Business Consultant – Retail (Merchandising)
Location: Hybrid, UK with an Aldwych Office
About Aria
At Aria Intelligent Solutions, we combine deep industry knowledge with cutting-edge technological innovation to deliver outstanding results. As pioneers in Artificial Intelligence (AI) research and development, we are committed to staying at the forefront of technological progress. Our highly skilled team is passionate about pushing the boundaries of technology and delivering innovative solutions that make a real impact.
Within our Retail division, we collaborate with major fashion retailers and global brands, helping them optimise their merchandising, product development, buying, and supply chain management functions.
Role and Responsibilities
* Create innovative and actionable solutions to retail challenges in the worlds of Planning, Pricing, Analytics, and Digital Transformation
* Produce high-quality deliverables that assist clients in achieving and maintaining long-lasting growth
* Lead the development and running of businesses requirements workshops and the evaluation of as-is and to-be states
* Analyse and document business capabilities to develop solutions relating to operations, processes, people, and technology
* Prepare reports, presentations, and insights based on client interviews, workshops, and meetings
* Assist and lead in presenting findings, insights, and recommendations to executives and project leadership
* Lead end-to-end system implementations/digital transformation projects, designing the solution and working closely with the data and technology teams to implement the solution
* Build honest and customer-centric relationships with the client’s executive leadership, project sponsorship, and business teams and users
* Conduct industry, competitor, and company analysis (strategic, financial, operational) for market benchmarking
* Contribute to Aria’s internal product road map through innovative ideas, industry analytics, and logical solutions
* Support with pre-sales work and building proposals for prospective clients
* Support with Aria’s culture – working closely with the Chief People and Culture Officer to create an inclusive environment
Skills and Experience
* 3-7 years of experience in retail merchandising, business transformation or analytics and consulting
* Ability to synthesise information and approach problems in a methodical and logical manner
* Good analytical skills and a high degree of comfort with large data sets
* Strong organisational, prioritisation, and time management skills whilst demonstrating close attention to detail
* High levels of personal motivation, presence and energy, and a proven ability to communicate across seniority levels
* Outstanding written and oral communication skills, and ability to clearly and confidently present complex ideas and solutions
* Strong awareness of the challenges of merchandising, pricing, product design, product development, supply management and/or business change in a global and/or multi-channel business
* Understands primary systems and high-level systems architecture used in retail
* Demonstration of respect for others and ability to motivate, energise and positively influence your internal and external teams across diverse multi-cultural team environments
* Highly confident in MS Excel and PowerPoint
* A successful retail or consulting career with experience in merchandise planning, buying, supply chain, or IT
* Strong knowledge of key retail and supply chain verticals
* Comfortable with technological principles and the basics of analytical frameworks
* Experience in working with a major software implementation
Salary: £38-65k depending on experience and interview performance.
Benefits and Perks:
Comprehensive private medical coverage: Access private medical care to keep you and your family thriving.
25 days annual leave: Recharge with 25 days of vacation each year, plus additional loyalty days earned over time.
Personal charity day: Take an extra paid day off each year to support a cause close to your heart, reflecting Aria’s dedication to making a difference We also match donations!
Champion Health Wellbeing App: Stay on top of your wellness with unlimited access to the Champion Health app, offering personalised tools for physical and mental wellbeing.
Professional and wellness seminars: Grow and thrive with expert-led seminars, designed to inspire and support your professional and personal development.
Wellbeing days: Step back when life feels overwhelming with paid WellbeingDays: Dedicated time to reset and recharge during those moments when it all feels like too much.
At Aria, we’re not just building a team but fostering a community that values health, purpose, and balance. Join us and experience the difference.