POSITION OVERVIEW
Job Title: Assistant Merchandiser (Maternity Cover 9-12 Months)
Area: Buying & Merchandising
Line Manager: Merchandiser/Senior Merchandiser
Location: Hybrid role in Central London or Bathgate, Scotland
JOB PURPOSE
Support the Merchandiser to plan product ranges, maximise the profitability of the ranges, the stores and the e-commerce business and to deliver in-season actions to maximise profit opportunities. To ensure that stock availability is optimised within overall stock targets.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
PLANNING
* Complete historical analysis – by brand, colour, price, size & competitive pricing to support the planning process
* Support the Merchandiser with the financial planning process (bottom-up) across the product hierarchy, time period and selling channels
* Support the Merchandiser with the range framework process for determining the width of options and depth of buy
* Accurately calculate line buys ensuring decisions are based on history and targets for ROS, line life, no of stores and sell through %, seeking approval from the Merchandiser
* Flex buy volumes according to historical information, phasing, seasonality, trend, brand allocations, ranging decisions, product characteristics and price
* Ensure accurate sizing decisions are made according to historical sales profiles, analysis and future targets
* Phase the intake of options and stock to deliver agreed shop floor requirements, launch events and target sales
* Work closely with the eComm merchandiser to understand performance of the e-commerce business, making recommendations to the eComm and Product Merchandiser
* To support the Branch Merchandiser in the development of an allocation strategy, tying back to range planning metrics
TRADING
* Complete weekly analysis of department, product, brand and store performance in order to establish trading patterns at each level of the hierarchy and understand the performance key drivers
* Assist in the preparation of all required reporting packs and trackers, including supplier
* Identify best and worst sellers and make recommendations for repeats, cancellations, markdowns and re-phasing opportunities to optimise sales and stocks
* Monitor and manage product availability to optimise stock levels
* Ensure that the Order Book is well controlled by the teams
* Support with chasing stock with Brands as required
* Propose actions which will optimise sales and profits by product category, brand and store grade
* Track e-commerce performance & availability and make recommendations
* Create and manage line cards for all continuity/core lines to ensure a balanced flow of stock across the season, the selling channels and the size break
* Create and maintain an accurate intake and delivery schedule
* Liaise with Branch Merchandising and allocation team to ensure they understand category performance, stock positions and how these should be reflected across the selling channels
* Check and maintain systems for delivery performance including dealing with deliveries which are out of tolerance, liaise with freight forwarder as applicable, DC and suppliers/brands on delivery issues
* Support the in-season reforecasting process with bottom-up forecasts to establish realistic sales and stock positions through the hierarchy and manage OTB raising any issues with the Merchandiser
* Maintain an accurate product category line detail in conjunction with the buying team
* Action seasonal recodes in order to monitor and manage terminal stocks
CUSTOMER & MARKET AWARENESS
* Maintain a commercial and customer focus in all activities and decisions
* Demonstrate an understanding of the schuh customer and expectations they have when shopping with us
* Keep abreast of sales performance, understanding drivers behind best and worst sellers
* Demonstrate a passion for the products we sell and an awareness of market trends
* Regularly visit schuh stores, concessions and online - highlighting any ideas, opportunities or concerns
* Demonstrate outstanding knowledge of what our competitive set are doing on the high street and online conducting regular visits to assess their ranges and activities
* Understand and comply with health and safety rules and anti-bribery policy
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
* Take responsibility for continually improving own performance by agreeing and achieving objectives
* Arrange regular performance reviews with your manager
* Be proactive in driving your own personal development
* Seek/receive feedback on your development for your career progression and utilise training, development and support resources available
* Demonstrate self-awareness and an understanding of others needs and own impact on others
MANAGING PEOPLE
* Assist the Merchandiser in managing a high performance team
* Contribute to the performance review of the MAA by regularly discussing progress with Merchandiser
* Monitor MAA activity, workload and priorities and delegate effectively
* Communicate and give balanced and effective feedback to MAA with the support of the Merchandiser
* With the Merchandiser, identify the development needs of the MAA giving direction, motivation and support where needed
* Support recruitment process under guidance of merchandiser
Competencies / Skills / Attributes
* Highly numerate and analytical
* Competent user of advanced excel, confident in use of data and standard retail systems
* Excellent time management and communication skills with the ability to prioritise effectively
* Ability to influence & present ideas in a positive and professional manner
* Embrace and lead continuous improvement, adopt a creative approach with strong critical thinking skills
* Awareness of retail industry and competition within sector
* Role models schuh values
* Demonstrates an ability to work consistently to high standards
* Is self-motivated to achieve
* Is able to contribute to team effectiveness
* Demonstrates a focus on finding solutions and improvements which add value to customers and the overall business
* Build strong relationships with the wider team including merchandising, buying, eCommerce, marketing, store managers, logistics