ABOUT THE ROLE
We are looking for an experienced Merchandiser to join Finisterre on a 12-month maternity cover contract. As a Merchandiser, you will be responsible for driving range building and trade planning activities across the requisite categories, collaborating closely to implement merchandising strategies while continuously reviewing and improving processes to drive efficiencies. You will ensure key KPIs are delivered as you support growth across all channels.
ABOUT FINISTERRE
Born two decades ago from the needs of hardy British surfers, Finisterre creates enduring outdoor wear for an inspired life in and around the ocean. Proudly B Corp certified, we have committed to a deep belief: to make truly exceptional products in a more responsible and transparent way. Whether based at our cliff top headquarters in St. Agnes, Cornwall, or in one of our retail locations across the UK, Finisterre is a truly unique brand and career proposition.
Perched a few hundred meters from the crashing Atlantic, our HQ at St. Agnes' Wheal Kitty Workshops is at the heart of our brand. Here we stay true to our original design ethos of functionality and sustainability brought to life in an understated style and identity, always remaining committed to product, environment, and people.
As we enter the next exciting stage of global growth, we are on the lookout for talented individuals to join our crew. So, if you are as passionate about the ocean as we are and if you want to be part of a truly authentic, purpose-led brand and you share our vision to create exceptional products in a responsible way, then we would love to hear from you
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Range Planning
* Contribute to the development and implementation of the range strategy working collaboratively with the buying team to provide category financial framework of options to support the topline business growth.
* Creating seasonal forecasts bottom up with ROS and sell through for products in collaboration with the buying team with use of ranking and pareto to ensure forecasts are inline with sales plans, GM and FP sell thought targets.
* Ownership of category financials from option planning through to terminal stock management.
* Work cross functionally with buying, design, and product development to build seasonal ranges, providing feedback on product/styles/colour in season sales performance.
* Present category plans and buy proposals and provide insights from prior season performance to sign off with C suite.
* Demonstrate awareness of market trends and use this along with customer insights to inform range planning decisions
* Work with VM team to align in store range with option plan delivering a cohesive and optimised range by store cluster.
* Work with buying to develop a flexible range that allows potential to trade OTB and stretch to budget where required.
Trading
* Produce, analyse and provide insights and actions for key trading meetings.
* Produce detailed analysis of sales performance against plan at a department and category level in conjunction with the buying team to identify risks and opportunities and propose actions.
* Accountable for category performance and working with commercial and marketing teams to trade through any under/over performances ensuring closing stock is managed to plan.
* Responsible for department WSSI, reforecasting forward sales against commitment, providing insights to Head of Merch to assist future budgeting and to provide weekly updates in WSSI meeting in terms of end of season terminal stock view.
* Manage category line cards for continuity styles to ensure excellent stock availability and agreeing any OTB with SLT in WSSI reviews.
* Work with MAA to exploit opportunities in individual store performance and range selection in future seasons. Build strong relationships with the retail team through regular store visits.
* Provide up to date information to the ecom and marketing teams to support trading on a weekly basis.
* Oversee launch fulfilment and availability targets with MAA to ensure strong product launches and ensure any changes communicated full to the wider team
* Understand and control impact of price changes on department margin and report on this.
* Review, propose and implement mark-down activity to reduce terminal stock whilst analysing action taken on mark-downs to maximise profit
* Pro-actively manage underperforming lines through marketing activity or use of last chance/outlets in season to reduce terminal stock risk.
* Provide accurate forecasting for the 3PL to help them plan resource efficiently and be the main point of contact with them for the Merchandising team.
People Management
* Coach, mentor and train team members to build knowledge, skills and expertise essential in their role for now and in the future.
* Be a role model and coach the team in behaviours which align with the company vision, strategy, and values.
* Keep a culture of open communication and feedback within the team and its direct contacts
* Train the team in areas relating to diversity and inclusion, and maintain high standards of appropriate activity
* Train the team in areas relating to social and environmental impact, and maintain high standards of appropriate activity
* Carry out regular appraisals and one-to-one reviews, two-way feedback sessions agree and review targets and training plans, and support employees in achieving them
Requirements
WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO FINISTERRE
* Relevant experience in a multi-channel retail business
* Qualified or degree level or equivalent experience in a Merchandising role
* A strong understanding of the key skills, deliverables and challenges of Merchandising, with evidence of delivering continuous improvement. Already working at Merchandiser level or Junior Merchandiser ready to step up
* Ability to manage and develop a team, or proof of aspiration to do so
* Full competent in the use of Excel, previous use of Netsuite an advantage
* Numerical and analytically minded with strong attention to detail.
* Ability to prioritise and manage workload in a busy, dynamic environment
* Passion, energy and aspiration in line with Finisterre values, products, brand and customers
* Excellent self-awareness, communication and interpersonal skills
* Thrives on positive change and able to manage self and others under pressure
Important: The successful candidate must, by the start of their employment, have permission to work in the UK. Please note that Finisterre are not licensed to sponsor overseas workers.
Benefits
WHAT YOU'LL RECEIVE FROM FINISTERRE
We are offering a full time, fixed term contract for 12 months, based at our Headquarters at Wheal Kitty, St Agnes, Cornwall. We'll invest in you with a competitive salary, depending on your skills and experience.
But it's not just a job. At Finisterre, we provide an opportunity to grow and develop yourself within at a fast-paced, growing B Corp certified brand with a great culture and an exciting purpose. You'll get the chance to collaborate with a diverse community of people with a shared mission. In return, we take good care of you through a range of initiatives and rewards, including:
* 25 days holiday per year, plus up to 8 UK bank holidays (pro rata for pat time employees)
* Additional holidays for length of service
* Your birthday day off
* Up to 3 days of paid volunteering – we will support you in giving back to communities and causes
* A discretionary bonus scheme, based on company performance
* A pension scheme with Nest
* 60% product discount for personal and gift use
* 30% Friends and Family product discount
* Enhanced Family Leave policies to support you in growing your family
* Life assurance with access to an online wellbeing platform which includes, an employee assistance program, virtual GP appointments, digital gym, and a range of perks
* Access to a range of wellbeing resources, including counselling services, cycle to work, eye tests, and wellbeing activities
* Regular company and team social events
* Various discounts from our B Corp community
* Access our online Learning Library and company-wide training sessions delivered by both internal and external trainers to support you in your ongoing development.
* An hour to spend in or by the sea every Tuesday followed by Sea Tuesday companywide meeting
* And so much more
Closing date: 6th March 2026 We'll be interviewing as we go along, so we'd encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as the role may close earlier than advertised.
Finisterre is committed to building diverse and inclusive teams. We celebrate difference and encourage everyone to join us and be themselves at work.