Sales to deliver impactful product launches and campaigns
* Lead and develop a talented merchandising team
* Work in partnership with CFO & CEO to deliver a strategy which increases profitability in every area of the business
* Improve processes & increase efficiency
You'll bring:
* Proven senior merchandising experience (ideally in eCommerce & wholesale)
* Strong commercial acumen and data-driven decision making
* Hands-on leadership skills and the ability to hit the ground running
* Advanced Excel and merchandising system skills
* A positive attitude
Key Responsibilities
* Commercial & Trading Strategy
* Execute and refine the merchandising strategy across DTC (eCommerce) and wholesale channels for the duration of the contract
* Deliver seasonal range architecture, pricing, and promotional plans to achieve revenue, margin, and sell-through targets
* Partner with Buying, Marketing, and Sales teams to align product launches, campaigns, and key trading moments
* Prepare & present monthly Board Packs
* Prepare & present sign offs for collections
* Stock & Inventory Management
* Manage forecasting, demand planning, and WSSI across all sales channels
* Maintain optimal stock levels—balancing availability with cashflow and sell-through targets
* Oversee stock allocation between channels to maximise margin and minimise mark-downs
* Drive projects for efficiency: EG Warehouse/ PO tools/ OPO/ PowerBI
* Range Planning & Product Lifecycle
* Deliver the seasonal range plan, working with Design/Buying to ensure assortments are commercially viable
* Analyse category and SKU-level performance, making in-season adjustments to maximise sales
* Manage end-of-life and clearance strategies
* Leadership & Team Development
* Lead and support the merchandising team, ensuring continuity of processes and performance [Ecom Merchandiser, WS Merchandiser, WS MAA, Senior Power BI Lead]
* Collaborate cross-functionally to maintain alignment and trading agility
* Work in partnership with Head of Buying, Head of Wholesale & CFO
* Data & Insights
* Produce weekly/monthly trading reports and range performance reviews
* Use analytics and customer data to inform decision making
* Monitor competitor activity and market trends to adapt plans as needed
Essential Qualifications
* Proven track record in a senior merchandising role, ideally within eCommerce and wholesale environments
* Strong commercial acumen with experience delivering sales growth and margin improvement
* Highly competent in WSSI, forecasting, and range planning
* Skilled in managing multi-channel stock flows, including wholesale allocation and replenishment
* Strong leadership and stakeholder management abilities
* High proficiency in Excel and merchandising systems (ERP, OMS, BI tools)
Desirable
* Experience in fashion, lifestyle, or consumer goods sectors
* International wholesale and eCommerce knowledge
* Understanding of product development cycles in a brand-led business
Attributes & Cultural Fit
* Commercially driven, results-focused, and adaptable
* Confident working in a fast-paced, fixed-term capacity where immediate impact is key
* Strong communicator and collaborator across departments and external partners
* Balances commercial goals with brand and product vision
Benefits
* Birthday day off
* 25-day holiday
* Flexible hours
* Vibrant team
* 40% off staff discount
* Team socials
* Free Parking
* Competitions
* Hybrid working - 4 days in the Altrincham office
Seniority level
* Director
Employment type
* Contract
Job function
* Other
Industries
* IT Services and IT Consulting
We’re not including non-essential boilerplate or site notices. If you’re interested, apply to join a dynamic, fast-moving team.
#J-18808-Ljbffr