Job Title: Junior Branch Merchandiser
Reports To: Branch Merchandiser
Department: Merchandising (Branch & Central)
Location: Head Office, Cottons Centre, London
Direct Reports: Branch Merchandising Admin Assistant
Role Summary:
At Charles Tyrwhitt our purpose is to “Make it easy for men to dress well”. The primary purpose of the Junior Branch Merchandiser is to manage the portfolio of stores in conjunction with agreed plans. Ensuring the correct stock mix to maximise sales and minimise risk. To develop and execute strategic plans for new season launch, space, density and grading and manage the MAA’s.
Key Responsibilities:
* Manage the seasonal “new launch” process in accordance with the Branch Merch critical path escalating issues and concerns to the Merchandiser
* Trade in season stock, proposing appropriate stock amendments to deliver availability targets and maximise sales opportunities
* Propose actions from Monday trading reports to maximise availability in accordance with agreed targets
* Ensuring weekly replenishment activities are agreed and carried out by the MAA’s
* Ensure store requests and queries are responded to within the agreed SLA and any actions are communicated in a timely manner, escalating issues to the Merchandiser where appropriate
* Assist in providing commercial information relating to the business strategy/seasonal trading patterns
* Propose and ensure delivery of stock builds for markdown and promotional periods in accordance with store terminal targets
* Manage the seasonal returns process in line with agreed targets
* Support the Merchandiser in agreeing the setup of new store packages, monitoring post launch performance, trading patterns and opportunities
* Complete regular density analysis, suggesting space and sales opportunities to the Merchandiser
* Undertake regular store visits, gaining full understanding of store space, complexity of store, customer profile and competition
* Build and maintain strong relationships with other functions, in particular Core Merchandising, Retail and Warehouse
* Implement and exploit new systems and processes
* Assist in building an effective and motivated team environment
* Deputise for Merchandiser in their absence
* Manage and develop the Merch Admin Assistants, communicating priorities, ensuring deadlines are met and core processes are followed
* Take on additional tasks/projects for the wider team’s remit as required
Person Specification:
Experience Required
* Minimum 3 years’ experience of allocation and replenishment in a retail business
* Understanding of supply chain operations
* Commercial awareness of market and competitors
* Critical path management
Behavioural Competencies
* Planning and organisational skills, to plan and prioritise workloads for self and the team
* Strong numerical, analytical and interpretive skills
* Strong communication and presentation skills
* Ability to initiate and build strong relationships with all functions
* A proactive approach – will take the initiative
* Influencing skills
* People management skills
Technical Skills
* Knowledge and experience of allocation and replenishment systems
* Knowledge and experience of store grading, space planning and stock management
* Understanding of core merchandising activities such as the WSSI and Line Plans
* Ability to fully utilise and leverage the relevant IT support systems and to be fully conversant with standard business desktop applications
Qualifications/ Training
* Educated to degree level