Merchandiser

Role: MerchandiserContract: Full-Time, Fixed Term - 12 monthsLocation: Havant, Hampshire, PO9 1QJWorking Arrangements: Hybrid Working (3 days per week office based)Who are we? For over 30 years, we’ve travelled, we’ve laughed, we’ve grown. We believe life is for living and more fun with those we love. We are Made for Life.Our mission statement:Crafting clothes for life’s everyday adventures. Today, tomorrow and always.Our Product formula:Trusted Quality. B Corp certified.We are proud to have featured in the Sunday Times top 10 best places to work 2025 and best places to work for women 2025.Equality and inclusion isn’t an aspiration but the standard. We promote and drive equality within our workforce to ignite an inclusive foundation for us all to build from and truly connect with our customers, colleagues, and communities alike. You play a key part in creating an environment free from prejudice, racism, sexism, harassment, bullying and any other form of marginalisation in our workplaces.Role SummaryTo plan & manage department key KPI’s such as sales, stock and markdowns to maximise sales & margin across channels, and achieve terminal stock targets.Role ResponsibilitiesWork cross-functionally within the product team to produce department product strategy in line with overall company strategy, proposing the financial parameters and successfully implement.Create weekly and phase level plans by channel and category for sales, margin, stock and markdown, taking traded history and planned future events into considerationCreate a range plan at grade level which satisfies strategic channel, financial and space requirements.Work closely with the DBMS team to develop and select a balanced and commercial range which delivers the product strategy, and successfully sign off with Management.Plan seasonal pricing and promotional activity together with Buyer and in line with overall strategy, supported by financial evaluation.Together with the Buyer, input into & implement a supplier strategy which sets out short, medium and long term plans for supplier partnerships, development & improvement.Thorough weekly re-forecasting of line flows and department forecasts to ensure that in season activity maximises profitability whilst maintaining efficient controls of stock. Highlight trading opportunities and risks and propose effective action.Review, propose and cost markdown events and promotional activity, calculating the effect on margin and profit.Manage the availability of stock to ensure maximum profitability, launch dates are met and sale and stocks are potentialised in line with department KPI’s across trading channels. Responsible for the placement of orders with suppliers and managing the progress of stock into the business, reviewing quantities, shipment modes and delivery dates. Ensure the product systems are up to date with the latest information.Input into cross functional activity as required e.g. retail operations, visual merchandising, finance, logistics.Effectively manage and motivate your merchandising team through performance management, personal development and appraisals, ensuring that they understand their contribution towards company goals.Play your part in delivering the company sustainability strategy.Align self to companies social and environmental mission and champion any actions that you can directly impact at all times’Skills and ExperienceBusiness related Degree Proven track record in Merchandising at either Junior Merchandiser/ Merchandiser level.Previous experience in retail essential.Team Management & task delegation skillsHighly numerate and able to interpret data to determine decision making, work to budgets and financial plans.Strong communication and influencing skills at all levels.Ability to present complex technical information to others in an understandable way.Strong presentation skills to all levels.Strong planning and organisation skills – able to change plans in line with business needs.Role CompetenciesThorough understanding of all merchandising principles and systemsUnderstanding of critical path and product life cycleComprehensive understanding of customer profile, and product range and competitorsUse of Excel, BI and product systems.Brand and commercial awareness.Key Contacts and RelationshipsDesign, Buying, Merchandising and Sourcing team members and line managementBrand teamChannels – Retail, Ecommerce, Wholesale & PartnersLogisticsDirectorsSuppliersAccountable ResourcesBrand Integrity – product in line with Brand identityCompany integrity - relationship with externalsFinancial - ensure profitability of category within Stores and Direct channels, through product strategy, working to budget.Stock – maximising profitability and availabilityPeople – leadership of your direct reportsFatFace BenefitsFinancial & Protection BenefitsSick pay allowancesCritical Illness Income protection/ Death in service (for salaried colleagues)Pension scheme – with net deduction and salary sacrifice optionsDental insurance (colleague funded)Discounts & Perks60% off FatFace products25% discount at Next stores (across full price products)O2 phone discountDiscounted gym membershipCycle to Work scheme (for salaried colleagues)EV vehicle scheme (for salaried colleagues)Perkbox – our online platform offering:Day-one accessExclusive brand discountsWellbeing contentHome workouts and moreHealth & WellbeingSpecsavers eye care schemeEye tests and contributions to glassesFree period productsEAP support 24/7 via UNUM, Retail Trust, and Fashion & Textiles SupportLearning & DevelopmentTHRIVE – our learning management system:Day-one access1,000s of learning resourcesTime Off & Leave25 days holiday plus bank holidaysSabbatical leave (in line with service)Enhanced family-friendly policies – including enhanced maternity leaveAdditional PerksRefer a Friend schemeWe are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply — you might be just the right fit.

Created: 2025-07-23