Senior Merchandiser

Job content

Position Purpose

To evolve and grow the Retail product range using data analysis and market awareness. Developing the strategy appropriately to expand the business and ensure brand consistency.

Principal Accountabilities

· Accountable for developing and driving the retail strategy and product range to exceed sales and profit budgets, both instore and online.

· Directing the buying team including, all Buyers and Junior Merchandiser, to ensure continuity, breadth of products and development of the range for PN.

· Responsible for defining and executing the key buying activities to achieve agreed profitability across all categories.

· Accountable for monitoring and reviewing category and range performances against financial objectives; identifying new opportunities and taking corrective action where necessary.

· Develop a network of suppliers to ensure consistent delivery and agreed expansion of core products that meet Petershams’ brand values.

· Ensure strong supplier relationships exist for long-term collaboration and high service levels.

· In collaboration with Head Buyer, deliver and direct the core product business, whilst maintaining the current one-off purchases to achieve the commercial goals,

· Ensure regular newness and press-worthy pieces.

· Implement buying plans, that include product development, purchasing and range sales strategies with the retail team.

· Responsible for reporting and communicating performance information and tactical plans to the retail and financial teams and stakeholders.

· Prepare and agree the annual budget and KPIs in close partnership with Head Buyer and Finance Director and ensure adherence to OTB practices and process.

· Ensure market and competitor awareness within the team and react to changes accordingly.

· Responsible for ensuring the team delivers the required standards in terms of company ethos, product quality and compliance to legal procedures and standards.

· Ensure all buying processes and procedures are adhered to whilst regularly assessing and updating where needed.

· Work with ERP, EPOS and ecommerce IT providers to ensure buying, retail, website and stock teams have the best possible admin and process solutions within the available budgets.

· Ensure accurate inventory management liaising with Shop Managers and Stock controllers for accurate reporting of stock anomalies, wastage and breakages.

. Managing the location and logistics of stock to always ensure correct supply and smooth transition in the retail departments.

. Manage and plan mandatory annual retail and green stock take

. Responsible for storeroom/warehouse facilities, carrying out weekly inspections to ensure they are well organised.

. Troubleshooting operations processes and POS maintenance Cegid.

Leadership and Teamwork

· Demonstrate strong leadership to inspire and nurture a high performing team by being effective, strategic and pastoral.

· Communicate, guide, encourage, observe, resolve, solve and manage though weekly/monthly meetings.

· Regular weekly catch ups/ meetings with team to offer pastoral, operational and personnel support.

· To set targets and appraise all direct reports to deliver against budget.

· Oversee recruitment, interviews, induction, probation of new staff– ensuring the have the knowledge, tools and support required and enabling the successful integration into the Company.

· Monthly department have accurately met payroll deadlines – including correct authorisation of absences, anomalies, authorising ad-hoc payroll requests, new starters etc.

· Use appraisal opportunity to identify strengths/ weaknesses, areas of potential growth and how to foster these through learning and development opportunities. In turn keep personnel motivated, on task and supporting the management of workload.

Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s)

· Sales

· P & L

· Category Performance

· Leadership & development

· Range in line with Petersham vision

· Product Supply

· Logistics management

Competencies

· Planning & Organising

· Resilience & Composure

· Integrity & Trust

· Working with Others

· Leading & Managing

· Setting Direction